By Dayne Hudson
There's a saying in the world of the arts; there are no small roles, only small actors.
Call it harsh but if someone in the smallest role is no good it can really bring a film down!
But when you've got a big budget and can afford a brilliant actor for only a short amount of screen time; sometimes that's all these talented performers need to leave a lasting impression.
Here's 5 of them who managed to do just that.
5. MATTHEW McCONNAUGHEY AS MARK HANNA IN "THE WOLF OF WALL STREET"
If screen time came in sizes, this Oscar winning Texan's role here would be bite size.
But that doesn't stop Mr McConnaughey from being one of the most memorable things in Martin Scorcese's film on the life of Wall Street trader Jordan Belfort.
Lecturing an up and coming young Mr. Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) McConnaughey sets the pace and creates an unforgettable larrikan, banging his chest through a performance that fell only a few minutes short of a Best Supporting Actor nomination.
But not that it worried him, he picked up the Oscar that year for his brilliant performance in Dallas Buyers Club.
4. ALEC BALDWIN AS "BLAKE" IN "GLENGARRY GLENROSS"
Despite sharing this film with Al Pacino, absolutely one of the greatest screen actors to ever live, Alec Baldwin picks up this film and runs away with at the speed of light.
Despite only a few minutes on screen, his famous "ABC - ALWAYS BE CLOSING" speech to a group of struggling salesmen is probably one of the funniest, yet hauntingly real things every captured on screen.
As a hot shot salesman, Blake is called in from "downtown" to get everyone motivated and selling.
But Blake isn't motivating anyone without putting them down first. Good luck not cracking a smile whilst watching in awe at this one.
3. DONALD SUTHERLAND AS "X" IN "JFK"
Oliver Stone's epic film "JFK" details the alleged occurances behind the assasination of 35th American President John F. Kennedy.
It boasts many great things about film making, including brilliant acting.
But just when you think you've seen it all from the likes of Kevin Costner, Kevin Bacon, Tommy Lee Jones, Gary Oldman and more, along comes Donald Sutherland well into the story; nearly blowing everyone right off the map.
The Canadian born actor is known only as "X", and meets only New Orleans DA Jim Garrison (Costner) in a tucked away location.
He reveals the happenings before the assassination of JFK and what occured afterwards.
Not only a must watch movie, but a must watch performance by a very crafty actor.
2. BILL BOLENDER AS ELMO BLATCH IN "THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION"
If stealing a film were punishable - Bill Boldender would have been given the death penalty.
Mr Bolender didn't have a huge career; he's the least known actor in this line up.
But that doesn't mean the guy couldn't act.
"The Shawshank Redemption" is ranked on IMDB.com as the most popular and loved film of all time, so running away with a film like this one is no easy feat.
Let me say that again: It's the MOST popular and loved film of all time by imdb.com users. Think about it.
And in about 45 seconds of screen time, where his character reveals the part he played in getting the lead character of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) into Shawshank prison, Bill Bolender's Elmo Blatch characterisation will not only dazzle you but stay with you for some time.
The laugh, the smile, the teeth, the eyes.
It has to be watched to be believed.
1. HEATH LEDGER AS THE JOKER IN "THE DARK KNIGHT"
There's no question perth-born actor Heath Ledger stole the limelight in Christopher Nolan's epic Batman tale "The Dark Knight".
He talks about making the pencil dissapear in one scene - but really he made the rest of his cast members dissapear, as he ensured the audience stayed focused on him the entire time.
Ledger tragically passed away after this memorable role, with his family accepting his posthumous Best Supporting Actor Oscar at the 81st Annual Acedemy Awards in 2009.
Watch some of the magic that was Heath Ledger's Joker below.
