Not many actors have earned appreciation of Dustin Hoffman. Since the 1970’s, Hoffman has become an icon in the film industry. Whether its graduate students, Autistic savants or reporters, Hoffman has played several characters. Given the number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Kramer v. Kramer
Divorce is a devastating process causing families to face stress. It’s challenging to deal with damage caused by the end of a marriage. A process causing a heavy toll, divorce leads the lives of happily married couples to spiral out of control. Whether it’s arguments between spouses or lives of children that are affected, divorce leaves families deteriorated. Few films I’ve ever seen have managed to capture the devastating nature of divorce as powerfully as “Kramer v. Kramer”. Released in 1979, Dustin Hoffman’s Oscar-winning movie did an extraordinary job of capturing a marriage ending in tragedy. In arguably the greatest role of his career, Dustin Hoffman embodies a man stuck in a broken marriage beyond repair. This is Hoffman unlike you’ve ever seen him: intense, charismatic and and emotional in his most sensitive role. Hoffman uses his powerful voice to capture a man facing a marriage tragedy. For instance, the scene in which Kramer and Joanna have a tense argument after she decides to leave him is the most emotional work the actor has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “Kramer v. Kramer” Dustin Hoffman’s greatest film is its message. The film delivers a commemorated message touching everyone experiencing a broken marriage at an early age. As someone that has witnessed divorce in my own family, I identified with the film’s message. A devastating depiction of stress experienced by couples during the divorce process, it’s a dazzling reminder about an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to impress audiences whose movies deserve success.
2. Rain Man
Autism is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has commonly struggled to tell realistic stories about individuals with intellectual disabilities. As someone that suffers from Autism, I find that most movies about the condition are rarely ever true to reality. However, “Rain Man” is an exception. Released in 1988, Dustin Hoffman’s movie did an extraordinary job of depicting Autism on the big-screen. In the most challenging role of his career, Dustin Hoffman embodies the larger-than-life personality of an Autistic savant carrying a burden to bear. It isn’t easy for an able-bodied actor to portray a person with an intellectual disability, but Hoffman succeeds. Hoffman beautifully uses his body language to capture the strong emotions experienced by a sensitive Autistic savant. For instance, the scene in which Raymond experiences a nervous breakdown hearing deafening noises of the smoke alarm is one of the highlights of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Rain Man” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about brotherhood that would resonate with anyone that has bonded with siblings at an early age. As someone bonding with my brother, I identified strongly with the movie. Nearly 20 years following the release of a fantastic film about Autistic savants embarking on road trips that are catastrophic, it’s a terrific reminder of an actor that thrives given dramatic roles in movies considered iconic.
3. The Graduate
The life of a graduate student is often aimless. Years ago, my life lacked clear purpose when I graduated from university. Unable to find a stable job, employment or purpose, I questioned what I was doing with my life. Uncertain about my future, I spent most of my time engaging in hobbies I had grown to treasure. Few films I’ve seen have captured my feelings as powerfully as “The Graduate”. Ever since its release in 1967, Dustin Hoffman’s movie about aimless graduate students has stood the test of time as a classic. One of the major reasons why the film is considered a classic is because of Dustin Hoffman. In the most iconic role of his career, Hoffman embodies an aimless graduate student that engages in an affair. Hoffman effectively uses silences to capture a graduate student put in an awkward situation of being seduced by an older woman. For instance, Hoffman’s strengths as an actor are evident in the scene in which Benjamin is seduced for the first time by Mrs. Robinson. Ultimately, “The Graduate” stands out in Hoffman’s career because of its message. The film delivers a poignant message about graduate students with which everyone would engage. As someone struggling to find a purpose in life, I related to it. Nearly 60 years after the release of a film about graduate students engaging in affairs causing lives to deteriorate, it’s an inspirational reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to captivate whose movies audiences appreciate.
4. Tootsie
It isn’t easy for actors to portray drag roles in movies. Actors commonly face certain challenges when they are given the formidable task of dressing up as women. Dressing up as drag queens is a demanding job that often requires a certain degree of commitment. Despite challenges involved in doing drag, Dustin Hoffman pulled it off effectively when he made “Tootsie”. Released in 1982, Sydney Pollack’s movie showcased the actor’s strength for comedy. In the most comical role of his career, Dustin Hoffman embodies an actor that dresses up as a woman without fear. It’s a larger-than-life character giving the actor an opportunity to showcase his aptitude for comedy. For instance, the scene in which Michael earns the role at an audition for a movie dressed up as a woman showcases the actor’s aptitude for comedy. Ultimately, what makes “Tootsie” a standout film in Hoffman’s career is its message. The film delivers a poignant message about pursuing dreams which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 20 years after the release of an inspiring film about actors dressing up as women facing obstacles that are challenging, it’s an inspiring reminder of an actor thriving playing compelling characters whose movies are worth celebrating.
