Gary Oldman is one of the most diverse actors I know. Other names that come to mind are Johnny Depp, Russell Crowe, Daniel Day-Lewis, and many others who are equally deserving.
But Gary Oldman has always had a soft spot in my heart as one of my favorite actors. I wish I had reasonable analysis, other than "I know what I know." But I don't.
Having said that, let me again say: he is probably the most diverse actor I've seen. Obviously, these kinds of thing are up for debate. But let me submit to you...
Sid Vicious
Rosencrantz
Lee Harvey Oswald
Mason Verger
Dracula
Commissioner Gordon
Carnegie
Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
Sirius Black
Shelly Runyon
Ludwig van Beethoven
Rev. Arthur Dimmesdale
Ivan Korshunov
Pontius Pilate
(and one of my favorites...)
Agent Stansfield
Now, before the accusations of man-crush start flying, I will address them upfront: they are absolutely true.
Seriously, though, this was my attempt to illustrate just how awesome of an actor Gary Oldman is. Diverse, loses himself in a role, gives 110%, etc. As a cinephile, it's a real joy to watch him transform himself on-screen.
Agree or disagree?
P.S. This says it all...