Not many actors have made movies audiences treasure like Christopher Plummer. Since the 1960’s, Plummer became a legendary icon. Whether it’s teachers, victims of murders or landowners, Plummer portrayed many characters. However, in 2021 the actor’s career ended when he died. Plummer’s death was a huge loss for the industry. Listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Sound of Music
“The Sound of Music” is a legendary musical that my mother always considered iconic. I fondly recall with nostalgia fond memories of a mother appreciating Maria. I remember my mother was a big fan of a musical about naval captains facing disaster. She would often love singing timeless melodies of a musical that had an impact on her identity. Through her lifelong love for an iconic musical, my mother inspired me to make film criticism dreams come true. Ever since its release in 1965, “The Sound of Music” has stood the test of time as the best movie that Christopher Plummer ever made. In the greatest role of his career, Plummer portrayed a strict naval captain seeking to take care of a family that’s a burden to bear. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Plummer has spent most of his career playing serious characters in intense dramas. With “The Sound of Music”, however, the actor showcased flair for singing melodies that he hadn’t shown before in his career. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to step out of his comfort zone by showcasing rare musical talent. Working alongside Julie Andrews who is also amazing, Plummer created a musical that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Captain Von Trapp first hires Maria to take care of his household facing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Sound of Music” Christopher Plummer’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most musicals made during the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with themes that remain relevant today. Nearly 60 years after the release of a classic musical about magical nannies seeking to care for children by the sound of music, it’s a terrific reminder about a great actor that built an iconic legacy by making great movies with staying power which have never lost their abilities to captivate the public.
2. A Beautiful Mind
Schizophrenia is a devastating disorder that fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed bonds with a psychology professor that was interested in a disorder which was cruel. He always sought to educate students about a grim mental disorder leading lives to deteriorate. In 2001, Christopher Plummer captured the disorder affecting the mind in his movie “A Beautiful Mind”. In the most thoughtful role of his career, Plummer portrays a strong psychiatrist that diagnoses Schizophrenia causing despair. Plummer always had an aptitude for playing characters in positions of power, and “A Beautiful Mind” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Russell Crowe who is also amazing, Plummer created a portrait of Schizophrenia that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Dr. Rosen informs Alicia that her husband suffers from Schizophrenia causing despair is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” a beautiful film is its message. The film delivers a bold message about mental illness which would resonate with everyone. A bold tribute to a genius with a beautiful mind, it’s a reminder of an actor that manufactured one-of-a-kind movies which left a legacy behind.
3. Knives Out
Thieves have impacted my family. Years ago, my grandparents faced grief when they found that their housekeeper was a thief. I remember he was a generous housekeeper. My grandparents were shocked to find he had stolen jewelry. As someone haunted by memories of a housekeeper with knives out, I adored “Knives Out”. Released in 2019, Christopher Plummer’s movie offered a captivating murder mystery. In the most tragic role of his career, Plummer portrays a patriarch that becomes victim of murder causing despair. Plummer has always had a sharp sense of humour, and his comedic talents are clearly evident in “Knives Out”. Working alongside Chris Evans who is also amazing, Plummer created a murder mystery that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Harlan becomes aware that he has been given the wrong medication by Martha causing despair is one of the funniest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Knives Out” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about social class which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Benoit Blanc’s desire to investigate murders with knives out, it’s a bold reminder of an actor whose films deserve to be talked about without a doubt.
4. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Lisbeth Salander is a legendary feminist character that my cousin always loved dearly. I remember a cousin that adored the iconic heroine in literature. She grew up to value a girl with a dragon tattoo that made her dreams come true. In 2011, Christopher Plummer honoured the book about girls with a tattoo in his movie “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”. In the most methodical role of his career, Plummer portrays a patriarch that hires a detective to investigate murders causing despair. Plummer is known for playing likeable heroes with sympathetic personalities. With “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”, however, the actor showcased a dark side to himself that audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Daniel Craig who is also amazing, Plummer honoured a legendary book. For instance, the scene in which Henrik Vanger recounts his harrowing memories of the night that Harriet was murdered causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved mystery book about girls with a dragon tattoo, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has produced memorable movies which audiences value.
