streak broke after that. Even ’95’s Nick Cage role in Leaving Las Vegas was a suicidal alchoholic, but not exactly handicapped I guess, also Jeremy Irons in 90’s “Reversal of Fortune” is probably playing a mentally disturbed person, but that’s stretching.

Just generally, I’d say from hearing actors discuss it and from the evidence above, its easier to tun in a really notable performance by doing a character that is very different from a normal, day to day existence, like say the roles in Glen Garry Glen Ross. Those are probably much harder to portray. Also, in fairness to Hopkins in “Hannibal”, its hard to keep a character, especially one as extreme and caricatured over the years as Lecter, from falling into self-parody. Some say he did exactly that. So really, you can’t judge him on that role too harshly. I’d have to give Hopkins the benefit of the doubt and think he would have druthered not to repeat the role, but they probably threw a bank full of money at him, hell, let him cash in, everyone else does and most not near as deserving.

As I said, I find Hannibal a stunt role, not true acting in the classic sense, more creating a very extreme and affected character, which actually is said to be easier than a “normal” role. That’s why the big Oscar Best Actor winners of the late 80’s-90’s were all handicapped or otherwise “differently abled”.

Hopkins shines as a “normal” man, which is a very tough acting part, by all accounts. Elephant Man, for example, a very complex role he played to perfection, in my opinion. There are many more, Hopkins has made a career of such parts, the Merchant-Ivory stuff, Shadowlands etc.

Re actors in general though: Most, probably more casual, movie fans are drawn by actors, I’m more a fan of directors (a great actor can suck if the guy helming the movie sabotages them)

I’m a Gilliam fan from way back. Coen Bros, Burton, Scorsese, Coppola, G. R. Hill, Mike Leigh, Tarantino etc.

Big Ian Holm fan too. Big Night. Brazil.

And so the great wheel turns.

Although I think its sort of unfortunate people probably most associate him with Hannibal Lector, Anthony Hopkins is probably the best actor of the last 40+ years, in my humble judgment. I first saw him in a hokey slasher with Ann-Margaret called Magic and even then I thought there was quality in him. Everyone knows his great roles, but buy “Titus” if you get a chance, the closest thing Shakespeare wrote to a slasher flick. Its hilarious, actually, its so over the top.

I also really like Ian Holm, who is also unfortunately more associated with Bilbo Baggins than Napoleon, Ash, or my favorite, Fluellen.