The Best Performances of 2017

Imagine 'There Will Be Blood' without Daniel Day-Lewis, 'The Shining' without Jack Nicholson, 'Alien(s)' without Sigourney Weaver or 'The Godfather' without Marlon Brando. It's almost impossible to imagine these movies separate of these particular performances. Luckily, I think we may have had a few similar performances from films released in 2017. None of the films listed will match the importance of those listed above. But, the performances were vital to helping make the film a success and it'd be hard to imagine anyone else in the role.

You can see the list below, and let me know who you may have included from this year. Disclaimer: I have yet to see The Post, Darkest Hour or Call Me By Your Name.

10. Holly Hunter as Beth Gardner in 'The Big Sick'

Holly Hunter has been consistently great for the last thirty years, yet she's never quite gotten the respect that she deserves. Thankfully the team behind 'The Big Sick' gave Hunter the perfect role to dig into. Playing the mother of Zoe Kazan's character (based on writer Emily V. Gordon) who is very sick and stuck in a coma. Hunter does a particularly great job of balancing a woman dealing with a parent's worst nightmare, some random boyfriend of her daughter (Kumail Nanjiani) and her erratic husband (Ray Romano, also very good). Yet, somehow Hunter is able to find humor in the situation and show the absolute love and devotion of a parent to their child. It's quite the balancing act by Hunter and a performance that deserves more attention.

9. Vicky Krieps as Alma in 'Phantom Thread'

Vicky Krieps has been appearing in small supporting roles since the start of the decade. Then she's suddenly cast in Paul Thomas Anderson's new film opposite of Daniel Day-Lewis. I can't imagine the feeling of stepping onto the set and seeing Lewis' standing there in full character with his quiet intensity waiting on you. But, Krieps handles all her scenes with a level of confidence and craftiness that allows her to avoid being overshadowed by one of the great actors of all-time. It's really a magnificent performance by Krieps and one that should cement her as a Hollywood presence in the immediate future. She's funny, subtle and wicked all at the same time. In a film like 'Phantom Thread' that is so much about the manipulation of personality, Krieps might be the piece that holds the story together.

8. Barry Keoghan as Martin in 'The Killing Of A Sacred Deer'

You may recognize Barry Keoghan from 'Dunkirk' earlier this year, which he's also fantastic in. But, in 'The Killing Of A Sacred Deer' Keoghan is really given the opportunity to show his versatility as a young actor. The entire film relies on Keoghan to play his character as a normal innocent teenager while also carrying a very threatening presence. Very few actors could pull off what Keoghan does here with such ease. I won't spoil the movie, but Keoghan could be described as your boy next door demon. Also, you'll never look at spaghetti the same if you see this film. That's all I'll say. This kid has one hell of a future.

7. James McAvoy as twenty-three characters in 'Split'

You read that right, twenty-three characters. McAvoy has always been an actor that has impressed (think 'Atonement') but never fully broken through. 'Split' just happened to give him an opportunity that most actors would love. The idea of playing so many characters and getting to explore all of them would be terrifying for most people, not McAvoy. Not only does he embrace the challenge, but somehow pulls it off. I'm not saying every character is distinct or perfect. Yet, the sheer ambition of what he's attempting to do in 'Split' is beyond admirable. After seeing the movie twice I'm not sure I can imagine another actor playing these roles. I think that's the highest praise I can give in regards to McAvoy's work.

6. Michael Fassbender as David/Walter in 'Alien: Covenant'

By now, you're probably aware of the affection I have for 'Alien: Covenant'. I've tried explaining it numerous times over the last few months, but I think what I keep coming back to the most is Michael Fassbender's brilliant dual performances. 'Alien: Covenant' marked a shift for the Alien franchise in general. It used to be about Xenomorphs and fear. Now Ridley Scott has flipped it on it's head and made it about our fear and curiosity of a Creator. Will the creator be disappointed in us? Will we be disappointed in the creator? 'Prometheus' ends with David seeing his creator die. So, where does this put David now? How will he react to his new role as creator? What happens when Walter shows up and the duality is seen in physical form? Fassbender plays both roles to perfection. Understanding stillness and the terror that can bring or his understanding of needing to be God. Both are complicated roles that most actors wouldn't succeed with. Fortunately for us, Fassbender makes it look easy.

5. Gal Gadot as 'Wonder Woman'

I'm going to admit that I didn't love 'Wonder Woman', I thought it was fine. I didn't find it to be this new exploration into the superhero genre. What I did find was a performance that has the potential to be iconic. What Gal Gadot did to embody Wonder Woman and make her so powerful while creating an icon for young girls is amazing. The screen presence that Gadot has comes across as effortless. I'll admit too that I got hyped up every time she came on the screen. Could the movie have been better? Sure. Could Gal Gadot have been better? I don't believe so.

4. Laurie Metcalf as Marion McPherson in 'Lady Bird'

One of the all-time great movie mom performances. 'Lady Bird' was a film that I didn't expect to connect with. One reason being I'm not a seventeen year-old girl from Sacramento, the other being I figured it'd be hard to connect with a mom/daughter story. I was wrong. Laurie Metcalf & Saoirse Ronan (let's just act like she's in this spot too) really have a connection that rarely comes off as so genuine. What they're able to do in their scenes together is thrilling. Laurie Metcalf hits every single note right playing Marion and gives the perfect performance as a mom feeling every emotion possible. She's really something else.

3. Keanu Reeves as John Wick in 'John Wick: Chapter Two'

There is a 0% chance that you could convince me that any other actor could pull off John Wick. Keanu fits the role so well, I'm not sure if it's due to recent self awareness or what. But, he embodies the character of John Wick. As I stated earlier to, there are certain movies where you can only see one actor in the role, this is the perfect example. You may say that this is ridiculous all he has to do is shoot a gun and look like a badass? You may be right. My point is that I'm not sure anyone has ever done it more successfully. John Wick forever.

2. Sally Hawkins as Elisa Esposito in 'The Shape of Water'

God bless Guillermo Del Toro for writing this role specifically for Sally Hawkins. Hawkins has spent the better part of the last decade delivering great performances (Blue Jasmine, Happy -go- Lucky or Vera Drake). Luckily for us, Del Toro in his brilliance knew that Sally Hawkins had another level to go to. Little did we know that she'd actually rise four or five levels in one film. What Hawkins is able to do playing a mute outsider who is searching for acceptance and affection, is nothing short of remarkable. This is a role that could've been far too much. Nevertheless, Hawkins plays the role with such notable expressiveness and heart that you can't help but leave delighted. If I had a vote, I'd give her Best Actress.

1) Daniel Day-Lewis as Reynolds Woodcock in 'Phantom Thread'

There really isn't much to be said about Daniel Day-Lewis that I haven't said in my 'Phantom Thread' review or that someone else hasn't written. All I know to say is that this is one of his all-time great performances. Which automatically means it's one of the all-time great performances. We've never seen an actor with the skill and dedication that Day-Lewis brings to a role and we've never quite seen him tackle a role like this one. For me, it was the best performance delivered all year.

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