This weeks list has been compiled by Tom Bielby, here he looks at the Top 10 Performances of Michael Fassbender
With Shame hitting cinemas tomorrow and already receiving a lot of critical praise, I thought it was time to take a look back at one of my favourite rising stars to pinpoint ten of his finest performances. Ladies and gentleman I give you the man, the myth, the package, the one and only Michael Fassbender…
10. Centurion
Although Neil Marshall’s last film was a big disappointment, Fassbender added some much needed gravitas thanks to his energetic performances as the last surviving Roman centurion of a defeated legion. He’s no Maximus Decimus Meridius but Fassbender can certainly hold his own against a band of dangerous celts and is suitably fierce as Centurion Quintas Dias. The Fass proved that he could do action with 300, and was given a meatier role in Centurion even if he didn’t bulk up as much, with his battle scenes encompassing more acrobatic skills than the steadfast regiment he is part of in 300. If it wasn’t for Fassbender’s inclusion in the film I doubt I would return to Centurion, he just seems to have an on screen presence that blows most other actors out of the water.
9. Jane Eyre
Another notch on Fassbender’s belt, this time a period drama based on Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel, he plays Mr Rochester, a cold and mysterious individual who makes quite the impression on Jane Eyre. The story has been committed to celluloid over a dozen times in the past, and the haunting drama unfolds with a certain elegance in Fukunaga’s second feature length film. I’m not a fan of this particular genre, but Fassbender’s presence was more than enough to keep me transfixed throughout the duration of the film.
8. 300
Many have dubbed 300 as the ultimate ‘man film’ and who am I to disagree? Exploding with testerone and very gory, this comic book adaptation is my personal favourite of Zack Snyder’s films and Fassbenders appearance is a welcome addition to the group of muscular soldiers who will stop at nothing to protect their homeland. Although his role is completely overshadowed by the almighty Gerrard Butler, it is not without merit, as Fassbender delivers his lines with a heartfelt honesty that adds heft to the more action-packed scenes.
7. X-Men: First Class
The X-men films are some of my favourite superhero adapations and as such it was with great trepidation that I ventured to the cinema to watch First Class, especially after the disappointment of X-men Origins: Wolverine. Thankfully, I was right to presume I would be in safe hands with Matthew Vaughan in the directing seat and James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender as Professor Xavier and Magneto respectively. It was fantastic to watch Fassbender stretching his muscles as a bad guy, with his take on Magneto fitting in perfectly with the existing x-men films, and the dark, brooding nature of his character being realised gradually as the film progressed.
6. Band of Brothers
Stephen Spielberg’s epic war series follows a group of soldiers through their training at boot camp right into the heart of Europe as the Second World War whittles down their numbers and pushes them to their limits. Featuring a stellar cast, with some incredible performances from the most unlikely of actors, (David Schwimmer anyone?) this is exceptional storytelling, and becomes truly upsetting when we realise the hardships that these people experienced are based on real events. I could go on about the merits of this series for ever but this is Fassbender’s list so let’s not forget his fantastic performance as the troubled but stolid Pat in his second tv role that cemented his reputation as a reliable actor. I rarely venture outside the world of films but this was one miniseries that I was not going to let pass me by, and it highlighted just how much promise the Fass had even at the start of his now flourishing acting carrer.
5. Inglorious Basterds
Tarantino’s last opus centered on an elite group of American soldiers who infiltrate Germany during the Second World War to spread fear among the nazis with their brutal slayings. Fassbender plays a British soldier who teams up with the Basterds for one of their most daring stunts yet and delivers Tarantino’s delighthful dialogue with ease, completely belying his German origins. Amongst a cast of huge stars Fassbender is more than capable of holding his own, and this film showcased a lighter side to him, with elements of humour peppered throughout the script that enable his character to ooze charm and charisma with ease . Essential viewing.
