MovieChat Forums > Road to Perdition (2002) Discussion > Who's performance was best: Hanks, Newma...

Who's performance was best: Hanks, Newman or Law?

posted 15 years ago by maxpowersmdh
40 replies | jump to latest

I think Jude Law actually gave the best performance of the three, despite the fact that newman and hanks are in the class of best actors ever. Jude Law played the creepy villain role perfectly, giving me the heebie jeebies. Although both hanks and law played despicable hitmen, I hated law's character and hoped for his demise.

Of course, hanks and newman were great too. "i'm glad it's you" is one of my favorite lines ever in one of my favorite scenes ever.

[–] fordyrox 15 years ago

Just going to echo the words of previous posters but it is such a close call. Everybody was at their best in this film, with their acting abilities fusing together brilliantly.

Newman - The scene where he attacks his son, Connor, then embraces him. And of course the "I'm glad it's you" scene.

Law - Played the villain to perfection, actually making me despise his character more and more as the film went on. His acting exchange with Hanks in the diner was superb.

Craig - The Apology scene and the scene where he discovers Michael Sullivan Jr was watching him shoot McGovern.

However, I think Hanks takes it for me... just. Simply because he plays the part of the cool, calm, relaxed gangster-type figure who's life suddenly changes, focusing on revenge and getting even. The scene where he talks to his son about what school and his son's favourite subjects was so powerful - a real father/son connection. Also, his exchange with Newman in the Church's basement when Mr Rooney (Newman) begs Michael to leave "before it's too late". The dialogue and the way it was acted out was outstanding;

"This is the life we chose, the life we lead. And there is only one guarentee... none of us will see Heaven."

A 10/10 film!

[–] Melissax1972 12 years ago

Yes! I love that basement scene. Newman....none of us will see heaven. Sullivan....Michael could...Newman....then I suggest you do what you need to do to ensure that happens
A heart isn't judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others~The Wizard of oz

[–] kellysemail 15 years ago

Jude law surprised me the most, and so wins.

Daniel Craig gets second for the same reason.

Both had great roles, in a great movie, and delivered well.

Newman and Hanks were awesome, but neither were so much different than other roles they've played to make me think they were doing that great of a job. even though they were great.

they were all awesometastic. great movie.

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] bmw2009 15 years ago

1. Hanks
2. Law
3. Newman

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] hmss-1 15 years ago

I would have to give it to Craig. Newman, Law and Hanks were clearly Newman, Law and Hanks, but you could hardly tell that Craig is the same guy who would later play James Bond. The guy is very diverse.

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] seangal824 15 years ago

NEWMAN!

[–] Prismark10 15 years ago

Law gave a standout performance.

Its that man again!!

[–] MyOpinions 15 years ago

I'd have to say Hanks, then Newman, although both were superb. I can't get past my dislike of Law and say he gave a good performance. I did enjoy his dying in this movie quite a bit, though.

I've already seen the worst movie ever made, so it can only be uphill from there.

[–] wallsofjericho 14 years ago

Definately Newman

[–] intuitsteve 12 years ago

Newman by far.