Not many actors in Hollywood have made movies audiences treasure like Kyle Chandler. Since the 1990’s, Chandler has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s police-officers, frustrated fathers or doomed lovers, Chandler has portrayed several strong characters. Given the 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. The Wolf of Wall Street
Wall Street stockbrokers that engage in criminal behaviour always fascinated my father. At an early age, I formed bonds with a father that was a huge fan of stockbrokers causing damage. A banker by profession, my father often took keen interest in lives of smart stockbrokers running an organization. He would acknowledge the meticulous way dark stockbrokers got away with committing grim crimes without facing a price to pay. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the grim lives of stockbrokers on Wall Street as powerfully as “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Released in 2013, Kyle Chandler’s best movie captured a Wall Street stockbroker that committed serious felonies. In the greatest role of his career, Chandler portrayed a dedicated FBI agent seeking to apprehend a Wall Street stockbroker for committing crimes causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Chandler has spent most of his career playing serious roles in dramas. With “The Wolf of Wall Street”, however, the actor showcased commemorated aptitude for comedy that he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio who is also outstanding, Chandler honoured a Wall Street stockbroker that did felonies years ago. For instance, the scene in which FBI Agent Denham is aware that Jordan Belfort is trying to deceive him on his yacht causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Wolf of Wall Street” Kyle Chandler’s best movie is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about Wall Street, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 30 years after Jordan Belfort changed Wall Street, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great actor that been hard to beat that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences consider to be a treat.
2. Manchester by the Sea
It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Years ago, my family’s life hit crushing lows when our housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. No matter how hard we tried, my family couldn’t recover from the loss of a housekeeper that died. As someone haunted by the loss of a housekeeper causing family tragedy, I appreciated “Manchester by the Sea”. Released in 2016, Kyle Chandler’s movie captured families impacted by tragedy. In the most heartbreaking role of his career, Chandler portrays a victim of an accident that causes despair. With “Manchester by the Sea”, the actor showcased rare range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Casey Affleck who is also outstanding, Chandler created a portrait of tragedy that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Joe becomes aware that he only has a short while left to live causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about loss which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of loss causing janitors to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has always manufactured movies which audiences appreciate.
3. The Spectacular Now
Childhood crushes are lovers that rarely last forever. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school which sought marriage. However, immigration ended our bonds forever. When my family immigrated to Canada, I had to saw goodbye to a girl that had shaped my persona. As someone treasuring memories of a spectacular girl which changed how I see the world, I appreciated “The Spectacular Now”. Released in 2013, Kyle Chandler’s movie offered a spectacular portrait of teenage romance. In the most reckless role of his career, Chandler portrayed an alcoholic father that struggles to care for his teenage son in a romantic affair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. For instance, the scene in which Sutter meets his father with Amy after years of separation causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Spectacular Now” a spectacular masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular portrait of teenagers seeking guidance in adolescence, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has manufactured commemorated movies earning a huge audience.
4. Carol
Lesbian girls have shaped my identity. At an early age, I formed a strong friendship with a lesbian girl that hid her sexuality causing damage. A tomboy, she loved activities boys would enjoy. She was never afraid of embracing her sexual identity against the wishes of her conservative Pakistani family. As someone treasuring memories of a lesbian girl that’s powerful, I adored “Carol”. Released in 2015, Kyle Chandler’s movie offered a captivating lesbian romance. In the most conflicted role of his career, Chandler portrayed a resentful husband of a lesbian woman engaging in an extramarital affair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotionally conflicted characters. Working alongside Cate Blanchett who is also amazing, Chandler created a lesbian romance that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Harge becomes aware that his wife is queer having an affair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Carol” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies about lesbians, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. A sad portrait of a lesbian romance of queer women in an affair, it’s a bold reminder of an actor making unforgettable movies about which audiences care.
5. Argo
The Middle East is a country that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia joyous memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. During my childhood, I grew up in a prosperous Middle Eastern neighbourhood. As someone that grew up in the Middle East several years ago, I adored “Argo”. Released in 2012, Kyle Chandler’s great movie depicted the real-life Iranian hostage crisis. In the most historical role of his career, Chandler portrayed a real-life political advisor facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a historic figure that’s well-known. Working alongside Ben Affleck who is also amazing, Chandler created a portrait of the CIA hostage crisis that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Hamilton becomes aware that a crisis has arisen in Iran causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Argo” great is depiction of the Middle East. Unlike most movies, the film honoured Iran. 40 years after a crisis in which a CIA agent rescued civilians in Iran held hostage, it’s a bold reminder of an actor making movies with a meaningful message.
6. Zero Dark Thirty
Terrorism is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often shied away from American history that’s misunderstood. In an industry avoiding discussing terrorism, it’s worth praising “Zero Dark Thirty”. Released in 2012, Kyle Chandler’s movie offered a powerful portrait of the hunt for Osama Bin Laden. In the most political role of his career, Chandler portrayed an FBI agent facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing powerful figures in positions of authority. Working alongside Jessica Chastain who is also amazing, Chandler created a portrait of terrorism that’s compelling. Nearly 15 years after Osama Bin Laden was hunted for crimes he had committed, it’s a strong reminder about an actor whose unforgettable movies deserve to be appreciated.
7. Super 8
Kyle Chandler has always excelled at playing characters whose lives are in danger. Chandler has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing heroes facing damage. Chandler’s strength for playing characters in a stressful state is evident in his movie “Super 8”. Released in 2011, J.J. Abrams’ movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most anxiety-ridden role of his career, Chandler portrayed a police-officer facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing characters under intense pressure. Working alongside Elle Fanning who is also amazing, Chandler created a science-fiction blockbuster that’s compelling. As precious as Joe’s Super 8 camera, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with charisma that has manufactured great movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
8. King Kong
King Kong is a monstrous ape that has always scared me. I remember being terrified of the ape when I first saw “King Kong” in the theatre. A formative experience, watching the film at an early age gave me fear of the monstrous ape causing disturbance. Released in 2005, Kyle Chandler’s movie has stood the test of time as a classic. In the most villainous role of his career, Chandler portrayed a Broadway actor seeking to take advantage of a monstrous ape causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase a villainous side to himself that audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Naomi Watts who is also amazing, Chandler honoured an ape that’s frightening. Nearly 20 years following the release of a film about an ape that’s monstrous, it’s a strong reminder of a actor that has built a fantastic career which is precious.
9. First Man
Few astronauts have built a legacy as strong as Neil Armstrong. In 1969, Armstrong forever changed the world when he travelled to the moon. In 2018, Kyle Chandler honoured the iconic astronaut that became the first man to walk the moon in his movie “First Man”. In the most technical role of his career, Chandler portrayed an engineer that sought to assist Armstrong pull of a space mission causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong characters in supporting roles. Working alongside Ryan Gosling who is also outstanding, Chandler honoured an iconic astronaut that’s inspiring. Nearly 60 years after Neil Armstrong became the first ever man to walk on the moon, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured movies which won’t be forgotten soon.
10. The Day the Earth Stood Still
Kyle Chandler hasn’t always made great movies that audiences treasure. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Day the Earth Stood Still” falls into the latter category. Released in 2008, Scott Derrickson’s science-fiction blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Chandler played an advisor facing an alien invasion causing despair. Chandler brought charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Day the Earth Stood Still” is a bad movie, it honoured Chandler’s legacy. As powerful as aliens causing the Earth to stand still, it’s a bold reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to thrill whose movies I will forever treasure for inspiring me to fulfill dreams of film criticism giving me a greater will.
The Film Buff 