4. Fish Tank
Fassbender has done wonders for British cinema, and Fish Tank features one of his most memorable and very under-rated performances as the rugged and handsome boyfriend who struggles to resist the advances of his partner’s daughter. Andrea Arnold did a superb job of directing the film, it’s so British it hurts, and the perfectly cast Fassbender is note perfect as his arrival in Mia’s life causes untold turmoil for those around him and stretches his acting ability to the limit. This is how kitchen-sink dramas should be, the bare bones approach and a focus on strong characterisations makes for very compelling viewing. Yet again, another essential Fassbender film.
3. Eden Lake
This violent and visceral horror is not for the squeamish, but Eden Lake remains one of the most effective horrors that centres on the fears of younger generations overstepping their mark. Whilst it is Kelly Reilly’s performance that drives the film, Fassbender is perfectly cast as the protective boyfriend who trys to subdue a gang of aggressive and unpredictable teenagers when events begin to spiral out of control. The brutal realism of Fassbender’s torment emphasises his incredible acting ability, each painful experience he encounters cuts deep for the audience, our emotional investment in his character is not without merit and it is almost unbearable to watch his suffering. I can’t decide which of his top three films are the darkest, Fassbender seems to excel when depicting suffering, but Eden Lake is definitely the one that will churn your stomach the most.
2. Shame
It is almost impossible to read a review of Shame without encountering a mention of Fassbender’s package. There we go, now that I’ve mentioned it and it’s out of the way I can write about the other exciting elements of the film! Shame has cemented Fassbender’s reputation as an exceptional actor and I would be staggered if it did not lead to his first Oscar nomination. He bares his all in what I am suure will remain as one of the best films of the year even though we are only eleven days in. Gritty and uncompromising yet completely riveting, Shame showcases Fassbender at the top of his game.You can read Scott’s review of Shame here
1. Hunger
It is no surprise that Fassbender’s finest performances were when he was under the direction of Steve Mcqueen, and it is when I watched a screening of Hunger that I knew he was destined for great things. There have been a number of director-actor partnerships that have led to one fantastic film after another and it appears that this is exactly where this duo is heading, with Fassbender returning for Mcqueen’s third film, Twelve Years a Slave which is currently scheduled for a 2013 release. Hunger is one of the most visceral films I have ever seen, Fassbender’s weightloss to undertake this role is a testament to his dedication as an actor, and Mcqueen’s stark vision of life in a North Irish prison is completely mesmerising. This is undeniably Fassbender’s finest moment, his portrayal of Irish Republican Bobby Sands during his hunger strike is breathtaking and a must see for all film fans.
Michael Fassbender is becoming more prolific by the day, and has two other films due for release in the coming weeks. You can catch him In Soderbergh’s Haywire from the 18th January and Cronenberg’s A Dangerous Method in February. Mark my words, I’ve got a feeling that 2012 will be the year of the Fassbender.
Tom Bielby is a long time film fan and aspiring film writer, you can follow him on his twitter handle, @filmbantha
Have I missed any key Fassbender performances out of my list or do you agree with my choices? Let me know your thoughts below.
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46 comments
1 ping
January 12, 2012 at 10:21 am (UTC 0)
I had no idea he was in Band of Brothers. Great pick for his top performance, He’s immense in Hunger
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January 12, 2012 at 1:19 pm (UTC 0)
Thanks for the comment Kobie, I would never have known either if I hadn’t watched band of brothers recently. Glad you enjoy Hunger, such an incredible film.
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January 12, 2012 at 11:05 am (UTC 0)
An impressive list of movies, he really is a great actor. Will be seeing him in Shame next month (it’s not out here yet and will go to a preview for it).
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January 12, 2012 at 1:21 pm (UTC 0)
Hope you enjoy Shame, it’s a great addition to what is already shaping up to be an impressive career
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January 12, 2012 at 11:32 am (UTC 0)
Great list there!
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January 12, 2012 at 1:21 pm (UTC 0)
Cheers Mike, Fassbender is definitely one of my favourite actors at the moment.
