Most commercially successful films tend to have big budgets, large cast and action taking place over several locations. But there are some films which take the risk of featuring just two actors, often limiting the action to one location and placing the emphasis on dialogue and the delivery of memorable performances. These ten films are as notable for their captivating and often poignant content, as they are for the skillful, powerful performances delivered by just the two actors who carry the weight of the entire film.

10. Hell In The Pacific

I do not own the rights to this graet war movie 2 men on an island ww2

This 1968 film is set during World War II and tells the story of two soldiers, an American pilot (Lee Marvin) and a Japanese navy captain (Toshiro Mifune), as they fight for survival after becoming stranded on a deserted island in the Pacific Island. They must put aside their hostility and attempt to work with each other if they are to survive, whilst drawing audiences in with their engaging character portrayals.

9. Paranormal Activity

if you can't see zombie movies, don't watch this trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmC6ojtgyXI Ok, this is the hottest new 'Blair Witch Project' -esque movie. We are alone at home and weird freaky things are happening. Do you believe? Coming to theaters on September 25, 2009.

This film has become a horror success. The plot centers around a couple, following their move to a suburban house, as they are faced with increasingly demonic forces in their new home. “Despite its low-budget, this film succeeds in creating suspense, terror and keeping viewers gripped to the very end” says Donald Pennington, an arts blogger at Draftbeyond and Lastminutewriting.

8. My Dinner With Andre

Trailer for the 1981 film "My Dinner with Andre"

Set over the course of a dinner, the film focuses on two friends (played by Wallace Shawn and Andre Gregory), as they discuss the nature of life. This is a film which artfully uses captivating and noteworthy dialogue to ensure the audience remain engaged until the last frame.

7. Before Sunrise

An American college student (Academy Award-nominated Ethan Hawke - "Training Day," "Snow Falling on Cedars") is 14 hours away from leaving Europe and returning to the United States. But a chance encounter with a French student (Julie Delpy - "An American Werewolf in Paris," "Europa, Europa") leads to a spontaneous and ultimately romantic excursion to Vienna where the two share their experiences about life and love before he heads back home.

The first in the 'Before' trilogy, Before Sunrise is the story of two strangers who meet whilst travelling on a train in Europe. Despite deciding to spend the day exploring together, they know this may be their only night together. The strength and success of this film lies in its realistic conversation and relatable characters.

6. The Sunset Limited

Subscribe to HBO: http://itsh.bo/10qIqsj Samuel L. Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones star in the HBO Film "The Sunset Limited."

Performed by Samuel L Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones, The Sunset Limited is a film adaption of a play by the same title. It explores the philosophical debate of what makes life worth living, as Jackson's character tries to persuade Jones' that he shouldn't end his own life, all in the confines of a New York apartment. Captivating performances by both actors make this film worth watching.

5. Sleuth

The theatrical trailer of Sleuth (1972)

Set in grounds of an aging writer's estate, the plot follows the confrontation between the aging writer and his wife's younger lover. Thrilling and full of suspense, the 1972 film staring Laurence Olivier and Michael Cain, was remade in 2002 with Caine as the writer and Jude Law as the lover. Sleuth is a thriller which keeps audiences gripped until the final twist.

4. Misery

Novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) crashes his car on a snowy New England road. He is found by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), the "number one fan" of Paul's heroine Misery Chastaine. Annie is also somewhat unstable, and Paul finds himself crippled, drugged and at her mercy. Directed by: Rob Reiner.

One of the best known horror films, Misery tell the story of a writer who is rescued from a car crash and cared for by one of his fans, only to discover that he is now her captive and subject to her violent abuse. The tension and exceptional performances in this film have made it a horror classic.

3. Gerry

Two men, both called Gerry (Matt Damon and Casey Affleck,),find their friendship tested as they journey into the American wilderness without food or water on their search for 'the thing'. Directed by Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Milk) and written by Affleck, Damon and Van Sant.

This is the first film in the 'Death' trilogy and focuses on the friendship of two young men as they wander into the desert and become lost. “The film explores what happens when people are tested to their limits. The powerful dialogue keeps the audience hooked, but equally long stretches of silence heighten the sense of despair felt by the two characters and make the film more believable” explains Margie Burke, a movies blogger at Writinity and Researchpapersuk.

2. Gravity

http://www.gravitymovie.com https://www.facebook.com/gravitymovie In theaters October 4th. Academy Award® winners Sandra Bullock ("The Blind Side," "The Proposal") and George Clooney ("Up in the Air," "Syriana") star in "Gravity," a heart-pounding thriller that pulls you into the infinite and unforgiving realm of deep space. The film was directed by Oscar® nominee Alfonso Cuarón ("Children of Men").

Set in outer space, Gravity follows two astronauts (Sandra Bullock and George Clooney) as they try to work together to return to Earth after becoming stranded in space following an accident. Whilst the tension and fear felt by the characters captivates the audience, it is the visually impressive work by director Alfonso Cuaron which makes this film one to watch.

1. Antichrist

Antichrist (2009) - Trailer Click here to subscribe: http://bit.ly/1EwepLs Click here to sign up for Shudder Beta: http://bit.ly/1K149el Directed By Lars von Trier ⋅ Denmark ⋅ 108 min A husband must deal with his wife's dangerous behavior after the death of their son in Danish provocateur Lars Von Trier's notoriously gruesome arthouse shocker.

This raw and dark film delves into the reality of loss and grief. Following the death of their son, who falls to his death whilst his parents are making love, the couple retreat to their cabin. Despite their efforts to repair their lives, this film unflinchingly explores the brutal and violent unravelling of the characters' psyches. Hailed as one of the most evocative and unique two-man films, it is well-worth watching.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashley Halsey, a professional writer with Lucky Assignments and Gum Essays , is involved in many lifestyle and movie projects all over the United States. A true foodie, she enjoys discovering new restaurants and tasting local cuisines everywhere she goes.