Anica Muñoz is a writer and an aspiring film producer with a passion for media and entertainment. She strongly considers storytelling to be a powerful tool that bridges the divide between communities. Anica enjoys films that showcase a diversity of voices and brings forth empowerment for a wide group of individuals. From her writing, she believes in creating a positive impact with her analysis and reviews of films by exploring the power of human connection within these stories. Her perspective towards consuming entertainment is driven by compassion which aligns itself with the mission of The Hollywood Insider.Anica hopes to share her enthusiasm and love for cinema with others through her work.
Aug 2, 2024
Table of Contents
The Rise of a Phenomenal Actor
Few actors have had as diverse a filmography as the great Paul Dano. From comedic and lighthearted films to dark and emotionally driven roles, his ability as an actor and his performances in these movies are like no other. Alongside acting, Dano is also a director as he made his directorial debut with the 2018 film ‘Wildlife’, which is an adaptation of the Richard Ford novel of the same name and stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Carey Mulligan. The talented actor first started out on Broadway at a young age and made his debut on screen for the film, ‘The Newcomers’ in 2000. Since then, Dano has appeared in many notable movies and television series and earned several awards for his performances. Here is a look back at his best roles and the films he has starred in.
After his debut in ‘The Newcomers’, Paul Dano made a name for himself for his part in ‘Little Miss Sunshine’, which would bring him international fame. The film is a drama-comedy about a family of 6 going on a road trip to California to support their daughter’s dream of winning the Little Miss Sunshine contest. The family dynamic is often dysfunctional as the film follows them on their journey toward the golden state and how they solve family and car problems along the way. Starring alongside Toni Colette, Steve Carell, Alan Arkin, Abigail Breslin, and Greg Kinnear, Dano played the role of Dwayne Hoover, the typical cynical teenager who hates the world, but as the story progresses, Dano portrays a charming young teen who truly cares for his family. Fans of the actor and film enthusiasts might recognize the iconic scene of “Dwayne’s Breakdown” which became a recognizable moment from the movie highlighting Dano’s abilities as a young actor. His performance in the movie led him to win awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Young Actor from various film festivals and Screen Actor Guild awards.
Eli and Paul Sunday in ‘There Will Be Blood’ (2007)
A year following the release of ‘Little Miss Sunshine’, Dano starred in Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘There Will Be Blood’ alongside Daniel Day Lewis. It is a period-drama film that was an adaptation of the book ‘Oil!’ by Upton Sinclair. Dano portrays the twins Eli Sunday and Paul Sunday, who suspect Plainview of his wrongdoings. The film earned Day-Lewis his second Best Actor Oscar, and Dano won Best Supporting Actor from the Chlotrudis Awards. Dano was only 23 years old at the time and was an indie actor. He was originally given a minor part in the film, but the actor who was supposed to play Eli and Paul dropped out at the last minute. Thomas Anderson then desperately gave the role to Dano, in which the actor delivered his most visceral performance. Dano’s ability to keep up with his Oscar-winning co-star on short notice should be praised in itself.
A year before the release of ‘Love & Mercy’, Dano did star in many award-winning films, such as Steve McQueen’s ‘12 Years a Slave’ and Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Prisoners’. Although those films are incredibly notable, it was ‘Love & Mercy’ that got Dano his first Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. ‘Love & Mercy’ is directed by Bill Pohlad and is a biographical drama that follows the life of the Beach Boys member Brian Wilson. The actor portrays young Wilson, whereas his co-star, John Cusack, portrays the current and older Wilson. Given Dano’s musical background as a singer, his abilities as a musician helped him perform throughout the film. The story follows Brian Wilson’s life as a Beach Boys member as he is being manipulated by his abusive therapist, played by Paul Giamatti. Dano was praised for effectively portraying the Beach Boy’s mannerisms and his depiction of Wilson’s perfectionism as a musician.
Directed by the award-winning director of ‘Parasite’, Bong Joon-ho creates an action-adventure movie that explores all aspects of humanity and ethics. The film is about a young girl and her relationship with her massive genetically modified pig-like pet, Okja. Living in the mountains of South Korea, Okja is taken away from her by the corporation that made the animal and takes her to New York. The film follows the young girl’s journey in reuniting with her pet and is met with Paul Dano’s Jay, who leads an animal liberation activist group that assists her in freeing Okja. Jay’s character is a fan favorite as Dano’s performance is captivating and entertaining as the examination of animal cruelty is recognizable throughout his delivery of the character. The movie has a star-studded cast as Dano plays alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, Steven Yeun, and Tilda Swinton.
In his most recent role, Paul Dano plays the terminally online Riddler in Matt Reeves’ iconic ‘The Batman’. Robert Pattinson portrays the tortured billionaire and caped crusader Bruce Wayne. Dano’s Riddler is the catalyst that shapes the entirety of the movie. His portrayal is a stark contrast to Jim Carrey’s version in ‘Batman Forever’ as Dano delivers a haunting depiction that further brings a darker interpretation of this character. These types of roles are no different than the ones Dano has played in the past, as his portrayal of the Riddler is reminiscent of his performances in ‘Prisoners’ and ‘Swiss Army Man’. ‘The Batman’ not only highlights Dano’s ability as an actor, but it has finally put his skills on the mainstream screen.
From an indie actor to playing iconic villains, Paul Dano has an eclectic and diverse filmography that is constantly entertaining viewers. In 2022, the actor starred in Steven Spielberg’s new biographical film, ‘The Fabelmans, where Dano portrayed Spielberg’s father. His recent filmography also includes ‘Dumb Money,’ in the lead role of Keith Gill, TV series ‘Pantheon’ and ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’, and the 2024 movie ‘Spaceman.’
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
Anica Muñoz is a writer and an aspiring film producer with a passion for media and entertainment. She strongly considers storytelling to be a powerful tool that bridges the divide between communities. Anica enjoys films that showcase a diversity of voices and brings forth empowerment for a wide group of individuals. From her writing, she believes in creating a positive impact with her analysis and reviews of films by exploring the power of human connection within these stories. Her perspective towards consuming entertainment is driven by compassion which aligns itself with the mission of The Hollywood Insider.Anica hopes to share her enthusiasm and love for cinema with others through her work.
Anica Muñoz is a writer and an aspiring film producer with a passion for media and entertainment. She strongly considers storytelling to be a powerful tool that bridges the divide between communities. Anica enjoys films that showcase a diversity of voices and brings forth empowerment for a wide group of individuals. From her writing, she believes in creating a positive impact with her analysis and reviews of films by exploring the power of human connection within these stories. Her perspective towards consuming entertainment is driven by compassion which aligns itself with the mission of The Hollywood Insider.Anica hopes to share her enthusiasm and love for cinema with others through her work.
Anica Muñoz is a writer and an aspiring film producer with a passion for media and entertainment. She strongly considers storytelling to be a powerful tool that bridges the divide between communities. Anica enjoys films that showcase a diversity of voices and brings forth empowerment for a wide group of individuals. From her writing, she believes in creating a positive impact with her analysis and reviews of films by exploring the power of human connection within these stories. Her perspective towards consuming entertainment is driven by compassion which aligns itself with the mission of The Hollywood Insider.Anica hopes to share her enthusiasm and love for cinema with others through her work.
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