LEE PACE - From Best to Worst of the Underrated Actor
I would watch Lee Pace fix a lamp. I would watch him make a pie. I would watch him wear a blond wig and run around in Middle Earth. I would watch him raise a dog. I would watch him sing, and I would watch him being in drag. And so I have.
Even as a talented actor, it can be a struggle to get good parts. Lee Pace is a perfect example of this. He has been on the rise for years, but has never truly had his big break, despite some career peeks in 2008 and most recently in 2012 that saw him in four theatrical releases.
As a longtime fan and a vocal supporter, I will rate his performances and noteworthy projects from best to worst, while I hope he will continue to pursue eccentric or honorable projects, such as "Soldier's Girl", "The Fall" and "Lincoln".
The list is not based on the singular movie, but both on the impact on the career that the singular movie had, as well as being ranked after his performance. Ex. “Breaking Dawn” is ranked above “The Good Shepherd” even though the latter is the better film, but the first was the better project for him, in terms of character, performance, influence on the storyline and screentime.
1-4: The exclusives
5-10: The noteworthy projects
11-15: The mess and misfires.
Even as a talented actor, it can be a struggle to get good parts. Lee Pace is a perfect example of this. He has been on the rise for years, but has never truly had his big break, despite some career peeks in 2008 and most recently in 2012 that saw him in four theatrical releases.
As a longtime fan and a vocal supporter, I will rate his performances and noteworthy projects from best to worst, while I hope he will continue to pursue eccentric or honorable projects, such as "Soldier's Girl", "The Fall" and "Lincoln".
The list is not based on the singular movie, but both on the impact on the career that the singular movie had, as well as being ranked after his performance. Ex. “Breaking Dawn” is ranked above “The Good Shepherd” even though the latter is the better film, but the first was the better project for him, in terms of character, performance, influence on the storyline and screentime.
1-4: The exclusives
5-10: The noteworthy projects
11-15: The mess and misfires.
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- DirectorTarsem SinghStarsLee PaceCatinca UntaruJustine WaddellIn 1920s Los Angeles, a bedridden patient in a hospital captivates a young girl with a fantastic tale of heroes, myths, and villains on a desert island.#1 - MUST SEE
The movie is a true wonder of cinema and as underappreciated as Lee Pace himself. It divided critics, some found issues with the third act and the visual extravaganza. Despite some arguable flaws, it is still a remarkable effort, and the most poignant project in Pace's filmography. Additionally, Pace is marvelous and charming in the film and adds a modesty, much needed for the movie, for it not to be lost in all the wondrous images. Roger Ebert said; "There will never be another like it", but hopefully there will be another project for Lee as equally memorable one day. - CreatorBryan FullerStarsLee PaceAnna FrielChi McBrideA pastry chef with the power to bring dead people back to life solves murder mysteries with his resurrected childhood sweetheart, a cynical private investigator, and a lovesick waitress.#2 - A must see for Lee Pace fans
With almost 10 million viewers, this was where most people were first introduced to Pace. Luckily so, since Pace is undeniably charming and loveable in the role of Ned the Piemaker. The show was different to anything else on television at the time and is one of Pace's most quirky choices. It is a standout project and one of the most memorable and well-liked projects in his career. - DirectorFrank PiersonStarsTroy GarityLee PaceAndre BraugherThe true story of the price a young soldier paid for falling in love with a transsexual night-club performer.#3 - A must see for Lee Pace
Pace's debut is still his most challenging role to date. The Golden Globe and Independent Spirit nominations were welldeserved. - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsDaniel Day-LewisSally FieldDavid StrathairnAs the Civil War rages on, U.S President Abraham Lincoln struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on his decision to emancipate the slaves.#4 - A must for everyone
Spielberg. Daniel Day Lewis. 12 Oscar Nominations. Pace has ever never starred in an equally prestigious project. I would not mind if Lee Pace became a Spielberg regular, which would lead to many intriguing projects for him. This is one of his best performances, only halted by his limited screentime. - DirectorBharat NalluriStarsFrances McDormandAmy AdamsCiarán HindsGuinevere Pettigrew, a middle-aged London governess, finds herself unfairly dismissed from her job. An attempt to gain new employment catapults her into the glamorous world and dizzying social whirl of an American actress and singer, Delysia Lafosse.#5 - The first of the noteworthy projects
This is a MUST-SEE for fans of Lee Pace since it is another charming performance from him. Due to his singing and his well-working chemistry with Amy Adams, it's perhaps the most charming he's ever been. The film itself is joyful entertainment, even though it is without many surprises or any sense of edge. - CreatorBryan FullerTodd HollandStarsCaroline DhavernasKatie FinneranTyron Leitso24-year-old loner B.A. Jaye lives in a trailer park and sells souvenirs in Niagara Falls. Animal figurines and dolls speak to her and force her to interact with people and try to help them.#6 - Worth a watch
His first collaboration with Bryan Fuller - DirectorPeter JacksonStarsIan McKellenMartin FreemanRichard ArmitageThe dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, continue their quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain, their homeland, from the dragon Smaug.
