Despite the intense “Battle of the Bad Guys” this week I have made sure that you will be able to enjoy the weekly “Friday Faces”. This week’s star is Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman, who started acting in 1991. Initially in TV shows, but looking at his movie history he has been part of some well known movies like Twister, The Big Lebowski, Magnolia, Punch-Drunk Love, 25th Hour, The Ides of March and Moneyball. A great actor which deserves an overview of his many roles after the break.
Click to enlarge
I didn’t succeed in finding pictures of some of his earliest work, but looking at the overview you can see he has been in a lot movies. I like the fact that he’s done very small movies, but doesn’t shy away from blockbusters like Mission Impossible either. My favorite role is the one in Charlie Wilson’s War, where he plays Gust Avrakotos. He’s so good in this and funny as well:
What’s your favorite Philip Seymour Hoffman role?
Scott Lawlor says:
I do love PSH, although I couldn’t really pin down a favourite role, he is so good in everything I have seen him in, most recently Ides, where he was stunning and lit the screen when ever he was on it
Nostra says:
He was very good in Ides, really have to get around writing a review for that!
Raghav says:
One of the very few true-blue character actors in Hollywood. He can almost do any role if he puts his mind to it. Great actor.
Nostra says:
Yeah, he seems to fit in any role…
Max says:
Hoffman is one of my favorite actors today. He has been in countless roles, his most recent I’ve seen him in being ‘Moneyball’ and ‘Ides of March’. You didn’t mention it in your paragraph, but his most acclaimed role was for ‘Capote’. He was awesome in that as well. Oh, and ‘Almost Famous’. He played a radio critic and mentor to the lead character.
Nostra says:
He’s very good. I did see Capote and he really owned that role. Have never seen Almost Famous..
Jack Deth says:
Hi, Nostra and company:
Phillip Seymour Hoffman has always struck me as a shorter, wider, dumpier version of John C. McGinley. An actor who is very comfortable in any role given him. With the confidence to add or lose weight or facial hair and often play against type. That he pulls it off so easily speaks volumes to his talent and ability.
His role in ‘Red Dragon’ as tabloid reporter, Freddy Lounds is memorable. Steven Lange immerses himself just a bit more slimily. Though Hoffman steals ‘Charley Wilson’s War’ from Tom Hanks.
Nostra says:
I was wondering who John C. McGinley was, but after googling him I immediately recognised him. He’s good too!
Agree about Wilson’s War!
Eric says:
Nicely done, Nostra. Hoffman is one of my favorite actors, and he has had so many great roles over the years. It’s hard to pick favorites, but I really enjoyed him in Capote, Punch Drunk Love and Almost Famous, to name a few.
Nostra says:
Thanks Eric! He has had so many great roles, don’t blame you for not being able to decide on one!
scarletsp1der says:
Man! Hoffman is in so much!! I don’t know that I have a favorite of his! Although, I will say that I did enjoy his performance in Cold Mountain!! He had me laughing so much!
Has anyone got a good review for Jack Goes Boating??
Nostra says:
It’s hard to choose with such an amazing actor! Can’t remember much of Cold Mountain myself. Jack Goes Boating didn’t seem like a movie I’d like so I skipped that one.
Amy says:
I also really enjoy Hoffman! The one film I didn’t get was Happiness. It’s had critical acclaim but I just couldn’t get into it and ended up turning it off half way through because it made me feel so very uncomfortable. I love your “The Many Faces Of..” posts, I always forget gems that I haven’t seen in ages!
Nostra says:
Looking at the cover of Happiness it seems like one of those movies that’s been made for a specific audience and won’t be liked by everyone.
Thanks, great to hear you enjoy them. I know you are not the only one!
Colin says:
Owning Mahowny, for me, is his best role. So much so that I actually watched it again after seeing this article, so cheers for the reminder.
Nostra says:
You’re welcome Colin!
Tyler says:
Love this guy in everything but it is his work with Paul Thomas Anderson that takes the cake. His performances in BOOGIE NIGHTS and MAGNOLIA are two that I love to pieces. All kinds of brilliant. Cannot wait for THE MASTER in the coming years!!!
Nostra says:
Magnolia is amazing, having seen it mentioned really makes me want to rewatch that!
rtm says:
I haven’t seen too many of his films but of the ones I have he’s really, really good. Nice choice, Nostra!
Nostra says:
Time to change that and watch more of him
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