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January 12, 2012 at 12:01 pm (UTC 0)
Oh well when you put it like this, now I get what all the fuss is about! Haven’t seen Shame yet but otherwise that top 5 is spot on. What a great career so far! With Fassy in Prometheus and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in everything (so hot right now!), 2012 is looking pretty freakin sweet!
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January 12, 2012 at 1:23 pm (UTC 0)
Glad you agree with my top five Pete, hopefully you will enjoy Shame as much as I did if you appreciate his other films. I forgot to mention Prometheus, I cannot wait to see him in that.
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January 12, 2012 at 12:49 pm (UTC 0)
This is a great list Tom. Fassy certainly has grown on me this year. I wasn’t too sure of him before, too many teeth. HAHAH
Actually I thought of him the other day whilst watching The Third Man, Trevor Howard’s Maj. Calloway is so similar to Fassy’s British Soldier, it is spooky!!
Thanks for putting this together matey
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January 12, 2012 at 1:26 pm (UTC 0)
Thanks for your comment Scott, there are so many great actors around at the moment, it’s good to see new generations coming in and making a lasting impression on the world of film. Let’s hope the Fass carries on for years to come.
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January 12, 2012 at 1:26 pm (UTC 0)
This reminds me I have to go watch Fish Tank movie. I will definitely watch Shame, but maybe I should watch Hunger first. I do love him in Jane Eyre and X-men First Class, but didn’t remember him in Inglorious Basterds. Great list, great insight on such a great actor he is.
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January 12, 2012 at 1:29 pm (UTC 0)
Hi Andina, thanks for your comment. you should definitely watch Hunger and Fish Tank, they are both incredible films. I’m not sure if it really matters which order you watch Shame and Hunger in just as long as you get round to watching them both.
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January 12, 2012 at 1:30 pm (UTC 0)
Everybody knows how much I love him, that I was one of the first to support him years ago and that I call him Fass My Benders
Loved him in 300 and CENTURION. And I didn’t know he was in BAND OF BROTHERS. That show really had the best cast ever to appear on TV screens. Ever!
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January 12, 2012 at 1:36 pm (UTC 0)
Haha Fass My Benders, i like it! It always amazes me how many fantastic actors are in band of brothers, if they weren’t already established, they soon worked their way into the big time following its release.
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January 12, 2012 at 1:43 pm (UTC 0)
yep, he is Fass My Benders (I hope he will) and Gerard Butler is Gerry Berry
Pop over to my place to vote for Fass My Benders in BEST ACTORS WHO NEVER WON AN OSCAR poll!
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January 12, 2012 at 10:51 pm (UTC 0)
Ahah, Fass My Benders… you are just too funny, Dezzy! Well I think he’s still got time yet to win more accolades.
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January 13, 2012 at 1:33 pm (UTC 0)
well, I pray every night that he would Fass My Benders, Flixy
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January 12, 2012 at 1:42 pm (UTC 0)
Great list.
My only qualm is with First Class. While Fassbenders performance is the best part of First Class and i believe originally it was going to be solely focussed on Magneto, Fassbender fails in his delivery on the beach scene.
His Accent falls through countless times during and ruined what was otherwise a great performance from Fassbender.
It also felt at some points he was test shooting for a future Bond role much like Craig did in Layer Cake.
But other than that great list, great actor.
P.S.
Apparently when he does close scenes with an actress he whispers an rather explicit suggestion about having sex with the actress just before the director shouts action to throw them off and get a more natural performance!
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January 13, 2012 at 10:41 am (UTC 0)
Thanks for your comment Henry, I know what you mean about first class but there were still some great fassbender moments in the film. Interesting point you make about his technique during sex scenes!
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January 12, 2012 at 2:11 pm (UTC 0)
Awesome list Tom. Fassbender is one of my absolute faves – love him. I blog about him with a deal of frequency.
I do not think I can watch Hunger again anytime soon – it was so raw.
Same with the performance in Shame. But with that one there is so much to discover; it is wonderfully ambiguous. Cannot wait to see what McQueen has in store with him in 12 Years a Slave. They are a great director/actor combo in the making.
