Top films, top performances 2012 version

http://www.totalfilm.com/features/the-200-greatest-movie-performances-of-all-time/michael-fassbender-brandon-sullivan-shame-2011

42. Michael Fassbender – Brandon Sullivan, Shame (2011)

“A little bit shell-shocked,” is how Michael Fassbender described his reaction to the first screening of Steve McQueen’s sex addiction drama. After all, he spends a good few scenes in the buff, and a fair few more on top of that involved in some very graphic sex.

However, it’s the emotional torment that fully reflects the bravery of Fassbender’s performance, as Brandon stumbles from one emotional cul de sac to the next, desperately seeking an outlet for the non-specific trauma inherited from a troubled childhood. It beggars belief how the Academy saw fit to overlook him for an Oscar nod.

Greatest Moment: The impotent rage that follows his failure to perform with a girl he actually likes, followed by the more physical outburst with a hooker some moments later.

Also See: Bobby Sands (Hunger), Connor (Fish Tank), Eric Lensherr (X-Men: First Class)