Not many actors in Hollywood have earned appreciation of John Cusack. Since the 1990’s, Cusack has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers, political figures or frustrated screenwriters, Cusack 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. Being John Malkovich
The minds of actors in Hollywood in danger always fascinated my father. I recall memories of a father appreciating actors in Hollywood facing danger. Fond of L.A., he would marvel at the way in which actors would behave with a price to pay. He would marvel in astonishment at actors showcasing a powerful commitment to making great entertainment. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the complex minds of actors that pitch ideas in Hollywood as powerfully as “Being John Malkovich”. Released in 1999, John Cusack’s best movie offered an insightful glimpse inside the mind of famous actor John Malkovich. In the greatest role of his career, Cusack portrayed a puppeteer that invades the mind of a famous actor causing despair. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Cusack has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes in romantic comedies. With “Being John Malkovich”, however, the actor showcased rare emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Cameron Diaz who is also amazing, Cusack created a portrait of actors in Hollywood that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Craig becomes aware of the portal leading into John Malkovich’s mind causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Being John Malkovich” John Cusack’s best movie is its appeal. Unlike most movies about iconic actors, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 30 years after the release of a groundbreaking film about dark puppeteers invading the minds of famous actors that are terrifying, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated star that has manufactured captivating films which are worth celebrating.
2. Love & Mercy
The Beach Boys are a legendary rock band that my uncle always loved dearly. I remember my uncle was once a huge fan of a rock band he grew up to treasure. He would always seek to teach my family about an iconic band with freedom of speech. Drawn towards the Beach Boys’ music, he loved discussing a bond that he considered iconic. In 2014, John Cusack honoured the iconic rock band with love and mercy in his movie “Love & Mercy”. In the most emotional role of his career, Cusack portrayed the troubled singer of a band facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a rock musician that’s well-known. Working alongside Elizabeth Banks who is also amazing, Cusack honoured a rock band that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Brian Wilson faces a breakdown causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Love & Mercy” a masterpiece is its appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the Beach Boys’ music to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about dreams which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Brian Wilson’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of an actor that makes iconic movies that captivate the public.
3. Lee Daniels’ The Butler
Richard Nixon is a legendary president in American history that earned my grandfather’s appreciation. I recall memories of a grandpa that adored the iconic president in America. He would always marvel at a president that guided the nation with commitment. In 2013, John Cusack honoured the iconic political leader in his movie “The Butler”. In the most political role of his career, Cusack portrayed a politician seeking to guide a nation facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a political leader that’s well-known. Working alongside James Marsden who is also amazing, Cusack honoured Richard Nixon’s enduring legacy. For instance, the scene in which Richard Nixon delivers a rousing speech seeking to prepare his staff for a big meeting is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Butler” a commemorated masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with American politics to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. An astonishing tribute towards a legendary president that guided America, it’s an amazing reminder of a commemorated actor with undeniable charisma that has manufactured memorable movies which attract audiences to the Cinema.
4. Adaptation
Writer’s block is a frustrating process causing authors to face stress. There’s nothing more frustrating in the world than when ideas don’t immediately spring to a writer’s mind. There have been several times when I have drawn a blank struggling coming up with compelling ideas for my writing. As someone impacted by the frustration of writer’s block, I identified deeply with “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, John Cusack’s movie captured lives of frustrated screenwriters. In the most brief role of his career, Cusack portrayed an actor making a film on a set where screenwriters appear. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Cameron Diaz who is also amazing, Cusack created a portrait of writers that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Craig seeks to prepare for a shoot of his movie is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood screenwriters, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message that resonates with everyone that has faced writer’s block. A fantastic depiction of authors facing frustration seeking to make an adaptation, it’s a fabulous reminder of an actor that deserves celebration.
5. 2012
2012 is an apocalyptic disaster that always fascinated by teacher. Several years ago, my teacher was once fascinated with an end-of-the-world scenario. He would often strive to educate classes about an apocalyptic disaster that was predicted to cause the world to deteriorate. In 2009, John Cusack honoured the apocalyptic disaster in his movie “2012”. In the most anxious role of his career, Cusack portrayed a heroic father seeking to protect his family during an apocalypse causing despair. Cusack has always excelled at playing emotional characters under intense pressure, and “2012” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Woody Harrelson who is also outstanding, Cusack created a portrait of doomsday that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Jackson becomes aware that the world is going to end causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “2012” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most disaster movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about survival which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrayal of frightening doomsday disasters which come with a painful price to pay, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has made movies which deserve to be celebrated today.
6. Say Anything
John Cusack has always excelled at playing romantic heroes with a strong back. Cusack has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing romantic heroes with courage. Cusack’s strength for playing romantic heroes that are charming is clearly evident in his movie “Say Anything”. In the most romantic role of his career, Cusack portrayed a teenager engaging in a doomed love affair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing romantic heroes with a charismatic nature. Working alongside Ione Skye who is also amazing, Cusack created a romantic comedy that’s captivating. A powerful portrait of a teen romance, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies throughout his impressive career which definitely deserve to be seen on the big-screen.
7. The Player
Sometimes, the sign of a great actor comes across when they steal the show in a supporting role. John Cusack has always had the rare ability to leave a strong impression in a small role with limited screen-time. Cusack’s strength for leaving a lasting impression in supporting roles is clearly evident in his movie “The Player”. Released in 1992, Robert Altman’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most brief role of his career, Cusack portrayed a fictional version of himself facing despair. It’s a role giving the actor an opportunity to showcase his strong screen presence. Despite being a supporting role with limited screen-time, Cusack stole every scene he’s in. As strong as Griffin’s desire to become a successful Hollywood producer, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has manufactured movies which audiences treasure.
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8. High Fidelity
Few books ever written about music producers have built a legacy as strong as High Fidelity. Since its publication in 1995, Nick Hornby’s book has become a literary classic. In 2000, John Cusack honoured the legendary book about music in his movie “High Fidelity”. In the most comical role of his career, Cusack portrayed a music producer struggling to run a store facing financial despair. It’s a charismatic role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase comedic timing he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Tim Robbins who is also amazing, Cusack created a commemorated music drama that’s engaging. As strong as Rob’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a celebrated actor that has manufactured commemorated movies throughout his impressive career which have always captivated the public.
9. Bullets Over Broadway
When it comes to filmmakers in Hollywood that deserve recognition, it’s worth discussing Woody Allen. With their witty dialogue, compelling characters and strong themes, Allen’s movies have earned a huge following. In 1992, Allen showcased his strengths as a filmmaker when he cast John Cusack in his movie “Bullets Over Broadway”. In the most witty role of his career, Cusack portrayed a Broadway performer engaging in a doomed love affair causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing eccentric characters under pressure. Working alongside Dianne West who is also amazing, Cusack created a drama that’s engaging. As strong as David’s desire to become a playwright, it’s a bright reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies achieving the spotlight.
10. Cell
John Cusack hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Cell” falls into the latter category. Released in 2016, Tod Williams’ thriller was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed an apocalyptic survivor of a disaster causing despair. Cusack brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a disastrous movie. Although “Cell” is a bad movie, it honoured Cusack’s enduring legacy. As strong as Thomas’ desire to survive without a cell, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor manufacturing unforgettable movies that tell compelling stories casting a magical spell which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking in which I excel.
The Film Buff 