Not many actors have created a legacy as controversial as Kevin Spacey. Since the 1990’s, Spacey has become an icon. Whether its psychopathic killers, frustrated fathers or suspects of murders, Spacey portrayed many characters. In 2017, Spacey’s career faced disaster following sexual assault allegations. Regardless of controversy, here are my picks for the greatest movies of an actor that deserves to be commemorated.
1. American Beauty
Depression is a devastating condition that has shaped my identity. Several years ago, my life hit a crushing low when I couldn’t find a job causing sorrow. Struggling to find a life purpose, I questioned if I would ever be able to achieve goals that I was pursuing. I became so caught up in my own stressful worries that I simply couldn’t find the beauty in life. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the impact of depression as powerfully as “American Beauty”. Ever since its release in 1999, Kevin Spacey’s Oscar-winning movie has stood the test of time as a classic. In the greatest role of his career, Spacey embodied a frustrated middle-aged father carrying a heavy burden to bear. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. Spacey always had an aptitude for playing offbeat characters with a sarcastic sense of humour, and “American Beauty” showcased his strengths as an actor. For instance, the opening scene in which Lester Burnham introduces audiences to his depressing suburban life in an American neighbourhood is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “American Beauty” Kevin Spacey’s greatest movie is its message. The film delivers a profound message about the importance of finding beauty in life which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a beautiful classic about depressed American men seeking to find beauty in a suburban neighbourhood, it’s a strong reminder of an actor that succeeds at playing misunderstood characters whose memorable movies have stood the test of time as classics in Hollywood.
2. Se7en
Serial killers are frightening figures that have always terrified me. At an early age, I developed a fear of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered in a crime causing damage. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, she became the victim of murder. Left devastated, my family never recovered from the death of our housemaid that was never investigated. As someone mourning the heartbreaking loss of a housemaid that became the victim of a murder investigation, I loved “Se7en”. Ever since its release in 1995, Kevin Spacey’s movie remains one of the greatest films ever made about serial killers. In the most villainous role of his career, Spacey embodies a serial killer committing murders that evoke fear. Spacey has always been skilled at delivering monologues in movies, and his strengths are evident in “Se7en”. For instance, the ending scene in which John Doe reveals terrifying contents inside the box is a highlight of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Se7en” one of Kevin Spacey’s greatest movies is its message. Unlike most serial killer movies, it tackles universal themes everyone will relate to. It delivers a profound message about loss which would resonate with everyone. 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about detectives solving murders of serial killers that are frightening, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to make unforgettable movies which are worth celebrating.
3. The Usual Suspects
Sometimes, the suspect responsible for committing a crime is the person you least expect it to be. Years ago, my family experienced grief when we discovered our beloved housekeeper was a thief. I remember a caring housekeeper that always treated my family nicely in a generous manner. However, appearances can sometimes be deceiving. My grandparents were shocked when they found their housekeeper they trusted completely had stolen precious jewelry. As someone haunted by a housekeeper that became the usual suspect of a crime, I adored “The Usual Suspects”. Released in 1995, Kevin Spacey’s movie offered a strong murder mystery. In the most complex role of his career, Spacey embodies a crippled man that becomes the usual suspect of a crime evoking fear. Spacey uses subtle body language to capture a crippled man that isn’t as innocent as he appears to be. For instance, the final scene in which Verbal Kint reveals his true identity is a highlight of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Usual Suspects” one of Kevin Spacey’s best movies is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about trust which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of usual suspects investigated for crimes they have committed, it’s a strong reminder of an actor that thrives playing characters in movies audiences have appreciated.
4. L.A. Confidential
Teamwork is one of those skills that doesn’t come naturally to me. As far as I remember, I have found working in groups challenging. Due towards conflicting personalities between members, my group projects in school endured disasters. As someone that commonly finds teamwork to be a struggle, I loved “L.A. Confidential”. Released in 1997, Kevin Spacey’s Oscar-winning movie did an exceptional job of depicting how teamwork can allow police officers to achieve goals effectively. In the most stylish role of his career, Spacey embodies a sleazy LAPD officer seeking to solve crimes in a town facing despair. Spacey has always been an actor with a sharp sense of humour, and it’s clearly evident in “L.A. Confidential”. For instance, the scene in which detective Vincennes rejects the proposal to help out an officer solve a murder mystery showcases the actor’s strengths. Ultimately, what makes “L.A. Confidential” one of Spacey’s greatest movies is its message. The film delivers a profound message about value of teamwork which would resonate with everyone. A phenomenal portrayal of cops collaborating to solve murder mysteries that are confidential, it’s a strong reminder of an actor whose memorable movies audiences consider special.
