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With each Steve Buscemi character portrayal, the movie lover is treated to the highest level of acting performance imaginable. Often described as a character actor due to the lack of leading man roles, Buscemi seems more comfortable being viewed as a supporting actor than a movie star. Certainly his unique looks are such that he is unlikely to ever star as the pretty boy or love interest in any movie. Many actors would find that a giant obstacle but for Buscemi it adds to the strength of his range and influences the scripts he receives.

There have been many performances that stand out in this colourful career and none more so than the breathtaking display in Reservoir Dogs as 'Mr Pink'. This is the role many list as his finest work, mainly due the iconic status of the film and the regularity with which he steals the scene from the likes of Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth and Michael Madsen. In this, Buscemi is like a gentle breeze, present throughout the movie in the background, until he erupts in a second with an intensity, leading to another unforgettably delivered line being viewed as one of the highlights of the film. He effortlessly takes on the role of 'Mr Pink' and delivers it with a nervous edge which adds a comedic element to the film in sections when it is needed most.

In Big Daddy, The Wedding Singer, Billy Madison and Mr Deeds we see the blink and you will miss it style Buscemi performance. In these films we are given nothing more than the briefest cameo appearance, but each one is brilliant in itself. The comedy and eccentricity of these characters is clearly evident and if you need a man to fill the part of someone slightly twisted, strange or a little bit out there, Buscemi is your man. Often used in this manner to give a moment of light relief, the actor seems to have no objection in accepting the roles he wants, regardless of the size of the part in question. In a time when a movie stars ego can be easily inflated it's refreshing to find an actor without that negative quality.

As 'Garland Greene' in Con Air we see Buscemi as a convicted serial killer, transported under the highest level of security until the convicts take control of the aircraft. Yes we see the creepy, edgy aspects of a social outcast, but we also see the chilling and sinister characteristics of his performance. The comedy is still present and it's difficult not to laugh aloud when he sings at full voice as the plane is rapidly falling before the impact of the crash landing.

Buscemi is instantly recognisable as actor and performer and whatever the future roles, his ability to steal the scene from any actor will add many more great characters to those already witnessed. Time will prove if the characters he creates will be equally as memorable during his work as a director.

Learn more about this author, Matthew P. Nicholson.
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