Few actors have built a legacy as powerful as George Clooney. Following the 1980’s, Clooney has become an icon. Whether it’s grief-stricken fathers, casino robbers or political staffers, Clooney has portrayed several 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 best movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Descendants
It’s challenging to face loss of a loved one. Years ago, my family experienced sorrow when our housemaid was murdered. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, she became the victim of a gruesome murder. An unexpected death, it left my family emotionally affected. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t move on from heartbreaking loss of a housemaid that tragically died. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured resentments faced by families losing loved ones as powerfully as “The Descendants”. Released in 2011, George Clooney’s film did an extraordinary job of depicting grief on the big-screen. In arguably the greatest role of his career, Clooney embodies a father grieving loss of his wife that causes despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him in the past before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in his most sensitive role. Shedding his larger-than-life movie-star persona, Clooney transforms into a grief-stricken father struggling to cope with trauma. For instance, the sequence in which Matt begins crying experiencing a nervous breakdown after discovering his wife’s forbidden romantic affair is the most emotional work the actor has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “The Descendants” George Clooney’s greatest movie is its message. The film delivers a heartwarming message that would resonate with anyone that has faced loss of loved ones at an early age. A heartbreaking depiction of a family grieving loss that’s devastating, it’s a strong reminder of an iconic movie-star whose timeless films are definitely worth celebrating.
2. Up in the Air
Travelling can impact the lives of families. As far back I can remember, I’ve always shared a strong bond with my father. However, long-distance became a barrier that prevented us from spending time together. When he got a job in Saudi Arabia, it was hard to stay in touch with a dad that was located on the other end of the world. Travelling put my relationship with a father about whom I had grown to care up in the air. As someone treasuring a father pursuing his career, I loved “Up in the Air”. Released in 2009, George Clooney’s movie did an excellent job of depicting businessmen up in the air. In the most thoughtful role of his career, Clooney embodies a businessman whose relationships with family are affected by a job that requires him to be up in the air. It’s a subtle role that gives the actor a chance to showcase emotional vulnerability he has rarely shown before. Clooney exhibits a vulnerable side to himself in this film that he hasn’t shown in most of his movies. For instance, the scene in which Ryan realizes that the woman he had an affair with is married showcases the actor’s strengths. Ultimately, what makes “Up in the Air” one of George Clooney’s greatest movies is its message. The film delivers a strong message that would resonate with everyone that has faced long-distance relationships. An unforgettable portrait of the drastic decisions made by businessmen up in the air, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has created an illustrious career through producing movies about relatable characters about whom audiences deeply care.
3. Ocean’s 11
Teamwork is one of those skills which has never come naturally to me. As far as I remember, I have commonly found it challenging to work within groups. I recall memories of struggling completing group projects in school. I’ll never forget a group project in which peers treated me without respect. As someone that has always struggled working in teams to complete a mission, I loved “Ocean’s 11”. Released in 2001, George Clooney’s movie did an extraordinary job of capturing teamwork that can be used to accomplish goals. In the most stylish role of his career, Clooney embodies a thief collaborating within a team to rob a casino. Clooney excels at playing leaders, and “Ocean’s 11” showcases his strengths as an actor. For instance, the scene in which Danny Ocean gathers together his team to discuss the heist process is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Ocean’s 11” one of Clooney’s greatest movies is its message. The film delivers a persuasive message about the importance of teamwork impacting everyone. 30 years following the release of an iconic movie about criminals robbing a Las Vegas casino, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a fantastic actor whose movies always give audiences dreams to follow.
4. Syriana
The Middle East is a country that has shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia joyous memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. Whether it’s the gorgeous desert landscapes or prosperous oil economy, I grew up to value a country that I regarded highly. As someone treasuring joyous memories of Saudi Arabia, I adored “Syriana”. Released in 2005, George Clooney’s Oscar-winning movie did an extraordinary job of depicting the Middle East on the big-screen. In the most complex role of his career, Clooney embodies a dedicated CIA officer seeking to investigate terror in the Middle East. Shedding his glamorous movie-star persona, Clooney transforms into a CIA agent stuck in a stressful dilemma. Clooney excels at using his commanding voice to capture a CIA agent in a stressful situation. For instance, the scene in which Bob warns an agent about his family’s safety showcases the actor’s strengths. Ultimately, what makes “Syriana” a standout film is its depiction of the Middle East. Unlike most movies which depict the region as a land of terrorism, the film paints a respectful portrait of the country. It delivers a meaningful message that could contribute towards understanding of a misunderstood country. A magnificent portrait of a country that’s misunderstood, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose movies are treasured in Hollywood.