Centurion was an interesting film-violent, but interesting. I heard about Eden Lake, but it really did not make waves in the States; probably on Netflix.
I first saw Fish Tank at a screening where he and Andrea Arnold did a Q&A afterwards. It was a rather funny experience. I recently rewatched it and was still engrossed in the story.
Going to a screening of Haywire on Tuesday. Can’t wait … but I think I know where his role is going in that.
The other 2012 release – PROMETHEUS!
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January 13, 2012 at 10:44 am (UTC 0)
Glad you agree with my list, Fassbender is a definite rising star and will surely go on to big things.
Eden Lake is well worth watching, much like Hunger it is very raw but with more elements of horror. As always Fassbender is fantastic in it.
I missed out on tickets to see Haywire so wlll look forward to seeing what you make of it.
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January 12, 2012 at 4:27 pm (UTC 0)
I didn’t know Fassbender was in Band of Brothers either. I need to sit down and watch that entire miniseries. I have only caught segments of it, unfortunately.
I just added Fish Tank and Hunger to my Netflix Instant queue a couple days ago. Looking forward to checking those out.
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January 13, 2012 at 10:45 am (UTC 0)
Thanks for the comment Eric, hope you enjoy Hunger and Fish Tank.
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January 12, 2012 at 10:54 pm (UTC 0)
He’s really done quite a lot of stuff lately to warrant a top 10 best list. I haven’t seen quite a few of these but I agree with those I’ve seen that he’s often the best thing in a movie even if his part is small (i.e. Basterds), and he also had some of the best lines in 300. Even Centurion would probably not be as interesting if he weren’t the lead. I’m not enthralled by his portrayal of Rochester however, I feel that it lacked bite, but overall it was a decent adaptation. Nice list, Tom!
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January 13, 2012 at 10:49 am (UTC 0)
You are right Ruth, he is very of the moment right now. If you get a chance to watch the films you haven’t seen on the list you should give them a go. Although knowing your preferences I would definitely avoid Eden lake!
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January 13, 2012 at 11:46 pm (UTC 0)
That’s what I gather from your write-up Tom, but thanks again for the warning
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January 12, 2012 at 11:22 pm (UTC 0)
Very interesting list, especially since you put Hunger ahead of Shame (I am seeing the latter tomorrow, so I can’t say too much about it).
Fish tank has been on my list for a very long time, I should get around to seeing that!
Overall, I do think Fassy (as I like to call him) is a great actor and he keeps improving and going more into character with each role he takes on!
My only hope, although it is almost a dream, is that he gets a big award this season for his performance in Shame (Golden Globe, Bafta or Oscar).
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January 13, 2012 at 10:52 am (UTC 0)
Hi Diana, we are in luck, Fassy has already been nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance in Shame. There is no doubt in my mind that he will definitely get some form of critical recognition come awards season.
It was difficult to choose between Hunger and Shame, they are both such powerful films but in the end I think it just came down to my personal taste.
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January 13, 2012 at 4:45 am (UTC 0)
Superb list Tom! I only realized a few months ago that Michael Fassbender was in 300 and Band of Brothers (as Christensen!!!). He was excellent in Jane Eyre this past year and was the best thing about X-Men First Class. Haven’t ever heard of Even Lake but definitely looking forward to checking it out
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January 13, 2012 at 10:54 am (UTC 0)
Hi Castor, glad you enjoyed the list, it is strange how actors can pass you by and when they begin to become more successful you realise you have actually seen them in quite a few films. That happened for me with 300 as well, I never realised he was in it until recently.
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January 13, 2012 at 1:36 pm (UTC 0)
Aaah, I love The Fass. At the moment, though, who doesn’t?!
I’ve seen all of these picks except 1, 2 and 3. Hunger is on my rental list and I’m hoping to catch Shame when it’s comes to my local cinema. I’ve heard of Eden Lake but I think it might be a little too scary for my liking…
I first noticed Fassbender in 300. While a relatively small part, he delivered one of the best lines: “Then we will fight in the shade.”
