Paul Thomas Anderson has returned with his latest film, the sprawling action-comedy One Battle After Another, showcasing an ensemble cast filled with memorable characters and exceptional acting. The quality of these Paul Thomas Anderson performances continues to impress, with many supporting actors delivering moments as impactful as the leads. This article ranks 15 of the most remarkable performances from Anderson’s extensive career, highlighting roles that stand out across his diverse and challenging filmography.
Don Cheadle’s Warmth as Buck Swope in “Boogie Nights”
Don Cheadle’s portrayal of Buck Swope in Boogie Nights is a quietly powerful performance that often escapes immediate recognition. Buck is a straightforward man whose aspirations are modest compared to others in the film, wanting to open a stereo store and start a family. Cheadle injects this character with a mix of gentle humor and heartfelt emotion, especially when Buck faces harsher realities. His role provides a crucial balance within the film’s varied cast, making it one of the strongest Paul Thomas Anderson performances among the supporting players.
Bradley Cooper’s Memorable Role as Jon Peters in “Licorice Pizza”
Bradley Cooper delivers a wildly energetic portrayal of Jon Peters, a flamboyant hairdresser and future producer, in Licorice Pizza. Though his screen time is brief, Cooper’s manic comic energy leaves a lasting impression. His quick-witted lines and unpredictable behavior create some of the film’s most entertaining moments. Cooper embodies a figure who fits perfectly within the eccentric world Anderson builds around the 1970s San Fernando Valley, making his small role one of the most hilarious and engaging.
I don’t want you to have the bear the burden
—Bradley Cooper, Actor
John C. Reilly’s Supportive Reed Rothchild in “Boogie Nights”
John C. Reilly’s Reed Rothchild shines as a loyal sidekick to Mark Wahlberg’s rising star in Boogie Nights. Rather than becoming resentful over shared spotlight, Reed remains a steady, affable presence, highlighting Reilly’s strength in playing nuanced supporting roles. His chemistry with Wahlberg provides some of the film’s funniest and most heartfelt scenes. Although he appears less frequently in Anderson’s later films, Reilly’s work here remains one of the most memorable of his collaborations with the director.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Complex Bob Ferguson in “One Battle After Another”
Leonardo DiCaprio offers a layered and vulnerable performance as Bob Ferguson, also known as “Ghetto” Pat Calhoun, in One Battle After Another. Departing from his earlier suave roles, DiCaprio portrays a man struggling with fading relevance and personal demons, reminiscent in parts of his role as Rick Dalton in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He plays a father aware of his limitations, striving to connect with the new generation, adding emotional depth to the film’s sprawling narrative.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’s
—Leonardo DiCaprio, Actor
Joaquin Phoenix’s Raw Energy as Freddie Quell in “The Master”
Joaquin Phoenix captivates as Freddie Quell, a troubled war veteran caught in the sway of a mysterious cult leader in The Master. One intense scene finds him thrashing in a jail cell, embodying a man barely contained by his circumstances. Phoenix’s performance is anything but subtle yet completely engrossing, conveying Freddie’s inner chaos with a brutal honesty that anchors the film’s psychological exploration. This role marks one of the actor’s most electrifying collaborations with Anderson.
Chase Infiniti’s Breakout Role as Willa Ferguson in “One Battle After Another”
Chase Infiniti emerges as a striking new talent with her role as Willa Ferguson, a young revolutionary thrust into a dangerous conflict in One Battle After Another. Acting alongside seasoned stars, Infiniti holds her own throughout the film, portraying Willa’s mix of courage, doubt, and determination with striking authenticity. Her performance becomes a central pillar of the story, especially during its climactic moments, signaling her arrival as a prominent figure in Anderson’s latest work.
Vicky Krieps’ Subtle Power as Alma Elson in “Phantom Thread”
In Phantom Thread, Vicky Krieps portrays Alma Elson with a quiet intensity that perfectly complements Daniel Day-Lewis’ commanding presence. Her character navigates the delicate balance of asserting influence within the powerful household of Reynolds Woodcock, delivering layers of complexity beneath a composed exterior. Krieps’ breakthrough performance is a crucial component of one of Anderson’s most nuanced and haunting love stories.
Melora Walters’ Emotional Depth as Claudia Wilson Gator in “Magnolia”
Melora Walters’ role as Claudia Wilson Gator in Magnolia stands out amidst a large ensemble for its raw honesty and emotional power. Claudia’s struggle with addiction and trauma resulting from an abusive past is portrayed with compassion and restraint. Walters balances moments of intensity with quieter vulnerability, crafting scenes that linger long after viewing. Her performance remains one of the most affecting in Anderson’s broad and ambitious narrative.
