Not many actresses that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Gwyneth Paltrow. Since the 1990’s, Paltrow has become an icon. Whether it’s Shakespearean figures, political leaders or secretaries, Paltrow has played many characters. Given the number of movies that she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films produced by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Talented Mr. Ripley
Con-artists are cunning figures that can destroy families. Years ago, my family faced grief when we discovered our housekeeper was a thief. I remember a caring housekeeper that treated my family nicely in a generous manner. Dedicated to every chore, he was a person my family would adore. However, appearances are deceiving. My grandparents were shocked when they found that the housekeeper they had trusted fully had stolen jewelry. Few movies I’ve ever seen have captured how talented con-artists deceive families facing tragedy as powerfully as “The Talented Mr. Ripley”. Released in 1999, Gwyneth Paltrow’s best movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about con-artists. In the greatest role of her career, Paltrow portrays a wealthy woman that becomes victim of a talented con-artist causing despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most iconic role. Paltrow has spent most of her career playing likeable heroines in romantic movies. With “The Talented Mr. Ripley”, however, the actress took a big step out of her comfort zone by playing a helpless victim of con-artists. Working alongside Matt Damon who is also amazing, Paltrow honoured a book about con-artists that’s enduring. For instance, the scene in which Marge becomes aware that Ripley is a con-artist that murdered her husband causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Talented Mr. Ripley” Gwyneth Paltrow’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about con-artists that are targeted towards a specific audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about dangers of false identities which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about talented con-artists deceiving wealthy families through shocking crimes they have committed, it’s a riveting reminder of a great actress that has made memorable movies which definitely deserve to be appreciated.
2. Se7en
Serial killers are frightening figures that have always scared me. At an early age, I formed a lifelong fear of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered causing damage. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper faced psychotic murder. Left devastated, my family never recovered from murder that wasn’t investigated. As someone haunted by the murder of a housekeeper that caused destruction, I loved “Se7en”. Released in 1995, Gwyneth Paltrow’s movie captured psychotic serial killers committing atrocities. Paltrow is known for playing romantic heroines with larger-than-life personalities. With “Se7en”, however, she took a courageous step out of her comfort zone making a movie about serial killers. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase a frightening side to herself audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Brad Pitt who is also amazing, Paltrow created a portrait of serial killers that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Tracy expresses her feelings to Detective Somerset revealing she is pregnant causing despair is one of the best moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Se7en” a serial killer classic is its message. The film delivers a universal message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. As strong as murders that detective Somerset seeks to investigate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has never lost her abilities to captivate making movies audiences appreciate.
3. Shakespeare in Love
Shakespeare is a legendary author whose literature always inspired my teacher. I remember an English teacher that adored the author. My teacher would love discussing every play written by Shakespeare in class every day. He believed movies were an art that couldn’t honour a legendary poet holding a precious place in his heart. As someone treasuring a teacher that was in love with Shakespeare, I admired “Shakespeare in Love”. Released in 1998, Gwyneth Paltrow’s movie offered a beautiful tribute towards the legendary poet. In the most poetic role of her career, Paltrow portrays a woman that engages in a romantic affair with Shakespeare. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her talent for playing romantic heroines. Working alongside Joseph Fiennes who is also amazing, Paltrow honoured Shakespeare. For instance, the scene in which Viola first meets Shakespeare falling in love at first sight starting their romantic affair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Shakespeare in Love” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most Shakespearean adaptations, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. A spectacular tribute towards Shakespeare, it’s a sensational reminder of an actress that has built an impressive career making engaging movies about which audiences care.
4. Iron Man
Iron Man is an incredible comic-book character that always inspired by brother. Several years ago, my brother adored the starkly rich superhero. A comic-book nerd, he spoke fondly about a superhero that made him feel heard. In 2008, Gwyneth Paltrow honoured the stark hero with a plan in her movie “Iron Man”. In the most supportive role of her career, Paltrow portrayed the secretary of a starkly rich millionaire facing a burden to bear. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her talent for playing strong women in positions of power. Working alongside Robert Downey Jr. who is also amazing, Paltrow honoured an iconic comic-book character. For instance, the scene in which Pepper Potts assists Tony Stark with changing his reactor causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Iron Man” a comic-book classic is its enduring appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies targeted towards comic-book fans, it commemorates themes everyone would relate to. An awe-inspiring introduction towards a commemorated superhero that’s iconic, it’s a tremendous reminder of an actress that succeeds portraying compelling characters in unforgettable movies audiences consider fantastic.