His performance in Fish Tank was spot on, very natural. He was perfectly cast.
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January 13, 2012 at 1:47 pm (UTC 0)
I think everyone loves the Fass at the moment Claire! If the only films you have yet to see are the top three you are in for a treat.
Eden Lake is pretty grim because it’s believable unlike supernatural horrors, you imagine that the events in the film could happen. Maybe worth a look if you are feeling brave though.
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January 13, 2012 at 7:43 pm (UTC 0)
Eek, they’re the worst kind! If it’s more believable I worry even more
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January 14, 2012 at 3:58 pm (UTC 0)
Hey, he’s one of our’s! Irish through and through is Michael. His character’s accents would agree
I particularly enjoyed him in X Men: First Class and Jane Eyre. Reading the book at the mo. Great post!
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January 16, 2012 at 8:53 am (UTC 0)
Thanks Ronan, sorry I forgot to mention his Irish origins, it always slips my mind because of his German surname!
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January 15, 2012 at 1:53 pm (UTC 0)
Great list. There are a few performances of his that I am yet to see. Some I have seen and did not even realize it was him (Inglorious Basterds). He sure is one actor to look out for. I think it’s great to see actors of today take on so many different roles and not just limit themselves to one genre.
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January 16, 2012 at 8:55 am (UTC 0)
Thanks for your comment Raghav, I agree that it is great to see actors who are flexible in the roles they take and don’t just get pigeonholed into one genre.
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January 16, 2012 at 7:34 am (UTC 0)
Such a busy actor over the last few years. Not surprising as he’s a top performer. There will be many great performances to come but this is the perfect introduction to an exceptional actor.
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January 16, 2012 at 8:56 am (UTC 0)
Hey Dan, glad you think my list is the perfect introduction to the Fass, that’s some high praise!
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January 16, 2012 at 8:20 pm (UTC 0)
I completely forgot he was in Eden Lake. That film shook me a little – I don’t know if I could stand to watch it again.
He’s only really caught my attention these past few months to be perfectly honest. Back when the cast of First Class was released a lot of my friends jumped on the McFassy wagon and I was always (and still am, to a certain extent) on the ‘Mc’ team of that certain duo. Now that I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Fish Tank and Shame, however, I am fast growing into a huge fan.
Great article, Tom.
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January 16, 2012 at 11:06 pm (UTC 0)
Hey Teri, I can understand why you wouldn’t want to return to Eden Lake, it is a tough ride.
I’m a fan of James McAvoy too, ever since his appearance in Shameless Though I’m definitely a bigger fassbender fan, you know iyou’ve stumble upon a great actor when they make bad films watchable.
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January 17, 2012 at 10:13 am (UTC 0)
Ha! That’s very true indeed. This is why I have my fingers crossed for This Means War. Will Tom Hardy save it? I hope so…
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January 21, 2012 at 5:05 pm (UTC 0)
But I love ‘Centurion’ :p. Anyway, I’ve seen most of these you have on your very fine list, Tom. Fassbender is proving to be quite the actor in these last couple of years. Can’t wait to see what he’s capable under Ridley Scott in the upcoming ‘Prometheus’. Many thanks.
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January 23, 2012 at 8:47 am (UTC 0)
Thanks for your comment, I did enjoy Centurion to a certain extent but it did feel like a wasted opportunity at times. There’s no denying that Fassbender shines in it though. I’m excited for Prometheus as well, it’s got a lot to live up to but if anyone can do it, Ridley and the Fass should be able to!
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February 19, 2012 at 3:59 pm (UTC 0)
I’d replace Centurion and 300 with either a Bear Named Winnie or Gunpowder, treason and plot. Also I found his work in Shame to be superior to Hunger, but they are both exquisite performances. Great post!
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February 20, 2012 at 10:19 pm (UTC 0)
Thanks for the comment Sati, I’ve not seen either of those so will look into checking them out. It was a tough call between Shame and Hunger, but Hunger just pipped it to the post for me.
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