Mark Ruffalo Tribute

Mark Ruffalo Is One Of The Greatest Actors Of Our Generation - Here's Why

When Mark Ruffalo mounted the stage at the Oscars to celebrate Spotlight’s Best Picture victory, I couldn’t be happier for him. He was onstage early, handing out the statues to each of the producers with an ear-to-ear grin. The award was for the team, and I’d like to think that’s exactly how Ruffalo likes to win.

He’s been nominated in the acting categories three times before. He deserves much more, but his performances aren’t the kind of showstoppers that get showered with awards. He’s subtle and meticulous, doing what’s right by the film that he’s in by disappearing into his roles. That’s his magic trick.

Like most people, I first noticed him in his breakout role in the indie sibling drama You Can Count On Me (2000), a performance that drew comparisons to Marlon Brando. But what really sold me was 2004’s Collateral, Michael Mann’s neon-lit hitman thriller. I didn’t realize that the slick detective hot on Tom Cruise’s tale was Ruffalo until the credits rolled.

And then of course there’s David Fincher’s masterpiece, Zodiac (2007), where Ruffalo turns in a tour-de-force performance as the veteran detective haunted by an unsolvable case that becomes a magnificent obsession. Ruffalo’s final words in that film, “Thank you for breakfast,” still sends a chill down my spine.

Those are highlights in a stellar career that also includes In The Cut, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Kids Are Alright, Foxcatcher, Spotlight and of course Avengers, where Ruffalo buries his grunting and growling performance under green CGI.

Before Ruffalo hulks out again in Thor: Ragnarok, you can catch him in Now You See Me 2, reprising his role as Dylan Rhodes, the sleepless FBI agent who stashes a few insane tricks up his sleeves.

In the video above, Ruffalo’s NYSM2 co-stars talk about the first time they discovered his talents, whether in his breakthrough role or his rom-com stints like 13 Going On 30. And the hilarious Lizzy Caplan shares a few surprises about Ruffalo’s dedication to the team from the movie’s magical set.

Now You See Me 2 opens in theatres on June 10th.