Great Film Performances of 2012

7. Tommy Lee Jones in “Lincoln”

Tommy Lee Jones has played his share of prickly characters onscreen, and just sitting opposite the man in real life is intimidating enough. But that’s part of what makes him the perfect choice to play politician and abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens in Steven Spielberg’s epic “Lincoln.” Not unlike his Oscar-winning turn as Marshal Samuel Gerard in “The Fugitive,” Jones brings both intensity and humor to Stevens, something the actor is also capable of in real life. Asked if Stevens was the only part he considered, he replies with a straight face, “I’m not right for Mary Lincoln. I could play it, but probably not as well as Sally Field.” Another factor Stevens has in common with Gerard: Jones’ performance is earning the actor deafening awards buzz.

Continue reading on Backstage.com

Photo Source: Film Frame/DreamWorks