How Ensemble Casts Harken Back to Film’s Golden Age, From ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ to ‘Gladiator II’

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As a film critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that this year’s lineup is nothing short of astounding! Each of these films boasts a cast that not only brings their characters to life but also adds layers of complexity and depth that make for an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Remarkable ensembles of actors are a hallmark of great movies, as evidenced by the stellar performances in films such as “The Best Years of Our Lives,” “Casablanca,” and “The Apartment.” During Hollywood’s Golden Age, when studios held contracts with nearly every actor, this skill was considered routine. The best picture Oscars often went to movies boasting exceptional casts, where the excellence of the performances stretched from the main characters to even the tiniest supporting roles.

It’s quite astonishing that, even after so many years, there’s still no top award for outstanding ensemble cast at the Oscars. Fortunately, the Screen Actors Guild does recognize this talent and it’s considered one of the most coveted awards during the season. This honor is also often viewed as a significant indicator, predicting the winner of the Oscar for Best Picture.

Here are 10 of this season’s most fascinating examples of excellence in ensemble acting. 

Anora

Director: Sean Baker; casting associate: Emily Fleischer

Fifty-nine years ago, a small American movie named “Marty,” using only his first name as the title, claimed the inaugural Palme d’Or at Cannes. This year’s Palme d’Or recipient, “Anora,” shifts its setting from the Bronx to Brooklyn, mirroring the style of the Delbert Mann classic. Just like the original, Sean Baker’s film showcases exceptional acting from its talented ensemble, who appear in nearly every scene together.

In my perspective, Mikey Madison is garnering praise for her portrayal of the title exotic dancer, while Yura Borisov impresses as the smitten Russian bodyguard. Upon closer examination, Mark Eydelshteyn’s performance as a spoiled oligarch scion brings humor, and Anton Bitter shines as a spirited candy store employee. Vache Tovmasyan delivers a convincing act as a beleaguered Armenian tough guy, and Karren Karagulian skillfully plays the role of the person tasked with preventing chaos from erupting.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice 

Director: Tim Burton; casting director: Sophie Holland

The obvious special casting challenge for Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” was bringing back the stars who made the original both a hit film and a cultural touchstone of its time. This time around, Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara reprise their roles with undiminished comic zest and supernatural gusto. They’re joined in the comic mayhem by the spirited Jenna Ortega, a ghoulishly game Monica Bellucci, afterlife crime buster Willem Dafoe and oily schemer Justin Theroux.

The Bikeriders

Director: Jeff Nichols; casting director: Francine Maisler

In Jeff Nichols’ heartfelt and poignant motorcycle drama, he masterfully recreates the essence of mid-20th century American culture with a talented and committed international cast. Starring Jodie Comer, Tom Hardy, and Austin Butler as the trio at the core of the story, they are supported by Michael Shannon, Norman Reedus, Emory Cohen in a powerful role, Toby Wallace as a threatening biker hopeful, and Damon Herriman as a believer with a tragic past.

A Complete Unknown

Director: James Mangold; casting director: Yesi Ramirez

Director James Mangold successfully assembled a cast fitting the renowned characters in the Bob Dylan biopic, with Timothée Chalamet earning praise for his portrayal of Dylan, Boyd Holbrook impressing as Johnny Cash, Ed Norton convincingly playing folk legend Pete Seeger, and Monica Barbaro transitioning from “Top Gun: Maverick” to critical acclaim for her role as Joan Baez.

Conclave

Director: Edward Berger; casting directors: Barbara Giordani, Nina Gold, Francesco Vedovati, Martin Ware

To make a captivating movie out of a novel about a group of elderly men maneuvering politics while seeking divine guidance, director Edward Berger assembled an impressive ensemble of skilled character actors led by Ralph Fiennes, who brings depth to the story with his gravitas. The schemers and seekers are portrayed by the cunningly devious Stanley Tucci, the greedy and resolute John Lithgow, the cardinal with questionable integrity Lucian Msamati, the determined Isabella Rossellini, the Opus Dei leader Sergio Castellitto, and the saintly Carlos Diehz.

Emilia Pérez

Director: Jacques Audiard; casting directors: Christel Baras, Carla Hool

To delve into the complex world of Mexican drug cartels while authentically portraying his characters’ inner lives, director Jacques Audiard required a versatile cast able to convey truth. Moreover, choosing the film-musical genre for this story seemed challenging. However, the critically praised Zoe Saldaña takes on the role of the legal intermediary, Karla Sofía Gascón plays the title character undergoing change, Selena Gomez portrays their Mexican American spouse, Edgar Ramirez embodies her ill-fated lover, and Adriana Paz serves as the emotional linchpin that deciphers the central mystery of the tale.

Gladiator II

Director: Ridley Scott; casting director: Kate Rhodes James

One standout aspect of Ridley Scott’s ‘swords and sandals’ epic is his unique knack for merging different acting styles into a captivating blend of spectacle, sincerity, over-the-top camp, and high tension. At the core of this masterful action filmmaking are the performances of Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal, who skillfully portray straight men amidst a cast of unpredictable, cunning characters stirring up Roman chaos.

September 5

Director: Tim Fehlbaum; casting directors: Simone Bär, Nancy Foy, Lucinda Syson

In “September 5,” I found myself watching events unfold with the intensity of a lightning bolt, every moment crucial for our characters who had to portray fear, resolve, quick wit, and professional pressure all at once. John Magaro, as he navigates the newsroom alongside Captain Peter Sarsgaard, embodies sheer determination, mirroring my own grit as we venture into uncharted waters of history reporting. Ben Chaplin skillfully walks a tightrope between corporate manipulation and genuine involvement in the unfolding conspiracy. Lastly, Leonie Benesch offers a poignant reminder that even male-dominated teams can be rescued from their narrow-mindedness by the insightful and courageous actions of women.

Wicked

Director: Jon M. Chu; casting directors: Tiffany Little Canfield, Bernard Telsey

In a daring and courageous cinematic interpretation of the popular Broadway musical, director Jon M. Chu employed various creative decisions and gambles, all of which prove successful, particularly his choice to pair the sparkling pop sensation Ariana Grande with the powerful stage veteran Cynthia Erivo. Their tale of friendship and rivalry forms the emotional heart of a narrative that is strikingly political. This transformation is skillfully achieved by Jeff Goldblum’s character, a questionable, oily, and somewhat senile Wizard, who is ably supported by the enigmatic Michelle Yeoh in her role as his menacing right-hand woman. The story strikes a delicate balance between darkness and quick-witted humor, with Jonathan Bailey providing the necessary lightness, while Ethan Slater and Marissa Bode make up an intricate secondary duo embarking on their own captivating journey.

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2024-12-16 19:47