Michael Pittis an actor who may have not yet gained the recognition he deserves. His career has spanned across several genres, and he has continuously transformed into any character that he takes on. He brings deep and layered personalities to his characters and he can play a villain just as well as a hero. Indeed, Pitt is very much known for the dark and disturbing characters that he has played throughout the years. He has worked with several legendary directorsincluding Gus Van Santand M. Night Shyamalan. With every character that he plays, he gives everything he has, including excellent physicality.
Pitt was born in West Orange, New Jersey to working-class parents. His first major role was a part inHedwig and the Angry Inch. His talent as an actor could be seen early on in his career and he continued to gain more film roles. In 1997, Pitt proved that he could be a leading actor when he was cast inBernardo Bertolucci’sThe Dreamers. Even with supporting roles, Pitt is known to steal the show. He certainly proves that a role, no matter how small, can be effective. With every role he takes on, he delivers a wide range of emotion. Let’s dive into Michael Pitt’s greatest performances of all time.
6Finding Forrester
Pitt was cast in a supporting role in Gus Van Sant’sFinding Forrester. He plays a high school student named Coleridge who befriends the main character, Jamal Wallace (Rob Brown). Even with such little screen time, Pitt created a deep, self-conscious, and timid character. He proves that with the right physicality and line delivery, even minor roles can be effective.
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5Murder By Numbers
InMurder by Numbers, Pitt and Ryan Gosling play high school students who create and carry out a murder plot. Pitt plays a character who is deeply disturbed, while also brilliant. It is a very dark role, and Pitt was the perfect choice to cast. At the same time, his chemistry with Gosling was top-notch. We can see, through Pitt’s performance, that there is a deep and dark history in his character’s past.Related:Ryan Gosling: What Has He Been Doing During His Five-Year Absence?
4Funny Games
Funny Gameswas a remake of the 1997 film of the same name. It follows two young men, played by Pitt and Brady Corbet, who kidnap and torture an innocent family. It is a very disturbing film and Pitt gives possibly the most chilling performance of his career. His character lacks all empathy and is almost childish as he carries out his heinous acts with his accomplice. Pitt works great with Corbet, and the two of them are entertaining, in a very dark way, from beginning to end. The movie is not for everyone, but it is undoubtedly original and features a fantastic performance from Pitt.
Larry Clark’sBullytellsthe true storyof a group of friends who plotted and committed the murder of Bobby Kent. Pitt plays Donny Semenec, a drug-induced and spoiled teenager who goes along for the ride. Pitt creates a character who cares about nothing but pleasure. With that said, we eventually see that he has a very dark and evil side. Pitt shows us, through his character, the ignorance and irresponsibility that is seen in modern youth. His chemistry with the rest of the cast was great, and Pitt delivered a disturbing performance.
2Boardwalk Empire
In the acclaimed HBO seriesBoardwalk Empire, Pitt plays James “Jimmy” Darmody for the first two seasons. Darmody has just returned from the war and is reintroduced to organized crime through Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (Steve Buscemi). Pitt creates a charismatic and intelligent character who is desperate to create a life for himself and provide for his family. At the same time, he is a ruthless criminal who tries to pave his own way. Pitt is fantastic every moment that he is on-screen and his chemistry with Buscemi and the rest of the cast was fantastic.
1The Dreamers
Pitt takes the leading role in legendary filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci’sThe Dreamers. He plays an American student who befriends French siblings (played by Eva Greenand Louis Garrel) in 1960s Paris. Along the way, they explore love, cinema, violence, and more. It is a very deep film that dives into human interaction and emotion. At the same time, it is a love letter to early cinema and makes several references to classic films throughout.The Dreamersis a very unique, and disturbing, look into love and friendship. Pitt gives an honest and highly effective and memorable performance.