5. Margin Call
The financial crisis is a subject that has always fascinated by father. At an early age, I bonded with a father that possessed knowledge about a financial crisis causing damage. I recall fond memories of a father interested in the economy’s downfall. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father that was interested in the economy’s downfall, I loved “Margin Call”. Released in 2011, Kevin Spacey’s movie did an excellent job of depicting the downfall of the economy in American history. In the most emotional role of his career, Spacey embodies a corporate investor caught amidst a financial crisis causing despair. Spacey uses subtle expressions to capture despair endured by a financial investor facing an economic crisis. For instance, the ending scene in which Sam buries his dead dog in the garden following the aftermath of the financial crisis is the most emotional work the actor has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “Margin Call” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a profound message about crisis which would resonate with everyone. A devastating depiction of disastrous factors leading to the economy’s downfall, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to enthral audiences whose movies are always easy to recall.
6. Baby Driver
Kevin Spacey is one of those actors that excels at playing authoritative characters. With his larger-than-life presence, charismatic nature and charming personality, Spacey thrives at playing characters in positions of authority. Spacey’s strengths as an actor skilled at playing characters in commemorated positions of power is clearly evident in his film “Baby Driver”. Released in 2017, Spacey’s movie focused on drivers committing crimes with consequences. In his most commanding role of his career, Spacey embodies a strong mob boss that engages in a criminal affair. Although he only has a supporting role, Spacey ends up stealing the show. As breathtaking as cars Baby seeks to drive, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great actor with ability to thrive in action movies whose films always made audiences feel alive.
7. Glengarry Glen Ross
It isn’t easy to adapt a beloved Broadway play on the big-screen. Broadway plays are by definition the polar opposite of movies. What works in stage productions doesn’t always translate into movie-magic. That being said, “Glengarry Glen Ross” stands out as an exception. Released in 1992, Kevin Spacey’s movie did an exceptional job of adapting a beloved Broadway play on the big-screen. In the most theatrical role of his career, Spacey embodies a salesman that struggles to live up to the high expectations of his firm. It’s a role that gave Spacey a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a character that’s not in a position of power. A breathtaking adaptation of a Broadway play about salesman desperate to achieve targets in any way, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor whose timeless films deserve to be celebrated today.
8. Horrible Bosses
Bosses shape destinies of employees. At an early age, I faced a cruel boss that caused emotional damage. I remember a bossy manager that didn’t treat his employees in a fair manner. An authoritative boss, he give employees foul insults. As someone haunted by memories of horrible bosses, I loved “Horrible Bosses”. Released in 2011, Kevin Spacey’s comedy did an excellent job of depicting bosses in positions of authority. In the most comical role of his career, Kevin Spacey embodies a horrible boss that doesn’t care about employees he treats in ways that aren’t fair. It’s a role that gave Spacey a chance to showcase comic timing. A captivating portrayal of cruel bosses treating employees in a manner that’s horrible, it’s a phenomenal reminder of an actor that thrives playing characters that aren’t likeable in movies that are comical.
9. Pay it Forward
Bullying has a negative impact on people’s well-being. During my childhood, I endured traumatic bullying that caused emotional damage. I was often picked on by cruel bullies in school for being different. As a socially awkward kid that was often bullied in school, I related deeply to “Pay it Forward”. Released in 2000, Kevin Spacey’s movie did an excellent job of depicting bullying shaping a child’s identity. In the most likeable role of his career, Spacey embodies a troubled teacher haunted by memories of child abuse causing despair. It’s a role that gave Spacey an opportunity to showcase a vulnerable side to himself that audiences hadn’t seen before. A powerful portrait of cruel bullying experienced by children in school, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a legendary actor whose memorable movies audiences always consider to be cool.
10. Superman Returns
Few superheroes have earned a fan following as huge as Superman. Following creation during the 1930’s, the man of steel has appeared in many memorable movies. In 2006, Kevin Spacey did an excellent job of bringing the soaring superhero to the big-screen in his film “Superman Returns”. In his first ever comic-book role, Spacey embodies a frightening villain causing Superman’s life to spiral out of control. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talents for playing villains in positions of power. As Lex Luthor, Spacey embodied the menacing personality of an iconic comic-book villain. As powerful as Superman’s abilities to soar, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose movies I will forever adore even if sexual assault controversies have made him a controversial figure in an industry where he isn’t respected anymore.
The Film Buff 
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