MovieChat Forums > Quiz Show (1994) Discussion > Ralph Fiennes' most understated performa...

Ralph Fiennes' most understated performance

posted 11 years ago by Sheldom
15 replies | jump to latest

I really must applaud RF for a brilliant and subtle performance. I was riveted by how layered his character was and I felt what Van Doran was going through.
I think a Best Actor Oscar nomination was definitely deserved for such a beautiful performance. I loved RF in Schindler's list, it's probably the best he's ever been in any movie. But I think quiz show is the movie where he stayed quiet but still had a major emotional impact and his reactions to the decision of greed and morality really intrigued me. An understated performance I will never forget.

[–] swlabr 11 years ago

I totally agree with your assessment of both characters. I love both movies but Schindler's List is a hard movie to watch and I only watch once a year if that. But RF on Quiz Show is such a nuanced and layered character I can watch QS and enjoy it over and over. My husband does not understand my fascination with this film.

[–] KatrinaW 11 years ago

I second that opinion! Ralph was brilliant an this (and may I add, shallowly, I think he was at his most gorgeous).

[–] puirt-a-beul 10 years ago

Oh well, okay, I'll be the one to dissent.

At least, I agree with the title of the thread, but for my money Fiennes is an habitual over-actor. This may have been his most understated performance, but that doesn't mean it was particularly subtle, just comparatively subtle for him.

You might very well think that. I couldn't possibly comment.

[–] Sheldom 10 years ago

You know what, I disagree with your opinion, but I really respect it too!
In fact I see where you are coming from. But, I've never really seen him over act too much

I see this performance as Subtle because despite him being the lead actor, it seems as though every supporting actor makes more of an impact, yet he still makes his presence felt in such a delicate way. Just my opinion.

But again, I greatly respect your view on it :)

[–] puirt-a-beul 10 years ago

Thanks Sheldom, especially for not just calling me a troll, as many IMDb-ers tend to do when they encounter a different opinion.

Myself, I thought the focus on van Doren in this flick was more a result of the script than Fiennes' acting, but I guess we'll have to agree to disagree!

You might very well think that. I couldn't possibly comment.

[–] Sheldom 10 years ago

Not at ll. As long as you at least give your argument in a pleasant way, I have respect for anyone :)

Ya, I actually kind of agree with you on that one, the script made him seem less important then he actually was.

[–] puirt-a-beul 10 years ago

Well, as I say, it's not common for people to bhave so reasonably on IMDb.

Anyway. I watched this film last night, for the first time in many years — it's been released on Blu-ray here in Australia — and i was pleased to see how well it's aged and remember how highly I thought of it. It's very pleasing to see a period film that's convincing in its history, without feeling like a museum piece in a bell jar.

You might very well think that. I couldn't possibly comment.

[–] Sheldom 10 years ago

to be honest I only saw it back in May while I was studying for my college exams, I was going through a Ralph Fiennes movie binge XD It was surprisingly good :) I'd never heard of it until somebody suggested it to me, I don't really know anybody else here in Ireland whose seen it, I mean it's kinda hard to ind on DVD over here.

[–] nutsberryfarm 10 years ago

agree. he played a passive character quite well. not easy.

'I'm not making art, I'm making sushi.'-Masaharu Morimoto

[–] rochelle-rochelle 10 years ago

I need to re-watch this film. Ralph Fiennes brings brilliance to each role he is in, and I'm still stunned and surprised he didn't win Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Amon Goeth. A very WTH?! moment from the Academy. His nomination/wins list is impressive, but he is worthy of far more nominations/wins, imo:

Awards and nominations:

Awards
1993: New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor—Schindler's List
1994: BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role—Schindler's List
1994: NSFC Award, DFWFCA Award, and CFCA Award for Best Supporting Actor—Schindler's List
1995: ALFS Award for British Actor of the Year—Schindler's List
1995: Tony Award for Best Actor—Hamlet
1999: European Film Award for Best Actor—Sunshine
2005: Krzysztof Kieślowski Award for his body of work as a thespian
2006: Honorary Fellowship of UCD Dramatic Society for services to theatre
2007: Spike TV's 2007 Scream Awards for Most Vile Villain—Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
2007: The James Joyce Award of the Literary and Historical Society.

Nominations
1994: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor—Schindler's List
1994: Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture—Schindler's List
1994: MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance—Schindler's List
1996: Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast—The English Patient
1997: Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role—The English Patient
1997: BAFTA Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role—The English Patient
1997: Golden Globe and Satellite Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture—Drama—The English Patient
1999: Annie Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production—The Prince of Egypt
2000: BAFTA Film Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role—The End of the Affair
2000: Genie Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role—Sunshine
2001: ALFS Award for British Actor of the Year—The End of the Affair
2003: Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor—Red Dragon
2003: Teen Choice Award—Choice Movie Liplock (shared with Jennifer Lopez)—Maid in Manhattan
2006: BAFTA Award—Best Actor—The Constant Gardener
2006: Annie Awards—Best Voice/Animation—Wallace & Gromit – Curse of the Were-Rabbit
2006: MTV Movie Awards—Best Villain—Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
2008: Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor—The Duchess

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The snowflake makes it cold, cold, cold. Set temperature makes it hold, hold hold.

[–] nicoledesapio 8 years ago

I can't imagine Charles Van Doren being played by any actor other than Ralph Fiennes; he looked perfect for the part (blond, photogenic), and acting-wise he brought a great deal of vulnerability to what, as someone else pointed out, is a rather passive character; he made you feel for Van Doren. Perhaps his American accent was a bit self-conscious, but I can't fault his performance in any other way.

[–] TrapLordRonSwanson 7 years ago

His most subtle performance was in The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Wendy? Darling? Light, of my life!

[–] Sheldom 7 years ago

Erm... He was wayyyy over the top in that!

[–] tanncord 7 years ago

Just saw this movie for the first time. Ralph was wonderful and understated. He was stunning as well.

[–] trevorh321 (5495) 4 years ago

Definitely Oscar worthy. And my favorite of his performances.