Few actors in Hollywood attract audiences to the theatre like Bradley Cooper. Following his recognition during the 2000’s, Cooper has become one of the greatest actors in Hollywood. Whether it’s shallow musical singers, men with bipolar disorder or guilty police officers, Cooper has portrayed several unforgettable characters. Given the number of great movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Silver Linings Playbook
It’s hard to adopt an optimistic perspective on life. After a person faces hardships causing sadness, it’s challenging to find silver linings amidst darkness. Whether it’s a devastating divorce, heartbreaking breakup or tragic loss, certain events can cause a person to adopt a negative life perspective. Personally speaking, I’ve looked at the world from a pessimistic point-of-view. Few films I’ve ever seen have encouraged me to adopt a positive outlook on the world finding silver linings as powerfully as “Silver Linings Playbook”. Released in 2012, David O. Russell’s magnificent masterpiece captures a man with Bipolar seeking to find the silver linings in his hopeless life. One of the major reasons why the film moved me so deeply is because of Bradley Cooper. In arguably the greatest role of his career, Cooper embodies a man with Bipolar struggling to find silver linings following a divorce disaster. It isn’t easy to embody the moody personality of a person with mental illness, but Cooper succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and vulnerable in his most personal role. For instance, the scene where Pat has a nervous breakdown after he fails to find his wedding video is the most emotional acting the actor has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” Cooper’s greatest movie is its meaningful message. The film delivers a moving message about the importance of finding hope amidst dark situations in life. A magnificent portrait of mental illness, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor that thrives playing complex characters in movies that shine a bright light amidst darkness.
2. The Place Beyond the Pines
Fathers are powerful figures that play pivotal roles shaping children’s futures. As far as I can remember, I’ve always shared a strong bond with my father. An inspiring role model, my father has always encouraged me to achieve goals I am pursuing. Without his words of wisdom, I may not have achieved dreams I am passionate about. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured crucial roles fathers play in lives of children facing declines as powerfully as “The Place Beyond the Pines”. In the most complex role of his career, Cooper transforms into a guilt-ridden father facing a heavy burden to bear. It’s a challenging role that requires the actor to convey emotions of guilt, but Cooper succeeds. He pulls off the feat of making a police officer committing despicable crimes a person that’s sympathetic. For instance, the scene where Avery breaks down in the forest asking for forgiveness is the most vulnerable performance the actor has ever given. Ultimately, what makes “The Place Beyond the Pines” one of Cooper’s best films is its message. The film delivers a message about roles fathers play in shaping children. As someone sharing a bond with my father, it resonated with me. A strong portrait of fatherhood, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives when he plays complex characters that are misunderstood whose movies are celebrated in Hollywood.
3. A Star is Born
Alcoholism is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often struggled to tell realistic stories of alcohol addiction on the big-screen. Movies commonly have a tendency to glamorize alcohol consumption as a positive activity rather than showing its harmful repercussions. However, “A Star is Born” is an exception. Released in 2018, Bradley Cooper’s musical masterpiece did an extraordinary job of depicting alcoholism on the big-screen. In the most complex role of his career, Cooper embodies an alcoholic musician facing despair. Not only does Cooper showcase talent for singing melodies but he captures adversities faced by individuals with alcohol addiction. Working alongside Lady Gaga who is also excellent, Cooper creates a powerful portrait of an alcohol addict. For instance, the scene where Jackson Maine breaks down in rehab after being visited by Ally captures the consequential realities of alcohol addiction. Ultimately, what makes “A Star is Born” soar is its message about mental health. It delivers a strong message about mental health which would strike a chord with everyone. A powerful portrait of alcohol addiction faced by musicians whose lives are far from shallow, it’s a strong reminder of an actor that thrives playing characters facing sorrow whose movies always give audiences dreams to follow.
4. Maestro
When it comes to the world’s greatest composers whose melodies shine, it’s worth discussing Leonard Bernstein. A classical composer that achieved fame years ago, Bernstein composed melodies which were far from shallow. As passionate as Mozart, he poured his heart into composing melodies he considered to be precious pieces of art. In 2023, Bradley Cooper beautifully brought the life of the maestro to the big-screen in his film “Maestro”. In his most melodious role, Cooper embodies a legendary musical maestro that was driven to achieve his goal. Assisted by Carey Mulligan who is also exceptional, Cooper creates a touching tribute to a real-life musician. Cooper showcased a strong sense of commitment making “Maestro” that he hasn’t shown in his previous movies. Not only did the actor embody the persona of the classical composer, but he actually learned how to conduct a musical orchestra. For instance, the scene where Leonard Bernstein conducts a live orchestra is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Maestro” stand out is its message about music. The film captures the positive impact music can have on identity. As memorable as melodies composed by Leonard Bernstein, it’s a magnificent reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to shine by portraying characters that face a decline.
