Not many actors have built a legacy as powerful as Don Cheadle. Since the 1990’s, Cheadle has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s hotel managers, renowned singers or pornographic actors, Cheadle has portrayed several strong 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. Hotel Rwanda
The Rwandan genocide is a historic disaster that always fascinated my teacher. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a teacher that was fascinated with grim genocides that occurred in Rwanda. He would often like to tell great stories about heroic hotel managers that saved innocent civilians from a living hell. My teacher always believed movies were an art that couldn’t capture genocides that tore lives apart. In 2004, Don Cheadle honoured the genocide that occurred in Rwanda in his movie “Hotel Rwanda”. In the greatest role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a heroic hotel manager seeking to save civilians from a genocide causing despair. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Cheadle has spent most of his career playing heroes in comic-book movies. With “Hotel Rwanda”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a renowned humanitarian leader. Working alongside Joaquin Phoenix who is also amazing, Cheadle honoured a genocide that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Paul risks his life negotiating with soldiers to rescue innocent Tutsi people causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Hotel Rwanda” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies set in Rwanda, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about genocide which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with African history to appreciate it. Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about hotel managers that risked their lives saving innocent civilians from trauma in Rwanda, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with charisma whose memorable movies always attract audiences to the Cinema.
2. Ocean’s Eleven
Teamwork is one of those skills which has never come naturally to me. As far as I remember, I have commonly found it challenging to work within groups. I recall memories of struggling completing group projects in school. As someone that has always struggled working in teams to complete a mission, I loved “Ocean’s 11”. Released in 2001, Don Cheadle’s movie captured teamwork that can be used by thieves to accomplish goals. In the most mischievous role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a skilled thief pulling off an intricate casino robbery causing despair. Cheadle has always had a sharp sense of humour, and “Ocean’s Eleven” showcased his comedic talents as an actor. Working alongside George Clooney who is also outstanding, Cheadle created a heist movie that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Basher is first recruited by Danny Ocean to participate in a casino robbery causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Ocean’s 11” one of Cheadle’s greatest movies is its universal appeal. Unlike most heist movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. 30 years following the release of an iconic movie about criminals robbing a Las Vegas casino, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a fantastic actor that has made great movies which give audiences dreams to follow.
3. Flight
Alcohol addiction is a painful process putting people under stress. Several years ago, I witnessed a close companion endure alcohol addiction. An alcoholic, he loved heavy drinking without concern for effects that could be tragic. Our friendship ended when I decided I could no longer bear seeing him getting wasted. As someone that witnessed a friend fight alcohol addiction causing a plight, I adored “Flight”. Released in 2012, Don Cheadle’s movie captured the harsh realities of alcohol addiction. In the most serious role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a lawyer seeking to assist an alcoholic airline pilot in a case causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Denzel Washington who is also amazing, Cheadle created a portrait of alcohol addiction that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Hugh Lang first becomes aware of Whip’s severe alcohol addiction that caused his plane crash is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Flight”” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about addiction which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic portrait of the frightening barriers that alcoholic pilots fight, it’s a fabulous reminder about a filmmaker whose movies have fulfilled audiences’ appetite.
4. Boogie Nights
Pornographic actors are controversial figures that always fascinated my brother. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a brother that adored adult actors facing damage. He would speak fondly about bravery of adult actors that starred in provocative movies. As someone treasuring fond memories of a brother that was fascinated with adult actors facing fights, I adored “Boogie Nights”. Released in 1997, Don Cheadle’s movie honoured the adult film industry. In the most provocative role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a pornographic actor facing a heavy burden to bear. It’s a sensitive role that gave the actor the chance to take a step out of his comfort zone. Working alongside Mark Wahlberg who is also amazing, Cheadle created a portrait of the adult film industry that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Buck is rejected a bank loan due to his pornographic profession causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Boogie Nights” a masterpiece is its broad appeal. Despite its focus on a controversial industry, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about identity which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of hardships that commemorated actors face, it’s a profound reminder of an actor manufacturing movies which audiences embrace.
5. Avengers: Infinity War
The Avengers are an awe-inspiring superhero team that my friend always loved dearly. I remember a friend that admired a superhero team saving the world from grave danger. His room was always decorated with posters of a superhero team he appreciated. In 2018, Don Cheadle honoured the iconic superhero team facing an infinity war in his movie “Avengers: Infinity War”. In the most heroic role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a superhero facing warfare causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. For instance, the scene in which War Machine seeks to prepare to the frightening battle with the Avengers causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Avengers: Infinity War” a comic-book masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles commemorated themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about loss which would resonate with everyone. As strong as the Avengers’ desire to defeat Thanos, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a world-famous actor that has manufactured commemorated movies which audiences always consider to be precious.
6. Traffic
Drug trafficking is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often avoided addressing a serious issue that’s misunderstood. In an industry avoiding discussing drug trafficking that’s tragic, it’s worth praising “Traffic”. Released in 2000, Don Cheadle’s movie offered a powerful portrait of drug trafficking. In the most tragic role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a gangster that becomes involved in a life of drug trafficking causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing characters under intense pressure. Working alongside Michael Douglas who is also amazing, Cheadle created an authentic portrait of drug trafficking. As captivating portrait of drug trafficking, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has made memorable movies which are worth celebrating.
7. Out of Sight
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about barriers criminals fight, its worth discussing Out of Sight. Since its publication in 1996, Elmore Leonard’s book has become literature readers adore. In 1998, Don Cheadle honoured the iconic book about crimes committed out of sight in his movie “Out of Sight”. In the most villainous role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a bank robber committing crimes causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase a villainous side to himself he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside George Clooney who is also amazing, Cheadle created a crime comedy that’s compelling. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about criminals that are powerful, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor making memorable movies which audiences consider special
8. The Guard
Don Cheadle has always excelled at playing emotional characters that are vulnerable. Cheadle has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing characters facing emotional damage. Cheadle’s strength for playing characters keeping guard of emotions is clearly evident in his movie “The Guard”. Released in 2011, John Michael McDonagh’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most comical role of his career, Cheadle portrayed an FBI agent facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his strength for playing vulnerable characters in danger. Working alongside Brendan Gleeson who is also amazing, Cheadle created a buddy cop movie that’s engaging. As strong as bonds between police that are Irish, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor making memorable movies which audiences cherish.
9. The Devil in the Blue Dress
Few books ever written about criminals have achieved success of The Devil in the Blue Dress. Since its publication in 1990, Walter Mosley’s book has become a literary classic. In 1995, Don Cheadle honoured the iconic book about criminals that impress in his movie “The Devil in the Blue Dress”. In the most psychotic role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a criminal engaging in a life of violence causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing criminals in danger. Working alongside Denzel Washington who is also amazing, Cheadle honoured a book about crimes that are terrifying. A powerful portrait of frightening hardships that African-American criminals go through, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences value.
10. Iron Man 2
Don Cheadle hasn’t always made great movies which are special. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Iron Man 2” falls into the latter category. Released in 2010, Jon Favreau’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a conflicted superhero seeking to prepare for frightening warfare. Cheadle brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Iron Man 2” is a bad movie, it honoured Cheadle’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Tony Stark’s desire to become a billionaire, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has built an impressive career making rare movies which i will forever hold dear for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking about which I deeply care.
The Film Buff 