Eighteen Brilliant But Unawarded Acting Performances
8. William H. Macy – Fargo
It also has the unexpected, when the planned crime goes completely wrong.
Just about every aspect of “Fargo” was beloved by critics and by Oscar, with the directors, Joel and Ethan Coen, winning an Oscar for Best Screenplay and Frances McDormand as Best Actress in a Leading Role.
However, William H. Macy’s performance as a stumbling, bumbling, wanna-be criminal got overlooked. Few actors could have pulled off the sleazy car salesman act like Macy, and his unawarded ability to first plan a half-baked crime then fall to pieces as the crime goes awry easily makes him one of the most underrated actors of all time.
He also manages to bring a bit of comic relief to a serious plot line, along with co-star Steve Buscemi. Life and the Academy might have given Jerry Lundegaard, Macy’s character, a raw deal, but you don’t have to. If for no other reason, go see “Fargo” for the cleverly written script and the undeniably brilliant acting of William H. Macy.
