Not many actors attract audiences to the theatre like Oscar Isaac. Since his rise to fame during the 2000’s, Isaac has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s depressed folk singers, space scavengers or political leaders, Isaac has portrayed many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Inside Llewyn Davis
Singing is an activity my father always enjoyed doing. Several years ago, I bonded with a father that sought to become a musical maestro. Drawn to sound of music, he found enjoyment composing melodies that were profound. He had no choice but to start singing at family dinners requested by relatives eager to hear his voice. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured people that are passionate about singing as powerfully as “Inside Llewyn Davis”. Released in 2013, Oscar Isaac’s best movie captured a renowned musician in the 1960’s. In the greatest role of his career, Isaac portrayed a depressed folk singer experiencing a burden to bear. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in his most memorable role. Isaac has spent most of his career playing serious characters in intense dramas. With “Inside Llewyn Davis”, however, the actor took steps out of his comfort zone playing a singer. Isaac showcased flair for singing folk melodies he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Carey Mulligan who is also amazing, Isaac honoured the lives of classic folk musicians. For instance, the scene in which Llewyn is rejected by a renowned music manager after he delivers an audition causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Inside Llewyn Davis” Oscar Isaac’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about folk musicians which are targeted towards a specific audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking film about folk musicians with unbreakable love for singing experiencing barriers of rejection that are devastating, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has built an enduring legacy manufacturing unforgettable movies which are definitely worth celebrating.
2. Dune
The Middle East is a misunderstood country that shaped my identity. I fondly recall with nostalgia joyous memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. I grew up to value a country I regarded highly. I’ve always believed movies have failed to capture the beauty of a country I love dearly. As someone treasuring a prosperous country that won’t be forgotten soon, I appreciated “Dune”. Released in 2021, Oscar Isaac’s movie honoured a book about Arab countries. In the most majestic role of his career, Isaac portrayed a duke seeking to care for a dying planet facing despair. Isaac has always had an aptitude for playing authoritative characters in positions of power, and “Dune” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Josh Brolin who is also amazing, Isaac honoured a legendary science-fiction book about planets that are dying. For instance, the scene in which Duke Leto has a personal conversation with his son seeking to prepare him for warfare is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Dune” a science-fiction classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. A dazzling adaptation of a beloved book about dune planets that shine beneath the moon, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose great movies won’t be forgotten soon.
3. Drive
Driving is an activity that I’ve never found appealing. As far as I remember, I have never understood race car driving. At an early age, I became afraid of go karting causing damage. I would always feel a sense of terror whenever I got behind the wheel. As someone that never enjoyed to drive, I was surprised by how much I loved “Drive”. Released in 2011, Oscar Isaac’s movie depicted stunt drivers. In the most subtle role of his career, Isaac portrayed a husband that becomes involved in a life of crime causing despair. Isaac has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes. With “Drive”, however, the actor showcased a complex side to himself audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Ryan Gosling who is also amazing, Isaac created a hitman that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Standard discovers his wife is having an affair causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Drive” a commemorated masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about loneliness which would resonate with everyone. As precious as cars the Driver seeks to drive, it’s a dazzling reminder about an actor with ability to thrive in commemorated films that make audiences feel alive.
4. Ex Machina
Artificial intelligence is a subject that fascinated by brother. I remember my brother was fascinated with artificial intelligence causing disaster. He would explain reasons why he was obsessed with A.I. As someone treasuring a brother that loved artificial intelligence with nostalgia, I appreciated “Ex Machina”. Released in 2014, Oscar Isaac’s movie captured A.I. robots. In the most technical role of his career, Isaac portrayed a CEO creating artificial robots causing despair. It gave the actor the chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a technical character. Working alongside Domhnall Gleeson who is also amazing, Isaac created a portrait of artificial intelligence that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Caleb has a dance with a robot is one of the best moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Ex Machina” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about artificial intelligence which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of artificial intelligent robots causing a dilemma, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor with charisma whose movies are worth seeing in the Cinema.
5. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Star Wars is a spectacular science-fiction franchise that shaped my teacher’s identity. Years ago, I formed bonds with a teacher that was a fan of the franchise. He appreciated a franchise about galaxies that made him feel happy. In 2015, Oscar Isaac honoured the franchise in his movie “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”. In the most courageous role of his career, Isaac portrayed a space pilot engaging in galactic warfare. Isaac has always excelled at playing strong characters in positions of power. With “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, the actor showcased emotional vulnerability audiences hadn’t seen before. For instance, the scene in which Poe Dameron is tortured by Kylo Ren causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” a great Star Wars movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the science-fiction franchise, it tackles strong themes of identity everyone would relate to. A spectacular tribute to a franchise created a long time ago in a galaxy far far away, it’s a bold reminder of an actor that has made unforgettable movies which deserve to be celebrated today.
6. The Two Faces of January
When it comes to the greatest mystery books ever written, it’s worth discussing The Two Faces of January. Since its publication in 1964, Patricia Highsmith’s book has become a literary classic readers adore. In 2014, Oscar Isaac honoured the legendary mystery book in his movie “The Two Faces of January”. In the most conflicted role of his career, Isaac portrayed an American tourist that becomes victim of con crimes causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by played an alienated character. Working alongside Viggo Mortensen who is also amazing, Isaac honoured a legendary book. A captivating adaptation of a celebrated book about crimes con-artists have committed, it’s a compelling reminder of a dedicated actor that has made memorable movies which deserve to be appreciated.
7. A Most Violent Year
Oscar Isaac has always excelled at playing characters under pressure. Isaac has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing heroes facing damage. Isaac’s flair for playing anxious characters in his career is evident in his movie “A Most Violent Year”. Released in 2014, J..C. Chandor’s crime drama showcased the actor at his best. In the most violent role of his career, Isaac portrayed a businessman facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing anxious characters. Working alongside Jessica Chastain who is also amazing, Isaac created a character that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of fear faced by men engaging in crimes during a most violent year, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has built an illustrious career making movies about which audiences care.
8. The Card Counter
Gambling is a serious addiction rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often ignored a profession that is misunderstood. In an industry failing to capture gambling causing disaster, it’s worth praising “The Card Counter”. Released in 2021, Oscar Isaac’s moive offered an engaging depiction of gambling addiction. In the most obsessive role of his career, Isaac portrayed a card counter with severe gambling addiction causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing conflicted characters. Working alongside Tiffany Haddish who is also amazing, Isaac created a portrait of gambling that’s compelling. A grand portrait of obstacles faced by people which gamble, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor that has produced unforgettable movies which audiences consider special.
9. Balibo
When it comes to the most inspiring journalists in Australian history, it’s worth discussing the Balibo Five. During the 1970’s, the Balibo Five were a group of journalists that were killed for reporting on terrorist activities. A tragic group, the Balibo built a lasting legacy. In 2009, Oscar Isaac honoured the journalists that died years ago in his movie “Balibo”. In the most political role of his career, Isaac portrayed a real-life president that encountered terrorism causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a politician that’s well-known. Isaac showcased emotional range in one of his first roles before he became a famous star. A beautiful tribute to the Balibo, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has produced memorable movies which always give audiences dreams to follow.
10. The Bourne Legacy
Oscar Isaac hasn’t always made great movies that audiences treasure. While most movies the actor has made have been celebrated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Bourne Legacy” falls into the latter category. Released in 2012, Tony Gilroy’s Jason Bourne reboot was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Isaac portrayed a CIA agent carrying a heavy burden to bear. Isaac brought charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Bourne Legacy” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Isaac’s legacy. As strong as Jason Bourne’s desire to discover his legacy, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has proven his ability to portray compelling characters in iconic movies I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 