Video: A sampling of the genius of Philip Seymour Hoffman

The world lost one of its greatest actors Sunday with the passing of Philip Seymour Hoffman. Many writers have written beautifully about the tender artist who brought empathy and compassion to a host of sad, angry, righteous, complicated, confused, funny, heartbroken and brilliant characters. (Check out A.O. Scott in the New York Times, Alex Pappademas on Grantland.com and Tom Junod on Esquire.com).

Hoffman made every movie in which he appeared one worth watching.

Below we take a look at a sampling of his genius. (There is, of course, some coarse language in some of them).

As the pathetic, heartbroken, helpless and lovable Scotty J. in “Boogie Nights” …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTMYcSU_HCc

As the tortured, angry, persecuted and possibly guilty Father Brendan Flynn in “Doubt” …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuJ2soRp1VI

As the sweet, generous nurse Phil Pharma in “Magnolia” …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k0-pSCwcx4

As a grieving, devastated widower addicted to huffing gasoline in “Love Liza” …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRSGQsFnwTo

As the generous, sympathetic Lester Bangs in “Almost Famous”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzY2pWrXB_0

As the sleazy sociopath in “Punch-Drunk Love” …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE2FCCZ50VU

As the brown-nosing goofball Brandt in “The Big Lebowski” …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmA-WSNhmRQ

As the insecure, arrogant, social climber Truman Capote in “Capote” …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwpVqRLsVSI

As the sad, existential Caden Cotard in “Synecdoche, New York” …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRsjYSYR7w0

As a disturbed and perverted man named Allen in “Happiness” …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkKy1zOieaY

As charismatic, alcoholic cult leader Lancaster Dodd in “The Master” …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw54-yDc6Jg

As the angry, aggrieved and righteous Gust Avrakotos in “Charlie Wilson’s War” …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=066BFGk6QvA