Paul Dano's best movie roles

Read our full list of Paul Danos best performances.

Dano can deploy his oddball sensibilities in everything from historical dramas to broad comedies and gritty thrillers.

Here’s EW’s breakdown of Dano’s best movie performances.

L.I.E., Billy Kay, Paul Franklin Dano, 2001,

Everett Collection

It’s an unusually tranquil performance from an actor who specializes in nervousness and unease.

Dano plays the part with constant anxious astonishment, terrified of the extremity of the film’s violent action.

John sings a racist work song with grotesque glee and an unhinged glaze over his eyes.

Little Miss Sunshine

Eric Lee/Fox Searchlight

It may be surprising to hear that this film contains one of Dano’s most traditional leading performances.

He’s funny, charming, and strangely sympathetic despite his massive flaws.

He’s a terrorist who commands a legion of online followers, and he has a knack for puzzles.

There will be Blood (2007) Paul Dano

Melinda Sue Gordon/Paramount

The result is a character that’s disturbing, funny, and delightfully unpredictable.

Burt Fabelman is a computer engineer, solid dad, and giant dork whose emotions are difficult to parse.

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