One actor. Two film roles. You tell us which portrayal was the best. The most memorable. Or iconic. Or simply your favorite.
But before you pass judgment, a few words defending the “character” of each…
The case for Bud White
The character Ed Exley in L.A. Confidential considers Bud “a mindless thug,” and so too do we the viewer. In the most literal of terms Bud is not that intelligent and, yes, he is a brute. But we soon see that Bud is a man of principle. In a place and time where everyone is scheming and has agendas Bud refreshingly lacks self-awareness. He acts on impulse, and his instincts are to stick up for the weak and the wronged. Crowe deftly handles this dichotomy in a role all but overshadowed by Kim Basinger’s Oscar-winning turn.
The case for Maximus
Are you not entertained?
Now that you’ve heard the arguments for both it’s time to render your verdict!