Not many movie-stars have built a legacy as strong as Anthony Hopkins. Since the 1960’s, Hopkins has become an icon in the film industry. Whether it’s psychotic serial killers, forgetful seniors or dedicated butlers, Hopkins has portrayed several characters. Despite his age of retirement, the actor hasn’t lost ability to create entertainment. Given the sheer number of classic movies Hopkins has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best films of an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Silence of the Lambs
When it comes to the greatest movies ever made about serial killers stunning people into silence, it’s worth discussing “The Silence of the Lambs”. Released in 1991, Jonathan Demme’s Oscar-winning movie introduced the world to serial killers that were truly scary. With its breathtaking visuals, engaging storytelling and timely themes, “The Silence of the Lambs” has stood the test of time as a horror classic. Arguably, the main reason why the film is considered a classic today is because of Anthony Hopkins. In arguably the greatest role of his career, Hopkins transforms into a notorious serial killer that evokes fear. As Hannibal Lecter, Hopkins created one of the most iconic serial killers in popular culture. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and menacing in his most villainous role. Hopkins has always had a way with using words to evoke emotions, and his strength as an actor is evident in “The Silence of the Lambs”. For instance, the interrogation scene in which Hannibal and Clarice first meet has become one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Silence of the Lambs” a masterpiece is its meaningful message. The film delivers a strong message about sexism in the workplace which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after the release of a classic film about scary serial killers that stun police into silence, it’s a spectacular reminder of an actor that thrives portraying characters with a larger-than-life presence whose memorable movies always attract an audience.
2. The Father
Dementia is a devastating disease rarely depicted accurately in movies. Memory loss is a painful condition that often causes families to face tragedy. Personally speaking, I have witnessed the disease destroy the dreams of my family. Over the last few years, I have noticed my grandparents becoming forgetful. They would often have the habit to forget certain things such as places, events and people. Few films I’ve ever seen have managed to capture the horror of memory loss as powerfully as “The Father”. Released in 2020, Florian Zeller’s movie did an exceptional job of depicting the harsh realities of a disease causing seniors to face adversities. In the most emotional role of his career, Anthony Hopkins embodies a senior losing memory. It’s challenging to embody seniors that suffer from Dementia, but Hopkins succeeds. It’s a role that gives the actor an opportunity to showcase emotional vulnerability audiences haven’t seen before. For instance, the scene where Anthony breaks down crying in the hospital represents the most emotional work the actor has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “The Father” a fantastic film is its message. The film delivers a strong message that would resonate with everyone that has seen family members losing memory after reaching an old age. A devastating depiction of Dementia leading depressed seniors to endure trauma, its a strong reminder of an actor with charisma whose movies deserve to be treasured in Cinema.
3. The Remains of the Day
Few books ever written about butlers are as beloved today as “The Remains of the Day”. Written by Kazuo Ishiguro in the 1980’s, the book earned recognition for depiction of social class in Britain. With its timeless themes, compelling characters and powerful period setting, the book achieved a huge fan following. In 1993, the book was beautifully adapted to the big-screen in Anthony Hopkins’ film “The Remains of the Day”. In the most noble role of his career, Hopkins transformed into a butler with strong dedication to serving his wealthy family. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his commanding presence. For instance, the scene where Stevens issues strict orders to the staff at Darlington Hall showcases the actor’s strong screen presence. Ultimately, what makes “The Remains of the Day” a memorable movie is its meaningful message. The film delivers a strong message about social class with which everyone would be able to engage. As someone that has always shared a long-lasting relationship with my family’s housekeepers, the movie resonated strongly with me. A brilliant adaptation of a beloved book about butlers reminiscing the remains of the day, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that thrives given opportunities to play larger-than-life characters whose movies deserve to be celebrated today.
4. The Elephant Man
Bullying has a negative impact on people’s well-being. At an early age, I endured traumatic bullying that caused emotional damage. I was often picked on by cruel bullies in school for being different. Few movies I’ve ever seen have captured the negative impact of bullying that can destroy lives of people as powerfully as “The Elephant Man”. Released in 1980, Anthony Hopkins’ mesmerizing masterpiece did an authentic job of depicting the life of a man with facial deformities experiencing bullying. In the most compassionate role of his career, Hopkins embodies a doctor that is determined to take care of a disfigured man facing fear. For instance, the scene in which Doctor Stevens has a candid conversation with John Merrick about his facial deformities showcases the actor’s strength at conveying emotion through body language. Ultimately, what makes “The Elephant Man” one of Hopkins’ greatest movies is its message. The film’s message resonates with everyone that has faced bullying causing emotional damage at an early age. As someone that has always been a victim of bullying, I related deeply to the movie. Nearly 40 years following the release of a legendary film about social outcasts with frightening facial deformities facing bullying, it’s an inspiring reminder of an actor that thrives playing compelling characters whose movies are worth appreciating.