5. American Hustle
Con-artists that commit criminal activities have often made for memorable movies. Audiences are drawn towards stories of con-artists that get away with committing crimes without a price to pay. Due to their surprising plot twists, movies about con-artists have great entertainment-value. Few films I’ve ever seen about con-artists that hustle are as powerful as “American Hustle”. Released in 2013, David O. Russell’s movie told the true story of the real-life ABSCAM scandal involving con-artists. In the most stylish role of his career, Bradley Cooper transforms into a real-life con artist that engaging in a massive criminal affair. It isn’t easy to embody a real-life con-man that engaged in criminal activity, but Cooper pulls it off successfully. It’s a larger-than-life role giving the actor an opportunity to showcase his talent for comic timing. In a star-studded cast filled with several outstanding actors, Cooper stands out the most. He steals nearly every scene he’s in with his perfect coming timing. Nearly 50 years after the ABSCAM scandal in which con-artists committing crimes faced danger, it’s an acknowledgement reminder of an actor that thrives portraying commemorated characters engaging in criminal activities whose movies audiences treasure.
6. American Sniper
When it comes to the deadliest snipers in U.S. history, it’s worth discussing Chris Kyle. During the Iraq War, Kyle committed a number of murders. Through his sheer dedication, Kyle became a commemorated veteran. Despite his efforts serving his country, Kyle suffered from trauma. In 2015, the American sniper’s true story was brought to the big-screen in Bradley Cooper’s film “American Sniper”. In his first ever war role, Cooper embodies a sniper that faced a heavy toll. Cooper uses his eye movements to capture a sniper that faces guilty for committing atrocities. It’s a beautiful performance offers a tribute to a hero in American history. 20 years after a sniper serving his country became an icon in America, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor with charisma playing characters facing a dilemma whose movies are treasured in Cinema.
7. Nightmare Alley
Bradley Cooper has built an image of being an actor that plays heroes with courage. Since his career began years ago, Cooper has thrived playing a hero. His likeable persona has often made him suited to playing heroes that are inspirational. With “Nightmare Alley”, however, Cooper took on his most villainous role in a movie. It isn’t easy to portray an alcoholic con-artist committing crimes in the 1930’s. It’s a tricky role requiring the actor to balance between being sympathetic and detestable. However, he pulls it off successfully. Cooper showcases heights he can achieve as an actor when he’s given chances to step out of his comfort zone. A powerful portrait of con-artists committing crimes causing a nightmare, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives playing conflicted characters in his career whose movies audiences hold dear.
8. Limitless
Drug use is a tough topic rarely depicted in movies accurately. Hollywood has always had a tendency to glamorize drug addiction in movies. In an industry that has often glamorized the limitless possibilities of drugs, “Limitless” stands out as an exception. Released in 2011, Bradley Cooper’s movie did an excellent job of depicting the harsh realities of drug addiction. In his first ever addict role, Cooper embodies a man addicted to a drug with limitless possibilities causing his life to spiral out of control. Drawing from his own personal experience as an addict, Cooper creates a portrait of drug addiction that’s realistic. A powerful portrait of consequences faced by individuals consuming drugs that are limitless, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives playing relentless characters whose timeless movies leave audiences speechless.
9. The Hangover
Bradley Cooper has always been one of those actors with a sense of humour. Ever since his career began years ago, Cooper has always excelled making comedies. Cooper’s knack for humour is clearly evident in his film “The Hangover”. Released in 2009, Todd Phillips’ movie found the actor playing an alcoholic man facing a hangover. In the most comical role of his career, Cooper embodies a reckless man addicted to alcohol that becomes a burden to bear. With his dazed expression, mumbled speech and reckless behaviour, Cooper does an excellent job capturing a man experiencing the state of a hangover. A hilarious depiction of consequences faced by individuals experiencing a hangover that’s dangerous, it’s a strong reminder of an actor that thrives playing characters that are courageous in movies audiences consider precious.
10. Guardians of the Galaxy
Few superheroes have built a legacy as strong as the guardians of the galaxy. Ever since their introduction during the 1970’s, the Guardians have got viewers hooked on a feeling. With their larger-than-life characters, teamwork and sense of humour, the Guardians have become legendary heroes. In 2014, Bradley Cooper did an excellent job of bringing the team of guardians defending the galaxy to the big-screen in his film “Guardians of the Galaxy”. In his first ever comic-book role, Cooper transformed into a raccoon with a strong goal. Through his commanding voice, Cooper created a character that’s compelling. As powerful as galaxies the guardians are driven to defend, it’s a strong reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to send viewers into a state of excitement whose celebrated movies I will always be eager to recommend.
The Film Buff 