Not quite

[Chris Knipp]

I agree that Clive Owen was the strongest actor in the movie, but I disliked the movie and would not give anybody an Oscar, though I'm not making up Oscar lists yet. The year isn't even over. Will write more about Closer later.

[hengcs]

Let me talk about these 4 ...

I know a lot of people are rallying for Thomas Hayden Church (Sideways). I agree that his performance is very good.
-- But frankly, the amount of screen time he had with Paul made me feel that he is more like another LEAD actor rather than a supporting role.
-- He did NOT steal every scene. Some others are more compelling in certain scenes.

As for Jamie Foxx (Collateral)
-- While his performance is good, there are occasional times whereby one feels that his contorted facial expression is a bit "acting"/coerced rather than genuine.

Why did I really like Clive Owen (Closer)?
-- Despite Clive Owen's lesser screen time, he literally stole EVERY scene that he appeared. And he is performing opposite other just as powerful actors/actresses.
-- At the end of the movie, he will stick in your mind for a while.

I guess Million Dollar Baby will be showing much later, so I am not sure about Morgan Freeman.

[Chris Knipp]

I get your point. It's a bit silly to say Church is a "supporting actor" in Sideways. I should think that the four characters in Closer are on an equal basis too, though, the way it's written. But I also agree that Clive Owen stands out. I liked Julia too, though she's more recessive than usual, which is what's good about her performance. But Owen was the strongest.

I have recently rewarched Sideways and am convinced Paul Giamatti has turned out a near-perfect piece of acting. Church is a good foil, but technique-wise, Giamatti is the man.

I am sad that critically The Life Aquatic is getting virtually trashed. Bill Murray has never been better. This is a superb vehicle for Murray.