5. Emma
Jane Austen is a legendary author that my mother loved dearly. I remember my mother adored the author. She was drawn to the sense and sensibility of an author that shaped her identity. Through her lifelong love of Jane Austen’s literature, my mother inspired me to become a writer. In 1996, Gwyneth Paltrow honoured the legendary author from a bygone era in her movie “Emma”. In the most mischievous role of her career, Paltrow portrays a matchmaker facing despair. Paltrow has always had a sharp sense of humour, and her comedic talents are evident in “Emma”. Working alongside Toni Collette who is also amazing, Paltrow honoured an iconic character. For instance, the scene in which Emma humiliates Mrs. Bates during a picnic causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Emma” a literary classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about womanhood which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of Jane Austen’s commemorated literature to appreciate it. Centuries after a legendary author penned literature about the sense and sensibility of women in danger, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress whose memorable movies audiences treasure.
6. Two Lovers
Gwyneth Paltrow has always excelled at playing women facing sorrow. Paltrow has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing heroines facing emotional damage. Paltrow’s strength for playing emotionally conflicted characters is clearly evident in her film “Two Lovers”. Released in 2008, James Gray’s movie showcased the actress at her best. In the most tragic role of her career, Paltrow portrays a drug addict engaging in a doomed romantic affair causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her strength for playing traumatized women. Working alongside Joaquin Phoenix who is also amazing, Paltrow created a character that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of romantic relationships that crumble, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actress that audiences consider special.
7. The Royal Tenenbaums
Few filmmakers in Hollywood have earned appreciation of Wes Anderson. With their quirky characters, sharp sense of humour and compelling storytelling, Anderson’s movies have earned a huge fan following. In 2001, Anderson showcased his strengths as a filmmaker when he cast Gwyneth Paltrow in his movie “The Royal Tenenbaums”. In the most eccentric role of her career, Paltrow portrayed the member of a dysfunctional family facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a quirky character. Working alongside Ben Stiller who is also amazing, Paltrow created a powerful portrait of a dysfunctional family. A dazzling depiction of a dysfunctional family falling apart, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress with dedication towards making precious movies that are art.
8. Contagion
The COVID-19 Pandemic was a disaster that had an impact on the world which was tragic. In 2020, the world was affected by a painful pandemic which left people isolated. In 2011, Gwyneth Paltrow captured a pandemic causing contagion with eerie similarities to COVID in her movie “Contagion”. In the most frightening role of her career, Paltrow portrayed a woman facing a virus causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone playing a character infected by a dangerous virus. Working alongside Jude Law who is also amazing, Paltrow created a portrait of a contagious virus that’s compelling. A captivating portrait of a catastrophic virus causing contagion, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured compelling movies which definitely deserve celebration.
9. Hard Eight
Gambling is a serious addiction rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often had the habit of glamorizing gambling without showing its negative consequences. In an industry that has rarely captured gambling causing lives to deteriorate, it’s worth praising “Hard Eight”. Released in 1996, Gwyneth Paltrow’s movie offered a powerful depiction of gambling addiction. In the most provocative role of her career, Paltrow portrayed a prostitute that falls in love with a gambler in a doomed romantic affair. It’s a larger-than-life role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a victim of gambling. A grand portrait of gambling causing consequences that are terrifying, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured memorable movies which are worth celebrating.
10. Iron Man 2
Gwyneth Paltrow hasn’t always made great movies. While most movies the actress has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Iron Man 2” falls into the latter category. Released in 2010, Jon Favreau’s comic-book blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Paltrow portrays the secretary of a millionaire facing a burden to bear. Paltrow brought her usual charisma to the role of Pepper Potts, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Iron Man 2” is the worst Iron Man movie, it honoured Paltrow’s enduring legacy. As precious as suits made by Tony Stark, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that hasn’t lost her bright spark whose unforgettable movies I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema leaving a lasting mark.
The Film Buff 