Opinion: The Best Cinematic Performances from Singers and Musicians

Bjork in Dancer In The Dark

Now as infamous for his offscreen comments as his controversial onscreen creations, director Lars Von Trier is still acknowledged as having created one of the century’s most important films with his complex musical drama, Dancer In The Dark. A story of a visually impaired immigrant striving to live happily in the wonderful America she had seen on the silver screen, Trier cast Bjork in the lead role. The singer’s performance is heartbreaking and brilliant, as she captures her character’s idealism and resilience – which makes the second half all the more crushing when she is brutally pushed to a dismal end. Bjork has said that the film experience was brutal and abusive, which now adds a complex and difficult layer to the viewing experience, but it’s her raw talent and empathy that shine through in this unconventional film.

David Bowie in Labyrinth

David Bowie had already proven that he could carry a film with his delightfully odd but warm performance in The Man Who Fell To Earth – not that anyone had ever doubted that the boundary-breaking star could believably embody an alien. But it was his role in Jim Henson’s beloved family film Labyrinth that quickly became iconic. His scene-stealing performance as Jareth the Goblin King was a blend of camp humour and seductive sexuality. Bowie is clearly relishing every moment as the mystical, singing, world-flipping King, and his enthusiasm is infectious.

Mariah Carey in Precious

Mariah Carey has – not unknowingly – cultivated a public persona of a high maintenance diva, always ready to perform or put someone down with an epic, scathing one-liner. However, for her role in Precious, Carey abandoned her usual image in favour of playing a stern, no-nonsense social worker. Dressed down with no make-up and brunette hair, Carey’s performance as someone trying to protect an abused teenager was imbued with an incredible blend of weariness and pathos. Playing opposite the formidable Monique and Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe, Carey demonstrated remarkable acting chops. Watch it and you’ll never think of Glitter again.

Mick Jagger in Performance

True, Mick Jagger’s performance in Donald Cammell and Nicolas Roeg’s iconic 1970 British crime drama may simply see the Rolling Stones’ frontman playing himself, but there’s no denying that he brings a charisma and swagger that perfectly fits the character. Jagger stars as Turner, a reclusive and manipulative rock star who has abandoned his career – but isn’t surrendering the sex or drugs of his previous lifestyle. When he welcomes an ex-gangster into his life of hedonistic luxury, events get out of control. With the help of some hallucinogenic visuals, Performance is filled with a nightmarish air of menace that sees the characters play with the boundaries of reality and identity, and Jagger is mesmerising throughout.