Not many actresses have earned appreciation of Marion Cotillard. Since the 2000’s, Cotillard has become a French icon. Whether it’s world-famous singers, dreamers or political leaders, Cotillard has portrayed many strong feminist characters. Given the sheer number of movies she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.
1. La Vie En Rose
Edith Piaf is a legendary French singer that always inspired my father. I remember my father once appreciated a singer that composed melodies he would treasure. He would always speak fondly about an iconic French musician that shaped his lifelong love of music. Drawn to the profound sound of music, my father always found enjoyment listening to a musician listening to a musician that left him spellbound. In 2007, Marion Cotillard honoured the legendary French singer in her movie “La Vie En Rose”. In the greatest role of her career, Cotillard portrayed the legendary French singer that composed timeless melodies people love to hear. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. Cotillard has spent most of her career playing serious roles in intense dramas. With “La Vie En Rose”, however, the actress showcased flair for singing melodies she hadn’t shown before in her career. It isn’t easy to portray the personality of a legendary French singer that composed timeless melodies, but Cotillard succeeded tremendously. For instance, the scene in which Edith Piaf delivers a heartbreaking final performance of melodies people love to hear before fainting causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “La Vie En Rose” Marion Cotillard’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about French musicians targeted towards citizens of the country, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about the importance of pursuing one’s dreams which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Edith Piaf’s music to appreciate it. Nearly 90 years after Edith Piaf overcame the barrier of childhood trauma to become a famous French singer that changed the world forever, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has made great movies which audiences treasure.
2. Inception
Dreams are complex states of the mind that always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a mother that was fascinated with dreams causing damage. She would love sharing her dreams with my family which she would often recall clearly. My mother had the ability to remember dreams better than anyone in my family. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the vivid emotion of dreams as powerfully as “Inception”. Released in 2010, Marion Cotillard’s movie depicted the dangers of dreams. In the most emotional role of her career, Cotillard portrays a tragic woman that becomes victim of dream infiltration causing despair. Cotillard has always had an aptitude for playing conflicted women under stress, and “Inception” showcased her strengths as an actress. Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio who is also amazing, Cotillard created a portrait of dreams that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Mal commits suicide jumping off a building causing despair is one of the best moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Inception” a science-fiction classic is its message. The film gives a heartbreaking message about guilt that will resonate with everyone. As strong as Cobb’s desire to make dreams come true, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress making movies which audiences value.
3. Annette
Jealousy is a negative emotion that shaped my personality. I remember a time in my previous job when I became jealous of a co-worker. I recall how envy caused my bond with co-workers to fall apart. Jealousy became a barrier that ended our friendship forever. As someone treasuring memories of an envious co-worker that’s hard to forget, I adored “Annette”. Released in 2021, Marion Cotillard’s movie depicted a doomed romance between jealous lovers. In the most tragic role of her career, Cotillard portrayed a successful actress stuck in a doomed affair with a jealous lover causing despair. Cotillard has always had an aptitude for singing melodies, and “Annette” showcased her musical talents as an actress. Working alongside Adam Driver who is also amazing, Cotillard created a doomed romance that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Ann gives birth to her first child causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Annette” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most musicals, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about jealousy which would resonate with everyone. As precious as Annette, it’s an awe-inspiring reminder of a committed actress that has always manufactured memorable movies that are impossible to forget.
4. The Dark Knight Rises
Batman is a beloved comic-book character that always impressed by brother. I remember my brother was once a huge fan of the caped crusader. Fond of Bruce Wayne, he loved watching a superhero with abilities to entertain. He loved watching movies about a hero putting his life on the line to save downtrodden cities. In 2012, Marion Cotillard honoured the hero full of surprises in her movie “The Dark Knight Rises”. In the most villainous role of her career, Cotillard. portrayed a vengeful woman that poses threat to Gotham City causing despair. Cotillard has spent most of her career playing likeable heroines. With “The Dark Knight Rises”, however, the actress took a step out of her comfort zone playing a comic-book villain. Working alongside Christian Bale who is also amazing, Cotillard honoured a comic-book character. For instance, the scene in which Miranda Tate stabs Batman revealing her identity as Ra’s al Ghul’s daughter causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Dark Knight Rises” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Batman movies targeted towards comic-book fans only, it tackles encompassing themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as Batman’s desire to defeat Bane, it’s a bold reminder of a great actress that has always made movies that entertain.
