Breakthrough role
A breakthrough role, also known as a breakout role,[1] is a term in the film industry to describe the performance of an actor or actress which contributed significantly to the development of their career and beginning of critical recognition. A breakthrough role is often a significant increase in importance in the actor's part in the film, such as moving up from a minor character to one of the main cast or a "high impact" role in a film which has mainstream success and results in the actor's widespread recognition and popularity.[2] A breakthrough performance has also been defined as one which "attracts the attention of film critics, or receives rave reviews and is subsequently nominated for many major film awards".[3]
Lord Rohan in The Man in Grey has been cited as James Mason's breakthrough performance.[4] The television film adaptation of Gideon's Trumpet has been referenced as Lane Smith's breakthrough role, despite lacking a theatrical release.[5] Similarly, the BBC series Pennies from Heaven has been highlighted as the breakthrough of Bob Hoskins.[6] Brandon Lee's starring role in The Crow has been cited as his breakout, though it was also his final film as he died when a prop gun malfunctioned on the set of the film.[7][8]
References
- ^ Smith, Michael. "Breakout role revisited". Retrieved 18 December 2011.
- ISBN 978-0-335-22002-1.
- ISBN 978-1-78092-437-3.
- ISBN 978-0-313-33306-4.
- ISBN 978-0-7864-3166-3.
- ISBN 978-0-8108-8352-9.
- ISBN 978-0-7864-1836-7.
- ISBN 978-1-312-56680-4.
External links
- 6 Actors Defined By Their Breakout Roles at Maxim.
- Stars' surprising breakout movie roles at Teen Vogue