Before he was a Delta Force commando, the Hulk, or James Bond, Eric Bana gave a star turn as a slightly more complicated protagonist -- Mark "Chopper" Read, a real-life criminal turned media darling with a flair for the kind of violence that would make Quentin Tarantino blush. It's a stunning role and a stunning performance, especially when you learn the extent of the actor's physical and emotional transformation. Who would've guessed that Bana, before turning to film, was one of Australia's most popular stand-up comedians. Of course, before turning to memoirs and talk shows, Chopper was one of Australia's "most dangerous criminals." So maybe, after all, they were made for each other.

Harold Check