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.

[–] cyber___ 12 years ago

I'd say Newman, and honestly, I don't think Judle Law comes close to the other in this one.

There is no good or evil, only different opinions

[–] koffeenkreame41-1 12 years ago

Hanks & Newman in a tie. It's Tom Hanks & Paul Newman! They were at their best in this film, they played the roles with such humanity that you cared for both characters! You felt for Newman in every scene, you could see how much he truly loved his son as well as Sullivan. That look on Newman's face as Hanks lays waste to his henchman, almost like he knew that Sullivan was there and doing what he did best. "I'm glad it's you." scene was amazing as well. The expressions on Hanks & Newman were amazing as well. To be honest, Law, Craig & even Stanley Tucci were amazing in here. Tucci & Craig are like chameleons, always different in everything. Tucci's last scene with Craig was really good. Look at Craig in this film, then look at him in The Jacket and then look at him in Casino Royale. The guy's an amazing actor! Law was very impressive and creepy as Harlon Maguire, kind of an aganist type role for him, much like it was Hanks.

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[–] baum6666 12 years ago

Newman

[–] Doc_Toboggan 12 years ago

Craig's performance in this is very underrated. These 4 were all superb as was the actor playing Michael Jr.

[–] chinawhite252 12 years ago

Newman, he is far beyond what tom and jude can ever dream of. He is the man. RIP.

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[–] peachie_keen 12 years ago

Hanks.
It would be Newman if we'd seen more of him I suppose. He was in all of my favorite scenes.

[–] SuperboyVE001 12 years ago

Paul Newman without question.

[–] oliksa 12 years ago

I was absolutely blown away by Newman in this movie. So many great scenes with him. I think he should have received an oscar for this, not just a nomination. He fleshed out the full tragedy of his character. What a stunning performance.

[–] hopelessromantic89 12 years ago

Newman, followed by Hanks

[–] matthew_murphy21 11 years ago

Although Hanks is the most talented actor of the bunch, in this particular movie, Law's performance is easily the best, followed by Newman and then Hanks. The entire cast is quite good.

[–] swaquilino 11 years ago

Hanks definitely.

[–] southtxabstract 11 years ago

Law didn't stand out to me whatsoever. They should have casted someone else for his role. Hanks was had the best performance, and I could even argue the kid did a great job.
SARAH PALIN. Hero of the stupid.

[–] 11 years ago

[deleted]

[–] eru0527 11 years ago

I've never been the particular Jude Law fan, maybe mainly because he often plays the gentleman hero/protagonist. But WOW in this role as a (beyond) psycho. Easily one of the creepiest villains of all time for me personally. In that diner scene, he CAN'T be a professional, because he just enjoys his job too damn much, intimidating, scaring, killing, and talking about it. He PREFERS to know his victims before he kills them, unlike regular hitmen. And Law plays this all to perfection. So unusual feelings for a character to have on screen and yet he plays them so I 100 % understand that's what he's feeling. And then the ending scene, so f-ing creepy. Just... Wow.

And then Newman. Best I've seen of him in 30 years. One of few actors ever to age that gracefully, dammit he still even looks good.

Then Hanks, in the sort of grown-up role we've come to excpect from him ever since he... Well, grew up. Very mature acting as usual and I think he post-95 better fits adult audiences than young adults and kids. And among all his mature roles this is right up there with The Green Mile and Saving Private Ryan at the top.

Craig and Tucci also shone, but nowhere near as much as the main 3 discussed in this thread.

1. Law
2. Newman
3. Hanks

4, 5. Craig, Tucci.

[–] SausagePourVous 11 years ago

I conccur...a bit late. Law really transformed into this creep,no good looks here. RTP should have had two actors up for supporting Oscars. Hanks is good here....but still,after 30+ years in the biz,is one evil antagonist too much to ask for? Even when he kills people for q living,he´s a sweetheart.

I personally concider Law a more interesting actor then Hanks,who I see as overrated but that´s Another thingy.

[–] lukas1985 9 years ago

Law was in the movie for like five minutes and had four lines, what are you talking about?

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