Not many actors in Hollywood have earned appreciation of Ian Holm. Since the 1970’s, Holm has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s magical ring bearers, space survivors or marathon runners, Holm has played 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 a commemorated actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy series that shaped my grandfather’s identity. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that admired a series about rings causing damage. Drawn to the power of rings that were dangerous, he loved a great series that held a place in his heart that was precious. In 2001, Ian Holm honoured the iconic franchise about precious rings in his movie “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. In the greatest role of his career, Holm portrayed an aging wizard carrying a magical ring that becomes a grim burden to bear. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and frightening in his most memorable role. Holm has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes in period pieces. With “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a legendary literary character that’s well-known. Working alongside Ian McKellen who is also amazing, Holm honoured an iconic book about rings that are scary. For instance, the scene in which Bilbo reveals his attachment to the ring he considers precious causing Gandalf to face despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” Ian Holm’s best movie is its bold appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the fantasy books to appreciate it. 70 years following the creation of a fantasy book about bold hobbits carrying a ring with powers that are terrifying, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that manufactured unforgettable movies which are definitely worth celebrating.
2. Alien
Aliens are creepy creatures which always scared me. With their frightening eyes, painful claws and creepy bodies, aliens are the kind of creatures that have always terrified me. I would often be afraid to sleep alone at night in the fear I would be attacked by dark aliens that were a shocking sight. My lifelong fear of dark aliens first began when I watched “Alien”. Released in 1979, Ian Holm’s science-fiction classic captured grim aliens evoking terror. In the most frightening role of his career, Holm portrayed a spaceship survivor facing aliens that cause despair. With “Alien”, the actor showcased a rare aptitude for horror he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working with Sigourney Weaver who is also amazing, Holm created a sci-fi film about aliens that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Ash is a victim of a grim alien parasite causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Alien” a classic is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about aliens, it tackles strong themes everyone can relate to. The film delivers a bold message about teams that will resonate with everyone. As strong as aliens in space, it’s a bold reminder of an actor that built a career by movies which audiences embrace.
3. Chariots of Fire
Running is an engaging activity that I have always enjoyed doing. A strong way of calming anxiety, running is an effective strategy I have often used to cope with life adversity. Running is a coping mechanism that has allowed me to deal with the challenges of Autism. As someone that has grown up to admire the activity of running, I adored “Chariots of Fire”. Released in 1981, Ian Holm’s movie depicted lives of marathon runners in the Olympics. In the most authoritative role of his career, Holm portrayed a businessman that engages in running competitions causing despair. Holm has always excelled at playing strong leaders in positions of power, and “Chariots of Fire” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Ian Charleson who is also amazing, Holm created a compelling portrait of running. For instance, the scene in which Sam seeks to prepare his runners for a competition is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Chariots of Fire” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about marathon running, it tackles commemorated themes which everyone would relate to. As strong as Eric’s desire to become a successful runner, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a legendary actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his commemorated career which audiences treasure.
4. The Day After Tomorrow
Climate disasters causing danger always fascinated my teacher. I remember a geography teacher that was fascinated with climate disasters putting the world in danger. He would often strive to educate students about climate. As someone treasuring a teacher that adored climate disasters years ago, I loved “The Day After Tomorrow”. Released in 2004, Ian Holm’s disaster movie depicted climate catastrophe. In the most tragic role of his career, Holm portrayed an aging scientist that becomes victim of a climate catastrophe causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a star-studded cast. Working alongside Jake Gyllenhaal who is also amazing, Holm created a portrait of climate disasters that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Terry becomes aware that the world is ending is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what make “The Day After Tomorrow” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most disaster movies, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of climate disasters that deteriorate, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor that audiences appreciate.
5. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
The Hobbit is a legendary book that earned my aunt’s appreciation. I remember my aunt was once a huge fan of a classic book she considered timeless literature. She would always love discussing a book about a frightening ring. In 2012, Ian Holm honoured the iconic book about an unexpected journey in his movie “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”. In the most wise role of his career, Holm portrayed an aging wizard carrying a burden to bear. Holm has always excelled at playing Bilbo Baggins throughout the LOTR franchise. With “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”, however, the actor brought emotional vulnerability to Bilbo that audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Martin Freeman who is also amazing, Holm honoured a book about a ring that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which the aging Bilbo recounts his memories of the ring causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” a classic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the book to appreciate it. As strong as Bilbo’s desire to go on a journey that’s magical, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated actor manufacturing movies audiences consider special.
6. The Sweet Hereafter
Ian Holm always excelled at playing emotional heroes facing tension. Holm built an image of being an actor that thrived at playing emotional heroes facing damage. Holm’s strength for playing emotional heroes under intense pressure is clearly evident in his movie “The Sweet Hereafter”. Released in 1997, Atom Egoyan’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most conflicted role of his career, Holm portrayed a father facing murder mystery causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing men under pressure. Working alongside Sarah Poley who is also amazing, Holm created a drama that’s engaging. A powerful portrait of trauma faced by families in Canada, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with charisma whose movies always attract audiences to the Cinema.
7. Ratatouille
Love for cooking runs in my family. I remember a mother seeking to become a baker. Nobody in the world could bake cakes like my mother did without mistakes. As someone bonding with a mother that loved the culinary industry, “Ratatouille” resonated with me. Released in 2007, Ian Holm’s animated movie celebrated the culinary industry. In the most colourful role of his career, Holm portrayed the chef of a prestigious French restaurant facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase his talent for creating compelling animated characters through his voice. Working alongside Patton Oswalt who is also amazing, Holm created an animated movie that’s captivating. As precious as the ratatouille dish, it’s a riveting reminder of a celebrated actor that made commemorated movies which audiences cherish.
8. The Madness of King George
Few figures in the royal family are as beloved as King George III. During the 18th Century, King George suffered from mental disability affecting his abilities to function effectively. King George’s madness became a defining part of his personality. In 1994, Ian Holm honoured the king that suffered from madness in her movie “The Madness of King George”. In the most majestic role of her career, Holm embodied a political advisor struggling to assist a king causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase aptitude for playing figures of the royal family. Working alongside Helen Mirren who is also amazing, Holm honoured a king that’s inspiring. As strong as King George’s desire to overcome his madness, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has become a timeless icon in the entertainment business.
9. The Aviator
OCD is a debilitating disease that has shaped my personality. At an early age, I developed a habit of engaging in obsessive behaviours causing damage. As someone impacted by a disorder that changed my life forever, I loved “The Aviator”. Released in 2005, Ian Holm’s movie captured the life of an aviator with OCD. In the most historical role of his career, Holm portrayed a technician that assisted Howard Hughes prepare planes soaring in the air. 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 Leonardo DiCaprio who is also amazing, Holm honoured an aviator that’s inspiring. As precious as planes Howard Hughes loves to fly in the air, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor that has built a great career making movies about which audiences care.
10. Bless the Child
Ian Holm hasn’t always made great movies earning appreciation. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Bless the Child” falls into the latter category. Released in 2000, Chuck Russell’s horror movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Holm portrayed a religious reverend seeking to care for a gifted child facing despair. Holm brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Bless the Child” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Holm’s enduring legacy. As strong as Maggie’s association with religion, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor with strong dedication to his craft that manufactured great movies throughout his career which I will forever treasure for cultivating my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 