The entire cast, except for Philip Seymour Hoffman and Tom Cruise, who are capable at best.
Aimee Mann and Tom Cruise. Her music’s character ties the the whole thing together. And Cruise’s scene where he flips the table and immediately goes back into the extreme ordered control of his lecture is truly psychotic.
I second Ben’s vote for Aimee Mann.
The hell? No Jason Robards on the 7? Hell, Alfred Molina does steal that scene. I like Henry Gibson in it as well. Supertramp also ties the whole thing together.
Macy’s was the only character I cared for and the only memorable scenes
I’m going to go with John C. Reilly. He took what could have been an annoying role in other hands and made it compelling.
When I think of great acting moments in Magnolia, the first scene that always pops into my head is the Julianne Moore scene in the pharmacy.
But overall, I think Jason Robards gave such a moving performance – a nice way to wrap up his brilliant career. And yeah, Henry Gibson was so good with Macy in the bar. Great dialogue in that scene.
One of my favorite films – Cruise is always what springs to mind first, as he had arguably the most dramatic and memorable role. Robards’ monlogue and as Santino said, Moore’s pharmacy scene also come to mind. John C. Reilly is the most likable character in my opinion. Philip Baker Hall is also fantastic – can I just say the entire cast? They all brought their A-game.
Melora Walters with her TMJ from all the coke.
Don’t you guys think Cruise was incredible as he sat by Earl’s bad and started crying & going “You fucking asshole… don’t go away… you fucking asshole…”, wasn’t that just heartbreaking!?
Jason Robards’s monologue about regretting things in life while showing the other characters was very impacting.. I truly felt like I was watching a dying man spill his emotions, which was almost really what we were seeing,
The police car.
For my money I think Julianna Moore slightly over-does it, but everyone else is perfect, with Tom Cruise standing out the most.
The greatest actors in MAGNOLIA are Julianne Moore and Jason Robards, both of whom did better work elsewhere.
But is there any doubt that Tom Cruise didn’t turn in his best performance ever in that film? Retrospectively, 1999 was a pivotal moment in his career. He had Magnolia and Eyes Wide Shut. Then he detoured back to more routine films only to detour again into the crazy.
Terrifying ensemble performance by the frogs.
Eyes Wide Shut and this movie didn’t do anything for his career.
Yeah, look at Brad Pitt for example. That guy is working in legitimate film after legitimate film, with real directors. A lot of these other “actors” should take note.
I mean, they’ve got enough money right, one would think? Why not try to at least do something worthwhile if you’ve already financially secured yourself for several lifetimes?
Pitt’s a better actor than Cruise. Cruise is good enough to do well when working with a talented director and given roles in his range. From Born on the Fourth of July through Vanilla Sky, he seemed interested in this. Since then, he has reverted to Mr. Top Gun.
I’ll agree that Cruise does probably his best work here in MAGNOLIA, but there’s that annoying big scene at Robard’s bedside that goes that extra step into “Look Ma I’m ACTING!!!”
As for Pitt, well, he does hit the occasional bold new height of minimum competence, but overall it has been downhill since THELMA AND LOUISE.
“As for Pitt, well, he does hit the occasional bold new height of minimum competence, but overall it has been downhill since THELMA AND LOUISE”
Tree of Life? Jesse James? — These certainly have to be the pinnacles of his acting career thus far, no?
Not for me, but I can’t stand the Pitt, and after the horror of BENJAMIN BUTTON will only see his work if there’s really compelling reason to do so. TREE OF LIFE had Malick, otherwise I’d have avoided it.
“Not for me, but I can’t stand the Pitt”
Even Michael Pitt?
William H. Macy’s performance is fucking brilliant.
Edoardo L'Astorina
What are your favourite actors in PT Anderson’s Magnolia?
This is a list 7 Unusual Stars From Magnolia
I’ll go with either Philip Baker Hall or William H. Macy
You!?