When it comes to one of the most underrated acting talents in Hollywood, then it is kind of stupid to even think about this case without even considering the name of Paul Dano. The actor made his Broadway debut at the age of twelve in John Tillinger’s revised version of ‘Inherit the Wind’. Four years later, he received a cameo role in an episode of an American sitcom, Smart Guy. He is also known for portraying Patrick Whalen in HBO’s The Sopranos.
Michael Cuesta’s ‘L.I.E.’ helped Dano in making a strong debut in the Hollywood film industry. And now, we are all set to witness him in Matt Reeves’s The Batman as The Riddler. However, this time fans will not witness the darkly comic side of Batman’s villain. He has treasured a ‘serial killer’ persona for his character in the upcoming DC movie.
Here are the top 5 Paul Dano performances before The Batman
5/5 – Dwayne Hoover – Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Dano proved at an early age why he was a force to be reckoned with in this movie. We know how sometimes silence speaks louder than words. And the actor’s outstanding performance functions as the epitome of this scenario. His vow of silence inspires him to become a fighter pilot. That’s why it becomes difficult for a performer to act without uttering a single word. But his ability to show natural emotionality without even saying a single dialogue is too good.
4/5 – Brian Wilson (Past) – Love & Mercy (2014)
We cannot ignore this one when talking about one of the best musical biopics of all time. The duo of Paul Dano and John Cusack does a tremendous job of playing the young and old versions of The Beach Boys leader, Brian Wilson, respectively. Especially the former actor. His performance proves that he can do any role. From psychologically compelled characters to legendary musical figures, his acting range is insane.
3/5 – Alex Jones – Prisoners (2013)
This Denis Villeneuve‘s directional possesses stars like Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. But it’s Dano who steals the limelight here. His ‘diminished IQ’ character is both creepy and oddly satisfying to gawk at. Plus, the actor proves why he is a maestro when it comes to portraying psychologically challenged characters on the big screen.
2/5 – Hank Thompson – Swiss Army Man (2016)
Dano’s heart-winning performance makes this strange comedy film a lot more likeable than it could have been without him. When your co-actor (Daniel Radcliffe) is playing a corpse, then you are left with no alternative except to do all the heavy lifting in the film. That’s exactly what Dano does here! His deranged character gets lost in the woods. Things get way too twisty after he forms a strong connection with a corpse.
1/5 – Paul/Eli Sunday – There Will Be Blood (2007)
If you can showcase your acting talents flawlessly while sharing the screen with the one and only Daniel Day-Lewis, then you are special. Yes, it was Day-Lewis who won the hearts of viewers after delivering a sensational and electrifying display of acting. But his character was incomplete without Dano. An outstanding supporting actor is needed to get the best out of your leading performer. And Paul Thomas Anderson utilised his directional abilities amazingly well in handling Dano’s characters in this movie. His best performance yet!