Not many actors have the abilities to enthral like Timothy Spall. Since the 1990’s, Spall has become a British icon. Whether it’s magical teachers, political leaders or menacing gangsters, Spall has portrayed several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has made in his career, 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. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter is a magical book series that shaped my identity. The story about misunderstood boys who lived has always been a big part of my childhood. I recall joyous memories of reading J.K. Rowling’s great book series during my childhood that impacted my identity. I instantly fell in love with a great book series about strong wizards that cast powerful spells with timeless stories to tell. In 2004, Timothy Spall honoured the iconic series of which I have always been a huge fan in his movie “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. In the greatest role of his career, Spall portrayed a magical wizard engaging in a life of crime causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most meaningful role. Spall has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes with sympathetic personalities. With “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a Harry Potter villain. Working alongside Gary Oldman who is also outstanding, Spall honoured a series about wizards that’s spellbinding. For instance, the scene in which Peter Pettigrew is first introduced making Harry aware that he is the culprit that betrayed his parents causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” Timothy Spall’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the Harry Potter series, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. A fantastic adaptation of a famous book series about wizards casting spells that are dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a bold actor building a great career producing strong movies which audiences consider to be precious.
2. Enchanted
Enchanted princesses are characters that my mother always appreciated. I remember my mother was once a huge fan of pretty princesses experiencing grave danger. Fond of a fairytale, she would always love to tell stories of princesses she loved with great detail. She would always speak fondly about classic Disney princesses that shaped her identity. In 2007, Timothy Spall honoured enchanted princesses that my mother adored in his movie “Enchanted”. In the most musical role of his career, Spall portrayed a mischievous henchman seeking to fulfill wishes of an evil queen causing despair. With “Enchanted”, the actor showcased rare talent for singing melodies that he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside James Marsden who is also outstanding, Spall honoured princesses that are inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Nathaniel becomes aware that the princess is alive in New York causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Enchanted” a fantasy classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies capturing the lives of princesses, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as Giselle’s desire to become a princess that’s enchanted, it’s a riveting reminder of a great actor that has made bold movies which deserve to be appreciated.
3. The King’s Speech
King George VI is a legendary figure of the royal family that impressed my father. At an early age, I formed a strong relationship with a father that admired a king with speech impediments causing damage. In 2010, Timothy Spall honoured the king with a speech disability in his movie “The King’s Speech”. In the most royal role of his career, Spall portrayed a legendary British prime minister that guided Britain during a time of warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a prime minister that’s well-known. Working alongside Colin Firth who is also amazing, Spall honoured a king that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Winston Churchill offers King George VI valuable advice on how to prepare his speech is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The King’s Speech” a royal masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the royal family that are targeted towards a limited audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as King George’s desire to overcome his speech impediment, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with strong commitment towards his craft that has produced unforgettable entertainment.
4. Spencer
Princess Diana is a legendary member of the royal family that my cousin loved dearly. I recall with nostalgia memories of a cousin appreciating Diana. Fascinated with the royal family, she always spoke fondly about a princess that shaped her identity. In 2021, Timothy Spall honoured the iconic royal family figure in his movie “Spencer”. In the most aristocratic role of his career, Spall portrayed a royal family figure that sought to take care of Diana during a time of despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong leaders in positions of power. Working alongside Kristen Stewart who is also amazing, Spall honoured a princess that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Major Gregory helps Diana prepare for her big ballroom dinner is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Spencer” a masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the royal family that are targeted towards a small audience, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about dangers of eating disorders which would resonate with everyone. A powerful tribute towards a prestigious queen, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has always manufactured memorable movies which demand to be seen on the big-screen.
5. Lemony Snickets’ A Series of Unfortunate Events
A Series of Unfortunate Events is a classic book series I grew up to appreciate. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a book about unfortunate events children face causing a dilemma. I grew to treasure a book series about children whose lives endure grave danger. In 2004, Timothy Spall honoured the iconic book series about unfortunate events in his movie “Lemony Snickets’ A Series of Unfortunate Events”. In the most mysterious role of his career, Spall portrayed an aristocratic figure seeking to catch children that are on the run causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Jim Carrey who is also amazing, Spall honoured a book series that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Poe becomes aware of the children’s disappearance causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “A Series of Unfortunate Events” a classic is its message. It delivers a meaningful message about child abduction which would resonate with everyone. A powerful adaptation of a book about children facing events that are unfortunate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making great movies audiences appreciate.
6. Wicked Little Letters
Timothy Spall has always excelled at playing emotional characters facing adversity. Spall has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing characters facing emotional damage. Spall’s strength for playing conflicted characters is clearly evident in his movie “Wicked Little Letters”. Released in 2023, Thea Sharrock’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most mischievous role of his career, Spall portrayed a conflicted businessman facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional characters under pressure. Working alongside Olivia Colman who is also amazing, Spall created a drama that’s engaging. As precious as letters that Rose seeks to publish, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured great movies that audiences cherish.
7. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Elm Street
It isn’t easy to adapt a beloved Broadway musical on the big-screen today. In order to make a successful adaptation, filmmakers must pay attention to the storytelling, music and characters of the show. However, in 2007 Timothy Spall managed to pull off the feat of adapting a beloved Broadway play in his film “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Elm Street”. In the most musical role of his career, Spall portrayed a businessman facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase talent for delivering monologues he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Alan Rickman who is also amazing, Spall honoured a play that’s inspiring. A breathtaking adaptation of a Broadway play that blew audiences away, it’s a brilliant reminder about an actor whose timeless movies are worth celebrating today.
8. Mr. Turner
When it comes to the greatest painters in English history, it’s worth discussing Joseph Mallord William Turner. During the 1800’s, Turner created stunning painting leaving a legacy that’s lasting. In 2014, Timothy Spall honoured the iconic expressionistic painter in his movie “Mr. Turner”. In the most artistic role of his career, Spall portrayed a legendary painter that created awe-inspiring art facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor the opportunities to step out of his comfort zone by playing a legendary painter that’s well-known. Working alongside Dorothy Atkinson who is also outstanding, Spall honoured a commemorated painter that’s inspiring. As powerful as Mr. Turner’s love for painting, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured captivating movies which are definitely worth celebrating.
9. The Last Samurai
Samurai are spectacular characters that have often made for engaging movies. Audiences have always been drawn to the swords brandished by samurai in movies that satisfy. In 2003, Timothy Spall captured the enduring appeal of samurai in his movie “The Last Samurai”. In the most supportive role of his career, Spall portrayed an advisor seeking to prepare his master to become a samurai facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong supporting characters with powerful personalities in movies. Working alongside Tom Cruise who is also amazing, Spall created a samurai blockbuster that’s engaging. As strong as Nathan’s desire to become a samurai, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated actor that has made captivating movies in his impressive career which satisfy.
10. Death Defying Acts
Timothy Spall hasn’t always made great movies that enthral. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Death Defying Acts” falls into the latter category. Released in 2007, Gillian Armstrong’s movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Spall portrayed a businessman that forms a long-lasting relationship with a psychic causing despair. Spall brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Death Defying Acts” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Spall’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Houdini’s desire to become a psychic in Britain, it’s a brilliant reminder of an actor with strong dedication that has made great movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 
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