As an actor, it's important to stay informed and inspired by the wide range of films out there, and these 20 movies are a great place to start. Each one offers a unique perspective on the craft of acting and the film-making process and can help actors to develop their skills, expand their understanding of the industry, and gain a deeper appreciation for the art of cinema.
"Glengarry Glen Ross" - This film is a masterclass in acting, featuring an all-star cast that includes Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, and Kevin Spacey. The film tells the story of a group of struggling real estate salesmen and the cutthroat world they inhabit. The performances are raw, powerful, and incredibly effective in conveying the desperation and ambition of the characters.
"Glory" - This film tells the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the first all-black regiments to fight for the Union during the Civil War. The film features powerful performances from Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and Andre Braugher, and is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation in the film industry.
"Fargo" - A classic film from the Coen Brothers, "Fargo" features a standout performance from Frances McDormand as a small-town police chief investigating a series of murders. The film is known for its sharp writing, quirky characters, and unexpected twists and turns, and is a must-see for any actor looking to develop their skills in comedy and crime genres.
"A Woman Under the Influence" - A powerful and intense film directed by John Cassavetes, this film stars Gena Rowlands as a woman struggling with mental illness. The film is a tour-de-force of acting, with Rowlands giving a raw, powerful performance that is both painful and beautiful to watch.
"Fitzcarraldo" - This film tells the true story of a man who dreams of building an opera house in the Amazon rainforest. The film features a mesmerizing performance from Klaus Kinski, who completely immerses himself in the role and brings a sense of madness and obsession to the character.
"Short Term 12" - A powerful and emotional film that tells the story of a group of young people living in a foster care facility. The film features strong performances from its young cast, and is a great example of how powerful and impactful performances can be when they are rooted in reality and authenticity.
"Blue Jasmine" - This film stars Cate Blanchett as a wealthy socialite who is forced to confront the reality of her life after her husband's financial scandal. The film is a masterclass in acting, with Blanchett giving a powerful and nuanced performance that showcases her range and skill as an actress.
"My Left Foot" - This film stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Christy Brown, a man with cerebral palsy who becomes a successful author and painter. Day-Lewis gives an unforgettable performance, completely immersing himself in the role and bringing a sense of authenticity and vulnerability to the character.
"Dog Day Afternoon" - A classic film directed by Sidney Lumet, this film stars Al Pacino as a man who robs a bank in order to pay for his lover's sex-reassignment surgery. The film is known for its intense and realistic performances, with Pacino giving a raw and powerful performance that is both thrilling and heartbreaking.
"Parallel Mothers" - This film, directed by Tessa Louise-Salomé, tells the story of a woman who has to confront her past and her mother's past to be able to move on with her life. The film stars two powerful actresses, Isabelle Huppert, and Emmanuelle Béart, and their performances are considered among their best.
"Mean Streets," directed by Martin Scorsese, is a classic film about the criminal underworld in New York City, and it features a breakout performance by Robert De Niro as a small-time hood. The film is known for its gritty realism and its ability to capture the feeling of the streets.
"Ikiru," directed by Akira Kurosawa, is a powerful film about a man facing his own mortality, and it features a moving performance by Takashi Shimura as the lead character. The film is known for its intense and emotional performances, and it deals with the themes of death and the meaning of life.
"Boys Don't Cry," directed by Kimberley Peirce, is a powerful film about a transgender teenager, and it features a breakout performance by Hilary Swank as the lead character. The film is known for its raw and honest portrayal of a person's struggle with their identity and gender, and it deals with themes of acceptance and discrimination.
"Do the Right Thing," directed by Spike Lee, is a classic film about race relations in New York City, and it features a powerful performance by Danny Aiello as the lead character. The film is known for its sharp writing and its ability to capture the feeling of a neighborhood and the complexities of race relations.
"Bad News Bears," directed by Michael Ritchie, is a classic film about a group of misfit kids and their unorthodox coach, and it features a breakout performance by Walter Matthau as the lead character. The film is known for its offbeat humor and its ability to capture the feeling of childhood and the joy of playing the game.
"Box of Moonlight," directed by Tom DiCillo, is a film about a man who is trying to find himself, and it features a powerful performance by John Turturro as the lead character. The film is known for its offbeat humor and its ability to capture the feeling of a man's journey to find himself.
"Flirting With Disaster," directed by David O. Russell, is a comedy about a man who is trying to find his biological parents, and it features a powerful performance by Ben Stiller as the lead character. The film is known for its sharp writing and its ability to capture the feeling of a man's journey to find his roots.
"Bully," directed by Larry Clark, is a powerful film about a group of teenagers, and it features a powerful performance by Brad Renfro as the lead character. The film is known for its raw and honest portrayal of teenage life, and it deals with themes of violence and the dangers of peer pressure.
"The Usual Suspects," directed by Bryan Singer, is a classic film about a group of criminals, and it features a powerful performance by Kevin Spacey as the lead character. The film is known for its sharp writing, its ability to capture the feeling of a criminal underworld, and its mind-bending plot.
"Jockey," directed by Clint Bentley, is a powerful story about an aging Jockey striving for his final championship. Clifton Collins Jr gives a powerful performance, and the supporting performances from Moises Arias and Molly Parker are moving. The true beauty of this film is the photography and minimalist style.
Each of these films offers a unique perspective on the craft of acting and can provide valuable insights for actors of all levels. They showcase some of the best performances in cinema history, and they cover a wide range of themes and genres. They are also considered masterpieces of filmmaking and are worth studying by any aspiring actor who wants to learn and improve their craft.