Hopkins weighs in for those that didn't see it...
Anthony Hopkins says Bryan Cranston's acting in 'Breaking Bad' is the best he's ever seenAnthony Hopkins wasn't a Breaking Bad fan until just a few weeks ago, but after a marathon session bringing him from episode one through the series' conclusion, he's become simply stunned by it. "Your performance as Walter White was the best acting I have seen — ever," Hopkins allegedly writes in an email to Bryan Cranston, which was published yesterday by actor Steven Michael Quezada, who played Hank's partner, Steven Gomez. "This work of yours is spectacular — absolutely stunning," Hopkins writes.
The compliment should mean something coming from Hopkins, who is widely considered to be among the finest actors around. While Hopkins begins by commending Cranston alone, he continues to express his love of the entire series and its full cast. "What is extraordinary, is the sheer power of everyone in the entire production," Hopkins writes. "It was like a great Jacobean, Shakespearian, or Greek Tragedy." While the cast probably appreciated Hopkins letter, it only serves to underscore how disappointed fans may be to finally let it go. "That kind of work / artistry is rare," Hopkins writes, "and when, once in a while, it occurs, as in this epic work, it restores confidence."
Update: After receiving wider attention today, it appears that Quezada has pulled the Facebook post that he published the letter in. The full text of the letter — as recovered by commenter Mo.hit — is now quoted below.
Dear Mister Cranston.
I wanted to write you this email – so I am contacting you through Jeremy Barber – I take it we are both represented by UTA . Great agency.
I’ve just finished a marathon of watching "BREAKING BAD" – from episode one of the First Season – to the last eight episodes of the Sixth Season. (I downloaded the last season on AMAZON) A total of two weeks (addictive) viewing.
I have never watched anything like it. Brilliant!
Your performance as Walter White was the best acting I have seen – ever.
I know there is so much smoke blowing and sickening bullshit in this business, and I’ve sort of lost belief in anything really.
But this work of yours is spectacular – absolutely stunning. What is extraordinary, is the sheer power of everyone in the entire production. What was it? Five or six years in the making? How the producers (yourself being one of them), the writers, directors, cinematographers…. every department – casting etc. managed to keep the discipline and control from beginning to the end is (that over used word) awesome.
From what started as a black comedy, descended into a labyrinth of blood, destruction and hell. It was like a great Jacobean, Shakespearian or Greek Tragedy.
If you ever get a chance to – would you pass on my admiration to everyone – Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Aaron Paul, Betsy Brandt, R.J. Mitte, Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Steven Michael Quezada – everyone – everyone gave master classes of performance … The list is endless.
Thank you. That kind of work/artistry is rare, and when, once in a while, it occurs, as in this epic work, it restores confidence.
You and all the cast are the best actors I’ve ever seen.
That may sound like a good lung full of smoke blowing. But it is not. It’s almost midnight out here in Malibu, and I felt compelled to write this email.
Congratulations and my deepest respect. You are truly a great, great actor.
Best regards
Tony Hopkins.http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/14/4837 ... -epic-work
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