Philip Baker Hall’s Magnetic Sydney Brown in “Hard Eight”
Philip Baker Hall delivers a captivating central performance in Anderson’s debut feature, Hard Eight. Playing a seasoned gambler who helps a struggling young man, Hall infuses Sydney Brown with a mysterious charm and underlying kindness. Despite the film’s modest scope, Hall’s presence elevates every scene he inhabits, marking the role as one of the earliest examples of the director’s ability to extract nuanced acting from compelling characters.
Alana Haim’s Complex Portrayal of Alana Kane in “Licorice Pizza”
Alana Haim immerses herself completely in the difficult role of Alana Kane, a young woman searching for direction in Licorice Pizza. Her performance captures the awkwardness, uncertainty, and contradictions of early adulthood, navigating a relationship with a much younger boy with nuance and frankness. Haim’s portrayal disrupts easy judgments and invites the viewer to engage with her character’s multifaceted emotional landscape, representing a standout among the film’s youthful leads.
Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Intriguing Lancaster Dodd in “The Master”
Philip Seymour Hoffman commands attention as Lancaster Dodd, the charismatic yet deceptive cult leader in The Master. His deliberate and layered delivery conveys the man’s controlling nature beneath a polished demeanor. Hoffman’s performance balances control and vulnerability, making Dodd one of Anderson’s most compelling characters. His interactions with Joaquin Phoenix’s Freddie Quell form the emotional core of the film, showcasing Hoffman’s formidable range and subtlety.
Lesley Manville’s Commanding Cyril Woodcock in “Phantom Thread”
Lesley Manville brings formidable presence to Cyril Woodcock, sister to the lead in Phantom Thread, embodying quiet authority within the intense family dynamic. Her assured calmness challenges the control exerted by Daniel Day-Lewis’ character, reflecting Anderson’s ongoing exploration of power in his relationships. One striking moment captures Cyril issuing a chilling warning:
Don’t pick a fight with me, you certainly won’t come out alive. I’ll go right through you and it’ll be you who ends up on the floor. Understood?
—Lesley Manville, Actress
Through restrained emotion and piercing delivery, Manville enriches the film’s intricate portrayal of family loyalty and conflict.
Adam Sandler’s Vulnerable Barry Egan in “Punch-Drunk Love”
Adam Sandler surprises in his portrayal of Barry Egan, a socially anxious entrepreneur in Punch-Drunk Love. Capturing the character’s fragile psyche and complex emotional struggles, Sandler delivers a performance filled with warmth and genuine sensitivity. Barry’s quirky behaviors, such as amassing airline miles through pudding purchases, highlight a man deeply out of sync with the world around him. Sandler’s ability to evoke both humor and pathos makes this one of the most emotionally resonant of Anderson’s casts.
Tom Cruise’s Dark Turn as Frank T.J. Mackie in “Magnolia”
Tom Cruise’s portrayal of Frank T.J. Mackie in Magnolia strips away his typical star persona to reveal a tortured and unstable man. The role demands a gritty and unsettling energy, which Cruise delivers fully, crafting one of the most intense characters in his career. His raw depiction of toxic masculinity masking inner pain coexists with moments of dark humor, making this a bold and unforgettable performance within Anderson’s ensemble.
Daniel Day-Lewis’ Iconic Daniel Plainview in “There Will Be Blood”
Daniel Day-Lewis redefined cinematic villainy as Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood, a monumental role that showcases greed and ambition in all-consuming form. Portraying Plainview as an almost mythic force, Day-Lewis embodies a man driven solely by the desire for wealth and dominance, sidelining personal connection and morality. The fraught relationship with his son adds emotional complexity to a character otherwise ruled by ruthless acquisition. The actor’s meticulous control of voice, gesture, and presence crafts a haunting figure, securing this as a cornerstone performance in Anderson’s career.
Enduring Impact and the Landscape of Anderson’s Performances
Each of these 15 performances highlights the breadth and depth of talent within Paul Thomas Anderson’s films, spanning newcomers, veterans, and established stars reinventing themselves. The director’s ability to elicit such layered, often unsettling portrayals aligns with his focus on flawed, intense characters navigating conflict and connection. As Anderson continues to release new work, these performances set a high standard for emotional rawness and complexity. For fans of his cinema, engaging with these roles enriches understanding of his evolving artistic vision and the actors who bring it to life.
