Not many actors have earned appreciation of Michael Stuhlbarg. Since the 1990’s, Stuhlbarg has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s compassionate fathers, laboratory directors or victims of alien disasters, Stuhlbarg has portrayed many 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. Call Me By Your Name
Gay people are rarely depicted with respect in movies today. Years ago, I witnessed hardships faced by a gay cousin that sought acceptance in Toronto. Fond of wearing women’s attire, he was a person that my family would admire. His decision to reveal that he was gay towards conservative family came with a painful price to pay. Abandoned by his father, his big sexual identity destroyed relationships with family forever. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the hardships of queer lovers that call each other by the name as powerfully as “Call Me By Your Name”. Released in 2017, Michael Stuhlbarg’s best movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about queer lovers. In the greatest role of his career, Stuhlbarg portrayed a compassionate father seeking to care for queer teenage son facing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Stuhlbarg has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes with sympathetic personalities. With “Call Me By Your Name”, however, the actor took a big step out of his comfort zone by playing the father of a queer teenager. Working alongside Timothee Chalamet who is also outstanding, Stuhlbarg honoured queer communities today. For instance, the scene in which Mr. Perlman gives his son valuable advice after he becomes aware that he is queer causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Call Me By Your Name” Michael Stuhlbarg’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the LGBTQ community, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about the value of finding one’s sexual identity which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 10 years after the release of an iconic film about queer lovers facing a burden to bear, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has built a strong career making great movies about which audiences care.
2. The Shape of Water
Mental disabilities have shaped my identity. At an early age, my life changed when I was diagnosed with Autism causing damage. Being Autistic affected my abilities to find jobs. Due to my disorder, I often felt judged by peers in school where I was treated as an outsider. As someone that has suffered from a severe mental disorder, I admired “The Shape of Water”. Released in 2017, Michael Stuhlbarg’s fantasy movie honoured individuals with disabilities. In the most authoritative role of his career, Stuhlbarg portrayed a scientist seeking to care for a disabled creature facing despair. Stuhlbarg has always had an aptitude for stealing the show in supporting roles in movies, and “The Shape of Water” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Michael Shannon who is also amazing, Stuhlbarg created a portrait of mental disabilities that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Hoffstetler becomes aware that Strickland is planning to kill the amphibian creature causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Shape of Water” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about disability which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Eliza’s bond with the creature, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.
3. Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs is a legendary entrepreneur that my friend always loved dearly. In high school, I formed a strong friendship with a kid that adored an entrepreneur he considered to be cool. A huge fan of Apple, he praised an entrepreneur he considered inspirational. In 2015, Michael Stuhlbarg honoured the entrepreneur that did his jobs effectively in his movie “Steve Jobs”. In the most intellectual role of his career, Stuhlbarg portrayed a technology assistant facing fear. It gave the actor an opportunity to step out of his comfort zone by playing a technology specialist that’s well-known. Working alongside Michael Fassbender who is also amazing, Stuhlbarg created a portrait of an entrepreneur that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Andy is under pressure when Steve Jobs demands him to fix a machine beyond repair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Steve Jobs” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about entrepreneurs, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Apple to appreciate it. A spectacular tribute towards a entrepreneur that designed a phone, it’s a captivating reminder of a well-known actor in a league of his own.
4. Arrival
Alien invasions are frightening disasters that always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I developed a strong bond with a mother that had lifelong fear of alien invasions causing damage. She would often fear the day the Earth would be invaded by aliens with a price to pay. As someone treasuring memories of a mother frightened by the arrival of aliens, I adored “Arrival”. Released in 2016, Michael Stuhlbarg’s science-fiction movie captured an alien invasion causing catastrophe. In the most thoughtful role of his career, Stuhlbarg portrayed a scientist that becomes victim of alien invasions causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing intellectual characters with intelligence. Working alongside Amy Adams who is also amazing, Stuhlbarg created a portrait of alien invasions that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Agent Halpern discusses ways to prepare for an alien invasion causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Arrival” a sci-fi classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about communication which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Dr. Louise Banks’ desire to investigate an alien invasion, it’s an awe-inspiring reminder about a commemorated actor whose movies are worthy of celebration.
5. Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is a legendary president that earned my grandfather’s appreciation. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a grandpa that adored a famous president in America. He grew up to treasure the American political leader. In 2012, Michael Stuhlbarg honoured Abraham Lincoln in his movie “Lincoln”. In the most political role of his career, Stuhlbarg portrayed a well-known politician that assisted Lincoln guide the country during a time of warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing an American politician that’s well-known. Working alongside Daniel Day-Lewis who is also outstanding, Stuhlbarg honoured Lincoln’s legacy. For instance, the scene in which George Yeaman participates in a discussion about politics with Abraham Lincoln is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Lincoln” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with American history to appreciate it. It delivers a strong message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. A powerful tribute towards a president that guided America, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with charisma whose great movies attract audiences to the Cinema.
6. A Serious Man
Few filmmakers in Hollywood have made movies that are as beloved as the Coen Brothers. With their sharp humour, colourful characters and meaningful themes, the Coen Brothers’ movies have earned a huge following. In 2009, the Coen Brothers showcased their strengths as filmmakers with a plan when they cast Michael Stuhlbarg in their movie “A Serious Man”. In the most serious role of his career, Stuhlbarg portrayed a Jewish professor questioning his faith causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing characters under pressure. Stuhlbarg showcased strong emotional range he hadn’t shown in his career before. A powerful portrait of Jewish professors that are serious, it’s a riveting reminder of a famous actor that has made unforgettable movies audiences consider precious.
7. Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock is a legendary filmmaker that I’ve always loved dearly. An icon in Hollywood, Hitchcock made movies that shaped my childhood. In 2012, Michael Stuhlbarg honoured the iconic filmmaker in his movie “Hitchcock”. In the most historic role of his career, Stuhlbarg portrayed a famous film producer that worked with an iconic director to create movies that are classic. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a film director that’s well-known. Working alongside Anthony Hopkins who is also amazing, Stuhlbarg honoured Hitchcock’s legacy. Nearly 90 years after Alfred Hitchcock became a famous filmmaker making memorable movies in Hollywood, it’s an inspiring reminder of a commemorated actor that thrives portraying real-life celebrities whose lives are misunderstood.
8. Hugo
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about machines that are beloved today, it’s worth discussing The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Since its publication in 2007, Brian Selznick’s book has become a literary classic. In 2012, Michael Stuhlbarg honoured the iconic book published years ago in his movie “Hugo”. In the most intelligent role of his career, Stuhlbarg portrayed an intellectual film historian that grows to care about a famous filmmaker facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Ben Kingsley who is also amazing, Stuhlbarg honoured a classic children’s book. As precious as machines designed by Hugo Cabret, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made unforgettable movies which deserve to be celebrated today.
9. Blue Jasmine
Michael Stuhlbarg has always excelled at playing emotional characters facing situations that are painful. Stuhlbarg has built an image of playing characters facing damage. Stuhlbarg’s strength for playing conflicted characters seeking to win is clearly evident in his movie “Blue Jasmine”. Released in 2013, Woody Allen’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most romantic role of his career, Stuhlbarg portrayed a dentist that has an affair with his patient causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase flair for romance he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Cate Blanchett who is also amazing, Stuhlbarg created a romance that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of anxious women whose lives deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made movies which audiences appreciate.
10. Cut Bank
Michael Stuhlbarg hasn’t always made great movies that are successful. While most movies the actor has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Cut Bank” falls into the latter category. Released in 2014, Matt Shakman’s crime thriller was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Stuhlbarg portrayed a curious resident of a town facing murder mysteries facing despair. Stuhlbarg brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Cut Bank” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Stuhlbarg’s legacy. As Dwayne’s desire to record murders which are horrific, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured iconic movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish dreams of becoming a film critic.
The Film Buff 