- DirectorDouglas McGrathStarsToby JonesDaniel CraigSandra BullockWhile researching his novel "In Cold Blood", Truman Capote develops a close relationship with convicted murderers Dick Hickock and Perry Smith.#7 - Consider it
The movie features the best ensemble cast he has been involved with, aside for Lincoln. However, once again, his screentime is also limited. - DirectorMax WinklerStarsMichael AngaranoUma ThurmanReece ThompsonTwo friends are off on a weekend outing. Marshall thinks the trip is to re-establish their friendship, but Sam has ulterior motives in mind as he crashes the wedding of a woman he still loves.#8 - Consider it
A perfect example of how well Lee Pace would fit the quirkiness and wits of independent cinema. Furthermore, it is refreshing to see him as a douchebag. However, the film overall is underwhelming; the romance between Michael Angarano and Uma Thurman is not engaging, while the plot is too predictable. Pace totally steals the show. Even though, his performance in this is superior to the one in "Miss Pettigrew", the latter is to be checked out first. - DirectorPeter JacksonStarsMartin FreemanIan McKellenRichard ArmitageA reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of dwarves to reclaim their mountain home and the gold within it from the dragon Smaug.#9 - See it for the film itself, not Lee Pace.
This is his most high-profile project to date, but he is only on screen for 15 seconds. However, had the adaptation not been split into three, we would have seen a lot more of him in this first chapter - which we hopefully will this December. That is actually for the best, because due to the split, the second movie will feature a performance from Pace that feels undisturbed and linear. This could turn out big for him. - DirectorTom FordStarsColin FirthJulianne MooreMatthew GoodeAn English professor, one year after the sudden death of his boyfriend, is unable to cope with his typical days in 1960s Los Angeles.#10 - The last of the noteworthy projects
It is a cameo, and he has almost nothing to do in this film, there is only a silhouette of a character here. However, the movie is admirable and it is a joy to see him act with one of the best in the business - Colin Firth. It is always enjoyable to see him being part of a good project, even though the screentime is limited. Bottom line; Rather this cameo than a lead in "Marmaduke" - DirectorBill CondonStarsKristen StewartRobert PattinsonTaylor LautnerAfter the birth of Renesmee/Nessie, the Cullens gather other vampire clans in order to protect the child from a false allegation that puts the family in front of the Volturi.#11 - The first of the mess and the misfires.
He has a lovely screen presence, and it is one of his most playful roles. He outshines everyone else in the cast (maybe due to his ability to not be deadly serious about Meyer's universe), but his part is too limited and is lost within a mess of a movie.
To me, "Breaking Dawn" is an anti-climatic finale that does nothing for the continuity of the previous four movies. Luckily, it is a fun and different character for Pace that he successfully pulls of. Therefore I rank it higher than “The Good Shepherd”.
Hopefully all the new Twilight fans will bode well for him.
(See this one for Lee Pace, exclusively) - DirectorRobert De NiroStarsMatt DamonAngelina JolieRobert De NiroThe tumultuous early history of the Central Intelligence Agency is viewed through the prism of one man's life.#12 - Skip it
The movie suffers from an excessive length and a muddled plot. His scene is brief and, for fans of Lee Pace, it would be more fun to check out "Breaking Dawn" - DirectorTom DeyStarsOwen WilsonJudy GreerLee PaceA suburban family moves to a new neighborhood with their large, yet lovable Great Dane, who has a tendency to wreak havoc in his own oblivious way.#13 - Skip it
This was his first leading role since "Pushing Daisies" and his first in a feature film, since "The Fall" and his first lead in a movie that released wide theatrical release. However, the film was a punch in the face for fans of Lee Pace, and the silver lining here is that the movie was a financial success. - DirectorMark Steven JohnsonStarsKristen BellJosh DuhamelAnjelica HustonBeth is an ambitious young New Yorker who is completely unlucky in love. On a whirlwind trip to Rome, she impulsively steals some coins from a reputed fountain of love, and is then aggressively pursued by a band of suitors.#14 - Skip it
On my list, I did not feature "The Resident" (I could not bother) but I had to feature "When in Rome" since it truly set my teeth on edge. Pace is entirely wasted in this unintelligent, noisy and annoying comedy. - DirectorAlexis LloydStarsDola RashadJustin KirkJennifer TillyA summer heat wave and a series of sexual encounters connect a group of New Yorkers.#15 - Skip it
Of all his four releases in 2012, this was the only that saw him in a lead role. Sadly, it was in an unfortunate and pointless film. - DirectorJoel BergvallSimon SandquistStarsSarah Michelle GellarLee PaceMichael LandesA woman's life is thrown into chaos after a freak car accident sends her husband and brother-in-law into comas. Thrills arrive after the brother-in-law wakes up, thinking he's his brother.#16 - The WORST of Lee Pace
To date, this is his only direct-to-DVD release. It is a thriller without scares or suspense, a silly plot and terrible turns from the director and the actors. However, it is a meatier part for Lee, but not one he pulls off.