15 Greatest Actors Working Today

http://whatculture.com/film/15-greatest-actors-working-today.php/14

March 23, 2013
Paul Sorrells

2. Michael Fassbender

Michael-Fassbender-in-Shame1

The newest actor on this list, Fassbender did not get a major role until he was cast in a supporting part in the 2007 film 300. The following year, Fassbender broke out in a big way with his breathtaking portrayal of Irish political prisoner Bobby Sands in the 2008 film Hunger. Fassbender lost a tremendous amount of weight to portray Sands in his various stages of a hunger strike and had complete control of the screen whenever he appeared. The following year, he turned in two great performances in Inglorious Basterds and Fish Tank.

In 2011, Fassbender confirmed his status as one of Hollywood’s best actors with a trio of tremendous performances. The first was X-Men: First Class in which he played the conflicted anti-hero Magneto, giving him his first starring role in a major blockbuster, the second was his portrayal of Carl Jung in David Cronenberg’s a Dangerous Method, and the third was when he teamed up with Steve McQueen once again to portray Brandon Sullivan in Shame.

In 2012 he starred in the major sci-fi movie Prometheus. Despite the lukewarm reception the film received, Fassbender’s performance was near universally acclaimed. Fassbender is one of the most intense actors in Hollywood, routinely giving affecting performances in even the most unusual roles.

Despite only being prominent for about five years, Fassbender has already proved himself one of the most devoted and gifted actors of his generation. With upcoming roles in such prominent films as 12 Years a Slave, the Counselor, and Terrence Malick’s next film, Fassbender will hopefully be able to even more fully showcase his acting abilities.