5. All the President’s Men
Journalism is a dry subject that rarely ever makes for entertaining movies. Hollywood has struggled to shine a spotlight on a subject that’s rarely engaging. I find most movies about journalism a chore to sit through. That being said, “All the President’s Men” is an exception. Released in 1976, Alan J. Pukula’s movie shed light on journalists that investigated the Watergate scandal. In the most methodical role of his career, Dustin Hoffman embodies a dedicated journalist that is determined to investigate a controversial scandal causing fear. It’s a role giving the actor an opportunity to showcase talent for playing characters with a focus on achieving goals. For instance, the scene in which Carl and Bob have a conversation about the Watergate scandal showcases the actor’s strength. Ultimately, what makes the film a classic is its timely message. It delivers a message about the importance of truth with which everyone can engage. 60 years following the release of a film about journalists that uncovered a shocking scandal, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives given opportunity to play compelling characters in movies that are intellectual.
6. Midnight Cowboy
Dustin Hoffman has established a successful career by playing heroes that are likeable. Ever since his career began years ago, Hoffman has excelled at playing a hero. With his attractive looks, charming personality and soul, Hoffman has always fit into a heroic role. In a career filled with heroic characters that give audiences joy, it’s worth discussing “Midnight Cowboy”. Released in 1969, John Schlesinger’s movie found the actor playing a cowboy with a temperamental personality. In the most villainous role of his career, Dustin Hoffman took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a cowboy evoking fear. 50 years after the release of a classic film about cowboys that fight obstacles at midnight, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to shine when he makes movies that shine light on issues hidden in plain sight.
7. Lenny
When it comes to the most successful comedians in American history, it’s worth discussing Lenny Bruce. A world-famous standup comedian, Lenny earned a strong reputation. With his larger-than-life presence, sharp sense of humour and exuberant personality, Lenny achieved a huge fan following. In 1974, Dustin Hoffman did an excellent job of bringing the legendary standup comedian’s life to the big-screen in his film “Lenny”. In his first ever biographical role, Hoffman embodies a musician whose life spirals out of control. It isn’t easy to embody the personality of a famous standup comedian, but Hoffman succeeds tremendously. A lovely tribute to a legendary standup comedian that built a lasting legacy, it’s a luminous reminder of a commemorated actor thriving playing larger-than-life characters in movies audiences love dearly.
8. Straw Dogs
Sexual assault is a tough topic rarely depicted in movies in ways that are realistic. Hollywood has often shied away from stories of sexual assault. Filmmakers are afraid of tackling a sensitive subject which rarely attracts audiences to theatres. In an industry that has often shied away from stories of sexual assault, it’s worth recognizing “Straw Dogs”. Released in 1971, Dustin Hoffman’s movie did an excellent job of depicting sexual assault on the big-screen. In the most intense role of his career, Hoffman embodies a courageous man protecting his wife from rape causing despair. It’s a sensitive subject, but Hoffman handles it extremely well. Nearly 60 years following the release of an iconic film about families facing sexual assault, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor without a fault whose films deserve to be treasured in a vault.
9. Stranger Than Fiction
Sometimes, the sign of a great actor comes across when they steal the show in a supporting role. Dustin Hoffman has always had the rare ability to leave a strong impression in a small role with limited screen-time. Hoffman’s strength for leaving a lasting impression in small roles is evident in his film “Stranger than Fiction”. In the briefest role of his career, Hoffman embodies a literature professor that assists people in need of help. It’s a role giving the actor an opportunity to showcase his strong screen presence. Despite being a supporting role with limited screen-time, Hoffman steals every scene he’s in. A spectacular glimpse inside the mind of a man whose life is stranger than fiction, it’s a sensational reminder of an actor that thrives given opportunities to play supporting roles in which he leaves a strong impression.
10. Kung Fu Panda
Few films in the animated genre are as beloved as “Kung Fu Panda”. Following release in 2008, the film about a panda learning kung-fu has become a classic children appreciate. Arguably, the main reason why the film is considered a classic is because of Dustin Hoffman. In his first ever animated role, Hoffman embodies a wise mentor that gives kung-fu fighters a goal. As Master Shifu, Dustin Hoffman created an inspiring character that children value. Through his commanding voice, Hoffman creates an animated character that’s compelling. It’s refreshing to see an actor known for his dramatic work take a risk by starring in an animated movie. As strong as Po’s desire to become a strong panda, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with charisma whose movies made in a past era I will forever treasure for shaping my love of Cinema.
The Film Buff 
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