Applause, Applause;
Matthew Fox
Charlie, Party Of Five
Outstanding performer for the week of Nov. 3
Watching Party Of Five's Charlie receive, comprehend and then cope with the news that he has cancer ranked right up there with last year's fabulously acted episode focusing on Bailey's intervention. The main difference: That episode was an ensemble effort. Nov 5 it was pure Matthew Fox (Charlie), and pure perfection.
Fox' choices in terms of his character have always been right on the mark. He plays Charlie's strengths and weaknesses with such precision that more often than ot the line between actor and character disappears. This time was no exception - from the moment the suit that used to fit Charlie like a glove fell off this body, to the doctor telling him he has Hodgkin's disease.
Having felt nauseous and run-down, Charlie knew something was wrong, but he never suspected a life-threatening disease. The words the doctor spoke were dramatic enough, but Party enhanced the scene by allowing Charlie to mentally withdraw from the situation. The camera focused on him as the background dimmed and the doctor's voice, detailing the treatment hhe would need to undergo, began to echo and fade. The only thing missing was the sound of Charlie's heart beating.
Charlie didn't want to put a damper on sister Julia's wedding, so he decided not to tell his family just yet. However, he couldn't hide it from his ex-fancee, Kirsten. He broke down, and the pain and anguish not only registered on his tear-stricken face but in his body movements and voice.
The writing and dialogue, as always, were superb, but it was Fox who pulled it all together, and allowed viewers to experience every emotion Charlie was feeling.
It's my party and I'll cry if I want to.
You burn and burn to get under my skin.
You can touch me if you want to.