5. Up
It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my grandfather grieved the loss of his brother causing sorrow. A tragedy, it impacted my grandfather deeply. Adopting a cynical attitude, he couldn’t cope with death ruining his mood. No matter how hard he tried, my grandfather couldn’t cope with the passing of his brother that tragically died. As someone recalling a grandfather whose life turned upside down, I adored “Up”. Released in 2009, Christopher Plummer’s animated classic captured an aging senior mourning his wife’s passing. In the most adventurous role of his career, Plummer portrayed an adventurer that seeks a bird causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing an animated character. Through stunning animation, Plummer created a character that’s easy to relate to. For instance, the scene in which Charles becomes aware that Carl has stolen his bird causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Up” an animated masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Pixar movies targeted to children only, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. As precious as Carl’s house floating up in the air, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that built a great career making timeless movies about which audiences care.
6. Beginners
Terminal illness is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often struggled to tell stories about ill patients facing tragedies. In an industry ignoring seniors that face disasters, it’s worth praising “Beginners”. Released in 2009, Christopher Plummer’s movie offered a realistic portrait of terminal illness. In the most mature role of his career, Plummer portrays a gay senior diagnosed with illness causing despair. It gave the actor chance to showcase maturity he hadn’t shown in his career before. Working alongside Ewan McGregor who is also amazing, Plummer created a portrait of terminal illness that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of terminal illness causing seniors to deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences appreciate.
7. The Insider
When it comes to the most controversial whistleblowers in history, it’s worth discussing Jeffrey Wigand. During the 1990’s, Wigand was a whistleblower that sought to expose the tobacco industry. Through his dedication, Wigand exposed the tobacco industry’s corruption. In 1999, Christopher Plummer honoured the insider in his movie “The Insider”. In the most focused role of his career, Plummer portrayed a renowned talk show host interviewing a whistleblower causing despair. It gave the actor chance to showcase his strength for playing characters in positions of power. Working alongside Al Pacino who is also amazing, Plummer honoured a whistleblower. 30 years after an insider exposed the industry of tobacco, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor whose unforgettable movies give audiences dreams to follow.
8. The Last Station
When it comes to the world’s greatest writers whose stories readers enjoy, it’s worth discussing Leo Tolstoy. A renowned Russian writer, Tolstoy forever changed literature. His timeless stories which were published centuries ago continue to be cherished today. In 2009, Christopher Plummer honoured the iconic author with dedication in his movie “The Last Station”. In the most poetic role of his career, Plummer embodied an author facing a heavy burden to bear. It’s a challenging role that gave the actor chances to step out of his comfort zone by playing a writer that’s well-known. Working alongside Helen Mirren who is also amazing, Plummer honoured a writer that’s inspiring. As precious as books published by Leo Tolstoy, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made memorable movies which audiences enjoy.
9. Malcolm X
Few political leaders in American history built a legacy as strong as Malcolm X. During the 1960’s, Malcolm X was a powerful politician that fought racism. An inspiring African-American icon, he forever changed the country. In 1992, Plummer honoured the African-American icon in his movie “Malcolm X”. In the most religious role of his career, Plummer portrayed a prison minister that gives valuable advice to the politician facing a burden to bear. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his strength for leaving a strong impression in supporting roles. Working alongside Denzel Washington who is also amazing, Plummer honoured a legendary historical figure. A powerful tribute towards an African-American political leader, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that made memorable movies audiences treasure.
10. Priest
Christopher Plummer hasn’t always made great movies that audiences treasure. While most movies the actor has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Priest” falls into the latter category. Released in 2011, Scott Stewart’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Plummer portrays a priest facing fear. Plummer brought an air of menace to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Priest” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Plummer’s enduring legacy. As strong as the priest’s devotion to praying, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a legendary actor that built a lasting legacy manufacturing memorable movies I will forever treasure for motivating my film criticism passion countless years after his heartbreaking passing left the world mourning.
The Film Buff 