5. The Ides of March
Politics is a competitive profession that tears friendships apart. Years ago, I formed a friendship with a boy who father was a politician. I remember we would enjoy spending time together playing soccer. However, politics brought our bond to a closure. When his father became a political figure, my friend decided he no longer wanted to spend time together. As someone impacted by friendships falling apart in politics, I loved “The Ides of March”. Released in 2011, George Clooney’s movie depicted the dirty world of politics in which relationships fall apart. In the most scandalous role of his career, Clooney portrays a politician that evokes fear. Clooney uses his expressions to capture a corrupt politician. For instance, the scene in which Morris is confronted about having an affair showcases the actor at his best. Ultimately, what makes “The Ides of March” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a cautionary message about politics which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrayal of politicians facing a painful scandal, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose movies hold a place in the hearts of audiences that’s special.
6. Michael Clayton
George Clooney has always been one of those actors that excels at playing charismatic characters. Ever since his career began years ago, Clooney has always excelled at playing a charismatic hero. Clooney’s strengths for playing charismatic heroes with dedication is clearly evident in his film “Michael Clayton”. Released in 2007, Tony Gilroy’s movie found the actor playing a righteous lawyer seeking to uncover a shocking scandal. It’s a larger-than-life role that gives the actor an opportunity to showcase his powerful screen presence. Clooney excels at capturing at capturing the persona of a lawyer facing a dilemma through his charisma. As powerful as Michael Clayton’s desires to conduct a legal investigation, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with a charismatic reputation whose movies are definitely worthy of celebration.
7. Money Monster
It’s not easy to make an entertaining movie about the financial crisis. A complicated subject matter, movies about the financial crisis rarely ever attract audiences to the theatre. Finance often involves tricky concepts that don’t always make for entertaining movies. That being said, George Clooney turned the subject matter into compelling entertainment in his film “Money Monster”. In the most tense role of his career, Clooney embodies an anxiety-ridden host of a financial show that’s held hostage on air. It’s a role that marked a refreshing departure for an actor known for playing heroes that stay calm in intense situations. A fantastic portrait of a financial crash leading economy to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives making movies that educate the public about complex subjects audiences celebrate.
8. O Brother, Where Art Thou?
One of the common criticisms often levelled against George Clooney is that he doesn’t take risks as an actor. Clooney has built a reputation for playing heroes in every movie. Unfortunately, this has left little room for any surprises in the actor’s work. However, in 2000 Clooney proved how he could thrive taking a step out of his comfort zone in the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”. In the most bizarre role of his career, Clooney portrays an ex convict in search for treasure. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase musical talent audiences hadn’t seen before. Almost unrecognizable, the actor proves he can thrive when given roles that are a gamble. A captivating portrait of convicts composing music, it’s a strong reminder of an actor that thrives taking risks making movies that aren’t meant for the general public.
9. Three Kings
Over the past decade, the war movie genre has declined in quality. With their cartoonish characters, loud action and lacklustre storytelling, war movies have become a chore to sit through. The main problem is that the focus of these movies is spectacle rather than storytelling. In a genre that has faced warfare destruction, “Three Kings” is an exception. Released in 1999, George Clooney’s movie did an excellent job of depicting the Gulf War on the big-screen. In his first war movie role, Clooney embodies a strong veteran with dedication to achieving his goal. Clooney brought wisdom to the role missing from most movies in the genre. A wonderful tribute towards courageous veterans which fought a historic war which was dangerous, it’s a strong reminder of an adventurous actor whose movies audiences consider to be precious.
10. Ticket to Paradise
Divorce is a devastating subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. A painful process causing stress, divorce is rarely depicted in movies with success. However, in 2022, George Clooney did an excellent job of depicting divorce demise in his film “Ticket to Paradise”. In the most mature role of his career, Clooney embodies a divorced man in a marriage broken beyond repair. It’s a role that gives Clooney chances to showcase comic timing that’s commonly absent from his movies. Working alongside Julia Roberts who is also extraordinary, Clooney captures divorce through his charisma. As powerful as George’s desire to file for divorce settlement, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to make commemorated entertainment whose movies I will forever treasure even as he approaches the age of retirement.
The Film Buff 
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