I wasn't referring to their characterizations but rather what they have a tendency to do as actors. 

"... and the fact that he still gets away in the end, but definitely bruised by the Americana he encountered."

He actually doesn't get away. Obviously, "the Americana," which foreign filmmakers and audiences -- espeically of the European variety -- have a unique perception of, was a bit too much for him.

I rate just about every Stone film higher than U Turn. (Yes, even the much-maligned Alexander.)