Not many actors have gained appreciation of Javier Bardem. Since the 1990’s, Bardem has become a beloved Spanish icon. Whether it’s psychotic killers, Bond villains or space scavengers, Bardem has portrayed many interesting 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. No Country for Old Men
Westerns are a genre of movies my grandfather loved dearly. At an early age, I formed bonds with a grandfather admiring movies about gunslingers with courage. He always appreciated good, bad and ugly gunslingers impacting his identity. Through lifelong love for the western genre, my grandpa inspired me to pursue passion for Cinema. As someone treasuring memories of a grandfather that adored westerns about old men, I appreciated “No Country for Old Men”. Released in 2007, Javier Bardem’s best movie captured old men in the western genre. In the greatest role of his career, Bardem portrayed a psychotic killer committing murders in a desolate western town causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Bardem has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes with sympathetic personalities. With “No Country for Old Men”, however, the actor took huge steps out of his comfort zone playing a psychotic killer. It’s a role that gave the actor rare opportunities to showcase a villainous side to himself audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Josh Brolin who is also outstanding, Bardem created a portrait of a serial killer that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Anton Chigurh engages in a coin toss to determine the fate of a gas station clerk causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “No Country for Old Men” Javier Bardem’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most westerns targeted towards a specific audience, it tackles encompassing themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking western acknowledging frightening serial killers causing lives of old men to deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has never lost his abilities to captivate audiences making unforgettable movies which are hard to not appreciate.
2. Skyfall
James Bond is a spy that my father always appreciated. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a father that considered 007 to be his hero. Fond of James Bond, he adored a spy with whom he formed a lasting bond. In 2012, Javier Bardem honoured the iconic spy facing a fall in his movie “Skyfall”. In the most villainous role of his career, Bardem portrayed psychotic arms dealer that becomes a threat to James Bond causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor the chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a Bond villain that’s well-known. As Silva, Bardem created one of the greatest villains in the James Bond franchise. Working alongside Daniel Craig who is also outstanding, Bardem created an iconic Bond villain that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Silva is first introduced meeting James Bond causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Skyfall” a spectacular Bond movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the spy franchise, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A spectacular tribute to a world-famous spy facing a fall, it’s a sensational reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to enthral by making memorable films that are easy to recall.
3. Dune
The Middle East is a country that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia joyous memories of Saudi Arabia. During my childhood, I grew up in a prosperous Middle Eastern neighbourhood. As someone treasuring fond memories of a prosperous country I won’t forget about soon, I appreciated “Dune”. Released in 2021, Javier Bardem’s science-fiction blockbuster offered an authentic depiction of Arab countries. In the most adventurous role of his career, Bardem portrayed a scavenger on a journey that’s dangerous. Bardem has an aptitude for playing strong leaders, and “Dune” showcased his strengths. Working alongside Timothee Chalamet who is also amazing, Bardem honoured a science-fiction book. For instance, the scene in which Stilgar spits on the Duke’s table causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Dune” an extraordinary science-fiction classic is its depiction of the Middle East. Unlike most movies depicting the Middle East as a land of terrorism, the film honoured Arab countries. A dazzling adaptation of a book about dune planets that glimmer beneath the moon, it’s a rousing reminder of a commemorated actor whose unforgettable movies won’t be forgotten soon.
4. Eat Pray Love
It’s always hard to find a balance in life. Living a balanced lifestyle is something that has never come naturally to me. Following a regimented routine every day, I have struggled to find a healthy balance that could guide my life in a positive way. As someone struggling to find healthy balance in a life I love, I adored “Eat Pray Love”. Released in 2010, Javier Bardem’s movie honoured a beloved book about balanced lifestyles. In the most romantic role of his career, Bardem portrays a Spanish immigrant having an affair with a spiritual woman facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor the chance to showcase a romantic side to himself that audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Julia Roberts who is also amazing, Bardem honoured a book about living. For instance, the scene in which Felipe meets Liz by running his bike into her causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Eat Pray Love” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a thoughtful message about balance which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a book about women that are spiritual, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences consider special.
5. Collateral
Taxi drivers have shaped my identity. At an early age, I formed bonds with a driver that would love to ride cars without concern for damage. Driven to succeed, he would enjoy riding cars at a fast speed. He would always face excitement whenever he got to participate in a race. As someone treasuring memories of a driver that my family considered special, I appreciated “Collateral”. Released in 2004, Javier Bardem’s movie honoured cab drivers. In the most authoritative role of his career, Bardem portrayed a drug lord facing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing characters in positions of authority. Working alongside Jamie Foxx who is also amazing, Bardem created a portrait of drivers that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Felix negotiates a deal with Vincent whom he isn’t aware is a stranger is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Collateral” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about hostages which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of cab drivers facing collateral damage, it’s a strong reminder about a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to engage manufacturing movies with a meaningful message.
6. The Sea Inside
Quadriplegia is a devastating disability that’s rarely depicted accurately in movies. Hollywood has often avoided making movies about a disability that’s misunderstood. In an industry that has rarely depicted a disability leaving people terrified, it’s worth praising “The Sea Inside”. Released in 2004, Javier Bardem’s movie honoured a real-life quadriplegic victim. In the most physically demanding role of his career, Bardem portrayed a victim of a devastating disability causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a victim of quadriplegia. Bardem showcased strong commitment to portraying the disease accurately in one of his finest roles. A powerful portrait of a disability that’s misunderstood, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has become a beloved icon in Hollywood.
7. Before Night Falls
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about Cuban people, it’s worth discussing Before Night Falls. Since its publication in 1992, Reinaldo Arenas’ book has become a beloved literary classic. In 2000, Javier Bardem honoured the classic book in his movie “Before Night Falls”. In the most tragic role of his career, Bardem portrayed a homosexual Cuban man facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing an eccentric queer character. Working alongside Johnny Depp who is also amazing, Bardem honoured a commemorated book about queer men that’s compelling. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about frightening Cuban men facing a dilemma, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured movies which are worth watching in the Cinema.
8. Biutiful
Javier Bardem has always excelled at playing emotional characters that are under intense pressure. Bardem has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing characters facing damage. Bardem’s strength for playing vulnerable characters facing situations that are stressful is clearly evident in his movie “Biutiful”. In the most emotional role of his career, Bardem portrayed a terminally ill criminal seeking to live life to the fullest before his death causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his strength for playing conflicted characters. Bardem showcased strong emotional range that he hadn’t shown in his career before. A powerful portrait of terminal illness, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has become a beloved icon in the entertainment business making movies giving audiences happiness.
9. Being the Ricardos
Few television sitcoms in American history are as beloved as I Love Lucy. Created during the 1950’s, the show earned a following for depicting a couple facing adversities. In 2021, Javier Bardem honoured the celebrated television show’s legacy in his movie “Being the Ricardos”. In the most theatrical role of his career, Bardem embodied a legendary actor seeking to make a television show on air. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a commemorated television icon that’s well-known. Working alongside Nicole Kidman who is also excellent, Simmons honoured the legendary television. A breathtaking tribute towards a beloved television show that aired several years ago, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated actor that has made great movies which give audiences dreams to follow.
10. The Counselor
Javier Bardem hasn’t always made great movies audiences treasure. While most movies the actor has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Counselor” falls into the latter category. Released in 2013, Ridley Scott’s crime thriller was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Bardem portrayed a drug lord engaging in a frightening life of crime causing despair. Bardem brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Counselor” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Bardem’s legacy. As precious as drugs the counselor seeks to sell, it’s a strong reminder of an actor with compelling stories to tell making movies that have cast a magical spell which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking in which I excel.
The Film Buff 