As an actor, George C. Scott embodied a multitude of traits, yet subtlety was not one of his defining characteristics. He was known for his larger-than-life performances, often chewing scenery long before it became a widespread trend among actors. His earliest notable roles predate those made famous by icons such as Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino, and Daniel Day-Lewis. Indeed, George C. Scott can be considered one of the original masters of overacting. It’s no coincidence that his name includes both an “O” and a “G,” hinting at his pioneering status in the realm of dramatic performances.
While not every role he took on demanded an exaggerated approach, many showcased either his intense, forceful acting or his wonderfully hammy style. It’s crucial to recognize that even during his more over-the-top moments, Scott maintained an impressive level of control, with perhaps one notable exception. He portrayed some truly remarkable characters, commanding the screen with a volume and presence that outperformed many of his contemporaries. This ranking seeks to honor the audacious performances that exemplify Scott’s unique talent. Here’s to celebrating the actors who dare to go big.
8
‘Rage’ (1972)
Portrayed Dan Logan
What’s that? George C. Scott delivers a somewhat frenzied performance in a film titled Rage? It’s true! Notably, Scott also took on the role of director in this project while starring as the lead character, a sheep rancher who unwittingly becomes exposed to toxic poison gas, which also endangers his son. Following the tragic realization that his son has succumbed to the gas, Scott’s character spirals into despair and embarks on a revenge-driven rampage.
Fully aware of his limited time left, Scott’s character exhibits a reckless disregard for consequences, allowing him to unleash significant emotional intensity on screen. Despite Rage being classified as a thriller, it also carries a somber, dramatic tone, making it distinct from some of Scott’s more flamboyant performances. Ultimately, this film is worth mentioning for its impactful moments and Scott’s compelling portrayal.
7
‘The Day of the Dolphin’ (1973)
Portrayed Jake Terrell
The Day of the Dolphin is a film that defies conventional storytelling. It presents a bizarre narrative where dolphins are trained for the potential execution of political assassinations due to their remarkable intelligence and ability to perform complex tasks. This premise is undeniably eccentric, perhaps even absurd, but it embraces its oddity wholeheartedly.
In such a peculiar film, it is essential for the performance to match its heightened reality, and George C. Scott delivers just that. He portrays a dolphin trainer determined to thwart the dolphins’ nefarious plans for assassination. Adding to the film’s eccentricity is the fact that it was directed by the same individual who helmed Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Graduate. The 1960s and ’70s were undoubtedly a wild time for cinema.
6
‘Hardcore’ (1979)
Portrayed Jake Van Dorn
Labeling George C. Scott’s performance in Hardcore as over-the-top feels a bit off, given the film’s disturbing premise that places his character in an incredibly stressful and traumatic situation. The story revolves around the disappearance of a businessman’s daughter, prompting him to take matters into his own hands upon discovering that she has become involved in the adult film industry.
He does go big here, and has some scenes where the emotional intensity is way up, but it’s not exactly over-acting, considering the story.
Scott’s character experiences a mental breakdown as he desperately searches for his daughter, going to extreme lengths to rescue her, if possible. While he does portray intense emotional scenes, it’s not necessarily overacting; rather, it aligns with the film’s narrative (think of the emotional outbursts from Nicolas Cage in Mandy; they might be amusing out of context but become profoundly tragic when viewed within the story).
Hardcore
- Release Date
- February 9, 1979
- Runtime
- 108 Minutes
5
‘Firestarter’ (1984)
Portrayed John Rainbird
There is an inherent flair for the dramatic in many of Stephen King‘s stories, which often makes them so engaging. The renowned author introduces outrageous concepts that demand a suspension of disbelief, which typically leads to an entertaining experience. Consider plots involving a town encased in a mysterious dome, an ancient evil that resurfaces every 27 years to instill fear, or a deadly virus that wipes out over 99% of humanity—these premises are often wild yet captivating.
Firestarter is yet another King tale that requires you to embrace its absurdity, but it ultimately becomes an exciting and gripping narrative once you do. The film adaptation, however, doesn’t quite capture the same magic as the book. George C. Scott’s casting as John Rainbird raised eyebrows, given that the character in the novel is Native American. Nevertheless, Scott brings a unique, menacing energy to his portrayal, adding a layer of entertainment that makes his scenes stand out amid the more subdued moments in Firestarter.
Firestarter
- Release Date
- May 11, 1984
- Runtime
- 115 Minutes
4
‘The Hustler’ (1961)
Portrayed Bert Gordon
While feel-good sports movies featuring nice outcomes for admirable characters have their charm, sometimes it feels more fulfilling to watch a sports film that envelops you in despair. If you’re seeking such a film, look no further than The Hustler, a cynical yet captivating pool drama that offers little more than heartache, with a side of Paul Newman being effortlessly cool.
In one of his earlier roles, George C. Scott takes on the role of Bert Gordon, a character who is delightfully despicable and embodies everything that is wrong with the competitive world of pool. He is a sore loser who manipulates circumstances to ensure a tragic outcome, and while he does indulge in some scene-chewing, he effectively conveys menace, making him a formidable antagonist in a film that is already steeped in realism and emotional depth.
The Hustler
- Release Date
- September 25, 1961
- Runtime
- 134 minutes
3
‘Patton’ (1970)
Portrayed General George S. Patton Jr.
In the case of Patton, having an actor who refrains from going over-the-top would seem out of place. George C. Scott masterfully embodies the larger-than-life figure of General George S. Patton Jr., a pivotal character during the Second World War and a complex individual with both commendable traits and controversial clashes.
Scott stands out as the ideal choice for this role, delivering captivating speeches that command attention and seamlessly inhabiting the character even in more subdued moments. Although he famously declined to accept his Oscar for this performance, his portrayal undoubtedly deserved the accolade, as this film and Scott’s remarkable performance demonstrate that sometimes, in portraying real-life figures known for their larger-than-life personas, it truly pays to go big.
Patton
- Release Date
- April 2, 1970
- Runtime
- 172 Minutes
2
‘The Exorcist III’ (1990)
Portrayed Lieutenant William F. Kinderman
While nothing can surpass the original The Exorcist in the realm of demonic possession films, The Exorcist III comes strikingly close in certain aspects. Instead of rehashing the narrative of its predecessor, it takes the franchise in a fresh direction, centering on a series of murders that may connect back to the events of the original film.
What unfolds is a compelling supernatural horror film featuring a particularly bold performance from George C. Scott. His flamboyant portrayal, combined with a series of notorious scares, elevates The Exorcist III beyond what one might anticipate from a third installment in this franchise, making it a surprisingly effective entry.
1
‘Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb’ (1964)
Portrayed General Buck Turgidson
Though the exuberant performance might not have been fully intentional, you cannot overlook Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb when considering George C. Scott’s most over-the-top portrayal. Stanley Kubrick famously led Scott to perform particularly energetically in his scenes, with Scott unaware that the takes would actually make it into the final cut.
As a result, George C. Scott’s character becomes hilariously vibrant in Dr. Strangelove, despite his belief that the scenes in question were merely rehearsals. Scott’s stammering, physicality, and vocal projections are performances that are best appreciated visually, and while Scott and Kubrick may not have seen eye to eye, the outcome is an unforgettable performance from George C. Scott—one that continues to resonate for its sheer eccentricity, even decades later.