5. Hitchcock
I’ve always been a huge fan of Alfred Hitchcock. Ever since his stardom during the 1940’s, Hitchcock has made timeless movies. With their awe-inspiring action, suspenseful storytelling and timely themes, Hitchcock’s movies are universally regarded as celebrated classics today. In 2012, Anthony Hopkins did an extraordinary job of portraying the iconic ‘Master of Suspense’ in his film “Hitchcock”. In the most transformative role of his career, Hopkins completely transforms into the legendary filmmaker with a burden to bear. It isn’t easy to embody the personality of a legendary filmmaker that made timeless movies, but Hopkins pulls it off successfully. Almost unrecognizable, Hopkins bears a striking resemblance to the legendary filmmaker. Not only does he bear a striking physical resemblance to the filmmaker, but Hopkins embodies his razor-sharp personality. For instance, Hopkins’ charisma is evident in the scene where Hitchcock orchestrates music outside a screening of his iconic film “Psycho”. It’s a phenomenal performance that pays tribute toward the legacy of an iconic director that forever changed the film industry. Nearly 60 years after Alfred Hitchcock became a legendary filmmaker in Hollywood, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor that thrives at playing real-life figures whose personalities are misunderstood.
6. Howard’s End
When it comes to the greatest authors in English literature, it’s worth discussing E.M. Forster. A renowned British author, Forster wrote legendary literature. I adore all the films that have adapted his timeless books. However, “Howard’s End” may be my favourite adaptation. Released in 1992, James Ivory’s film did an impressive job of adapting a complex book. The major reason why this adaptation works is because of Anthony Hopkins. In the wealthiest role of his career, Hopkins transforms into an owner of an estate facing despair. Hopkins brings authority to a landowner through his commanding presence. A heartfelt tribute towards legendary literature about landowners managing a wealthy estate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to captivate audiences whose memorable movies are hard to not appreciate.
7. Nixon
Few presidents in American history are as controversial as Richard Nixon. Serving the White House during the 1970’s, Nixon made decisions that guided the country. An inspirational leader, he was dedicated to securing his country’s future. In 1995, Anthony Hopkins did an incredible job of bringing the life of Richard Nixon to the big-screen in his biopic “Nixon”. In his first biographical role, Hopkins embodies a president driven to achieve a strong goal. Not only does he bear a physical resemblance to Nixon, but he captures the president’s larger-than-life personality. It’s a phenomenal performance that pays tribute to a president in American history. 40 years after Richard Nixon guided his nation, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that has built a reputation for playing complex characters whose movies are definitely a cause for celebration.
8. Amistad
Slavery is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has shied away from a dark time in American history. A painful subject matter, slavery is rarely depicted in movies in an authentic manner. In an industry that has always avoided harsh realities of slavery affecting the nation, “Amistad” is an exception. Released in 1997, Anthony Hopkins’ movie did an excellent job of depicting a grim time in American history. In his first ever historical role, Hopkins transforms into a slave trader driven to achieve a goal. It’s a larger-than-life role giving the actor an opportunity to showcase his natural charisma. A heartbreaking depiction of harsh realities experienced by individuals in the American slave trade, it’s a heartfelt reminder of an actor that has played compelling characters in movies that are well-made.
9. The Two Popes
Religion is a tricky subject to depict effectively in movies. When making movies about religion, filmmakers have to toe a fine line between entertainment and educational value. Movies about religion rarely attract audiences to theatres because they often offend viewers. However, Anthony Hopkins pulled it off successfully when he made his film “The Two Popes”. In his first religious role, Hopkins embodies a powerful pope with a gift for persuasion that makes preaching his main goal. It’s a role that gives the actor opportunity to showcase his strength for playing characters with wisdom. A powerful portrait of popes engaging in a pious discussion about subjects that are religious, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor that thrives given opportunities to play courageous characters in movies audiences consider precious.
10. Thor
Thor is a celebrated comic-book hero that’s always been easy for audiences to root for. Introduced during the 1960’s, the demigod wielding a hammer has appeared in several memorable movies. In 2011, Anthony Hopkins did an excellent job of introducing the hero with the hammer in his film “Thor”. In his first ever comic-book role, Hopkins embodies a majestic king with a strong goal. It’s a role giving the actor an opportunity to step out of his comfort zone by playing a comic-book character. Although he only has a short role throughout the movie with limited screen-time, Hopkins ends up stealing the show. As strong as Thor’s hammer, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to attract audiences towards the theatre by playing compelling characters in movies which I will forever treasure.
The Film Buff 
Great Article ❤️❤️❤️
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