His 1998 big film debut is overlooked way too often.

There was a reason in the editing phase of The Thin Red Line, Terrence Malick unexpectedly shifted much of the film's character focus from the likes of Adrien Brody and other rising stars and big names, to the totally unassuming and unknown Caviezel. If nothing else, watch that film for the performance of Caviezel, as well as Elias Koteas and Nick Nolte. It's hilarious that the likes of Hollywood hot properties Travolta, Clooney, and Cusack had bit parts.

Its also important to note that the contentious scenes between Caviezel and Sean Penn were hardly even acting; they had a true clash of worldviews and outlooks on set, that came through in the dialogue and body language, which Malick encouraged for the characters to reflect the dynamic between the actors.