5. Two Days, One Night
Unemployment is a painful process causing stress. Several years ago, I struggled to find jobs causing sorrow. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t find jobs that left me satisfied. As someone recalling a dark time when I was unemployed day and night, I appreciated “Two Days, One Night”. Released in 2014, Marion Cotillard’s fantastic French drama captured a woman struggling to find stable employment. In the most stressful role of her career, Cotillard portrayed a homeless woman struggling to maintain stable employment causing despair. It’s a role that required commitment, but Cotillard succeeded. For instance, the scene in which Sandra discovers only two of her co-workers voted for her to stay causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Two Days, One Night” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about employment which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most French movies that are targeted towards citizens of the country, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of barriers that unemployed women in France fight day and night, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress that has made movies achieving spotlight.
6. Rust and Bone
Marion Cotillard has always excelled at playing emotionally disturbed women. Cotillard has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing characters facing damage. Cotillard’s strengths for playing women that feel alone is evident in her movie “Rust and Bone”. Released in 2012, Jacques Audiard’s movie showcased the actress at her best. In the most disturbed role of her career, Cotillard portrayed a woman beginning an affair with a man causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing emotional women under stress. Working alongside Matthias Schoenaerts who is also amazing, Cotillard created a romance that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of traumatized women that feel alone, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress that has made well-known movies in a league of their own.
7. Midnight in Paris
Few filmmakers have earned the recognition of Woody Allen. With their witty dialogue, compelling characters and strong storytelling, Allen’s movies have earned a huge fan following. Allen has always had a great eye for casting actors in his movies. In 2011, Allen showcased his strength as a filmmaker when he cast Marion Cotillard in his movie “Midnight in Paris”. In the most romantic role of her career, Cotillard portrays a woman roaming streets of Paris in search of love causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her aptitude for playing strong French women. Working alongside Owen Wilson who is also amazing, Cotillard honoured the city of Paris. As precious as walks that are taken by writers in Paris, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has made great movies which audiences cherish.
8. Macbeth
It isn’t easy to adapt celebrated Shakespeare plays on the big-screen today. Arguably the most celebrated author in literature, Shakespeare penned plays changing the world forever. Making an adaptation of Shakespeare poses challenges for actors. However, in 2015 Marion Cotillard pulled it off effectively in her movie “Macbeth”. In the most poetic role of her career, Cotillard portrayed a mischievous woman that orchestrates murder causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her flair for delivering complex Shakespearean monologues. Working alongside Michael Fassbender who is also amazing, Cotillard honoured a legendary author. A spectacular tribute towards Shakespeare, it’s a strong reminder of an actress that has manufactured a career making memorable movies about which audiences care.
9. The Immigrant
Immigration is a painful process that causes stress. Years ago, my life changed when my family immigrated to Toronto. After saying goodbyes to companions, it was hard to become well-adjusted. As someone treasuring memories of being an immigrant, I adored “The Immigrant”. Released in 2013, Marion Cotillard’s movie offered a beautiful depiction of immigration. In the most thoughtful role of her career, Cotillard portrayed an immigrant struggling to adjust to life in America. It gave the actress chance to showcase her strength for playing conflicted women. Working alongside Jeremy Renner who is also amazing, Cotillard created a portrait of immigration that’s compelling. An insightful glimpse at hardships faced by an immigrant, it’s an incredible reminder of a talented actress producing unforgettable entertainment.
10. Assassin’s Creed
Marion Cotillard hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies that the actress has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Assassin’s Creed” falls into the latter category. Released in 2016, Justin Kurzel’s video-game blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Cotillard portrayed a doctor facing despair. Cotillard brought charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Assassin’s Creed” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Cotillard’s legacy. As strong as Callum’s desire to be an assassin with a creed, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that hasn’t lost her abilities to exceed expectations making memorable movies I will forever treasure for inspiring my love of filmmaking in which I am driven to succeed.
The Film Buff 