I haven't heard a word about this performance in Oscar discussions, and the actor is mostly unknown, but when I saw the film I thought, "He could be a dark horse candidate for a supporting actor nod." I don't think it's a perfect performance -- sometimes leans a bit far into excess -- but it's a memorable one: multiple money scenes in a very showy role.

This seems to be a wide-open year for supporting actors; only Heath Ledger seems to be a lock for a nod, and maybe Philip Seymour Hoffman if voters decide to follow the campaign and put him in supporting for "Doubt." "Changeling" didn't set the box office on fire and critics didn't rave, but if any of the critics awards throw him a bone (even a runner-up citation), I think he can gather momentum. After all, a serial killer won this category last year (Javier Bardem, "No Country for Old Men").

Thoughts?

Is he the serial killer? Yes, he was excellent and I had the same thoughts as you. In fact, the Reel Geezers said he was the best performance in the film.

Basically he has 2 chances slim and none.

Honey, if Angelina is having a hard time making the cut, then this kid, while good, doesn't stand a chance.

I definitely did not like Changeling, but his performance was good. I think in order for James Butler Harner to get nominated, the other performaces have to flop. There are too many performances already in the Best Supporting Actor category. He'll definitely be overlooked.

I've seen his name on a few Oscar prediction sites(awardscircuit, everythingoscar). They have him still in the running, but I do remember seeing him top 10 on one of those sites earlier in the year if memory serves me right. Maybe he was bumped down because the film was not universally praised?

All sites have his name as Jason Butler Harner btw.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Pats12Fan,

A bit off topic but speaking of good performances in Changeling, Jeffrey Donovan should also not be overlooked. He was great as the corrupt Captain of the LA police.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: NovicMode,

I hope Changeling gets an ensemble SAG nomination. I think that's Harner's only shot.
Ensemble recognition would be so great for Jolie, Malkovich, Ryan, Kelly, Wood, Harner, and all of those fabulous child actors.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: babypook,

He was excellent! Plenty of standout scenes. But they better concentrate/ensure Angelina gets in first.

quote:

Originally posted by NovicMode:
A bit off topic but speaking of good performances in Changeling, Jeffrey Donovan should also not be overlooked. He was great as the corrupt Captain of the LA police.

Except for the fact that his accent would go from Super-Boston to Moderately Boston to Not-Boston-At-All.

James Butler Harner was excellent but as someone else said if Angelina Jolie, one of the biggest stars in the world, is not sure bet for best actress than this no-name kid has basically no shot at all.

quote:

Originally posted by pacinofan:

quote:

Originally posted by NovicMode:
A bit off topic but speaking of good performances in Changeling, Jeffrey Donovan should also not be overlooked. He was great as the corrupt Captain of the LA police.

Except for the fact that his accent would go from Super-Boston to Moderately Boston to Not-Boston-At-All.

James Butler Harner was excellent but as someone else said if Angelina Jolie, one of the biggest stars in the world, is not sure bet for best actress than this no-name kid has basically no shot at all.

I thought Donovan's accent was supposed to be "Irish-Boston" and thought he got along fine with it. Donovan, Michael Kelly, Colm Feore, and, of course, Harner, all held their own if not upstaged Jolie in the scenes they shared, making the film feel more like an ensemble piece than probably intended. Harner was a memorable standout, and, although I deem him as worthy as Heath Ledger of a nomination, I don't think he will make the short list.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: CineBear,

To discuss Jeffrey Donovan, I'm a fan of his from his USA series "Burn Notice" but found him miscast here. I too found the accent less-than-convincing and the characterization too thin (also a shortcoming of the screenplay). Too much mustache-twirling for me.

quote:

Originally posted by NovicMode:
A bit off topic but speaking of good performances in Changeling, Jeffrey Donovan should also not be overlooked. He was great as the corrupt Captain of the LA police.

Yeah, I liked him too. I seriously could not tell whether I hated J.J. Jones (Donovan) more than Northcott (Harner). Obviously Northcott is a way worse person, but Jones was such a bastard towards Christine Collins (Jolie).

But I actually think, aside from Angelina Jolie, the true standout of this film was Amy Ryan. She had a few scenes, but I thought she was a breath of fresh air in this very intense film. I loved her line when she said "F*** you and the horse you rode in on," but I really wish that out of everyone, it would be Amy Ryan who would be recognized along with Jolie, but it seems to be that the only actor in this film that has a chance is Jolie, who really deserves a nomination for her amazing role in this movie. As much as I would love for Changeling to be nominated for Best Picture, unfortunately, I realize it most likely won't, but hopefully Jolie will get a nomination. As for Harner, I thought he was great in the film, and very freaky too, just like with the way Northcott acted, especially the scene when he was getting arrested in Canada and he was laughing, it was that crazy person laugh... His character will be a memorable character, but in such a crowded category, a precursor like the Globes or the SAGs would have to nominate him to make him a stronger contender.