Not many actors have earned appreciation of Michael Keaton. Since the 1980’s, Keaton has become an icon. Whether it’s news reporters, comic-book characters or actors, Keaton has portrayed various characters. Given the sheer number of commemorated movies he has made, making a list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Birdman
Mental illness has shaped my personality. Years ago, my life hit a crushing low when I faced anxiety attacks causing sorrow. In high school, I struggled coping with pressure posed by math classes that were cruel. Unable to handle pressure, I experienced a nervous breakdown which changed my life forever. No matter how hard I tried to succeed in school, there was always a nagging voice in the back of my head telling me I wasn’t good enough. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how mental illness can destroy the lives of people as powerfully as “Birdman”. Released in 2014, Michael Keaton’s Oscar-winning movie did an extraordinary job of depicting the impact of mental illness on an actor in the theatre industry. In the greatest role of his career, Michael Keaton embodies a washed-up movie-star on the brink of despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in his most meaningful role. It’s a complex role that gives the actor an opportunity to use his commanding voice to capture an actor facing severe anxiety. For instance, the scene in which Riggan faces a breakdown arguing with his alter-ego Birdman in his apartment is the most emotional work the actor has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “Birdman” Michael Keaton’s greatest movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message concerning mental illness. A breathtaking portrait of mental health struggles experienced by commemorated actors seeking success on Broadway, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor that thrives when given opportunities to play complex characters in movies that are treasured today.
2. Spotlight
Journalism is a profession that I’ve always regarded with admiration. I remember a friend that had dreams of becoming a successful news reporter. An aspiring news reporter, he would strive to uncover the truth behind each story. He was an enthusiastic journalist dedicated to write stories about scandals hidden in plain sight. As someone that has always admired news stories journalists write, I loved “Spotlight”. Released in 2015, Michael Keaton’s Oscar-winning movie did an excellent job telling the true story of journalists that uncovered a shocking scandal involving the Catholic Church. In the most intelligent role of his career, Keaton embodies a news reporter that uncovered a shocking sex scandal causing despair. Keaton deftly uses his body language to create a strong journalist uncovering a scandal. For instance, the scene in which Robby confronts business representatives that refuse to accept abuse is one of the best moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Spotlight” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most movies about journalism intended for an intellectual audience, it tackles themes everyone can relate to. It delivers a universal message that would resonate with everyone enduring abuse at an early age. A spectacular portrait of scandals hidden in plain sight about which reporters sought to write, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor that thrives making movies shining a spotlight on obstacles journalists fight.
3. Batman
Few superheroes have achieved a fan following as huge as Batman. Ever since his introduction during the 1940’s, the caped crusader has shaped my brother’s identity. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with a brother that was a big fan of the superhero. A comic-book nerd, he would often speak fondly of a superhero that made him feel heard. Through his lifelong love for Batman, my brother gave me an appreciation for a hero I have grown to value. As someone that’s always been a huge fan of the caped crusader, I loved “Batman”. Released in 1989, Michael Keaton’s blockbuster did an extraordinary job of introducing Batman on the big-screen. In the most heroic role of his career, Keaton embodies a dark superhero seeking to fight criminals in a city that faces despair. Keaton effectively used his commanding voice to create a distinct interpretation of the superhero. Not only did the actor embody Bruce Wayne’s personality but he captured the caped crusader’s drive to fight crime in Gotham City. For instance, the iconic opening scene in which Batman is introduced demonstrates the actor’s strengths. Ultimately, what makes “Batman” a great comic-book film is its message. It delivers a powerful message about the importance of solving crimes which would resonate with everyone. A captivating tribute towards the caped crusader, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor thriving playing superheroes in movies audiences treasure.
4. Beetlejuice
“Beetlejuice” is a classic film that shaped my childhood. Growing up in the 1990’s, I would often watch the movie with a cousin I regarded highly. My cousin was a huge fan of a gothic film about ghosts that he grew up to adore. There was something special about the film that made him always want to watch it every day. Arguably, the main reason why the film resonated with him deeply is because of Michael Keaton. In the most iconic role of his career, Keaton embodied a ghostly character causing a family to face fear. Keaton has always been one of those actors with a sense of humour, and “Beetlejuice” showcases his strengths. For instance, the introduction scene in which Beetlejuice is first introduced to the audience showcases Keaton’s strengths for comedic timing. Ultimately, what makes “Beetlejuice” stand out is its message. Unlike most comedies made in the 1980’s which are outdated, the film’s message remains relevant today. It delivers a universal message about the importance of family which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a celebrated film about ominous ghosts cracking jokes that are hilarious, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an adventurous actor whose movies audiences consider to be precious.
5. The Founder
McDonald’s is a great fast-food company impacting my cousin’s identity. Years ago, my cousin appreciated a fast-food chain that gave him dreams to follow. His face would light up with a bright glow whenever he had chances to visit a fast-food chain that fulfilled his appetite. As someone that has grown to treasure fond memories of a cousin that appreciated McDonald’s, I loved “The Founder”. Released in 2016, Michael Keaton’s brilliant biopic did an extraordinary job celebrating a fast-food chain that’s iconic. In the most charismatic role of his career, Keaton embodies the famous founder that created one of the world’s greatest fast-food companies. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his abilities to play leaders. For instance, the scene in which Ray Kroc delivers a monologue explaining his concept of McDonald’s as a new American Church showcases the actor’s strengths. Ultimately, “The Founder” is a film that stands out because of its message. The film delivers a persuasive message about sacrifices founders of companies make. Nearly 50 years following formations of a famous fast-food organization, it’s a rousing reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to entertain whose movies are worthy of celebration.
6. Clean and Sober
Drug addiction is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has struggled to tell realistic stories of individuals that engage in substance abuse. In an industry that has often struggled to capture harsh realities of drug addiction, it’s worth discussing “Clean and Sober”. Released in 1988, Michael Keaton’s movie did an excellent job of depicting the dangers of drug addiction on the big-screen. In the most emotional role of his career, Keaton embodies a reckless real estate agent whose cocaine addiction causes his life to spiral out of control. It’s a role that marked a turning point in Keaton’s career where he went from being a comic actor to a serious dramatic performer. A dazzling portrait of drug addiction leading lives to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose movies audiences celebrate.
7. Jackie Brown
Few filmmakers that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Quentin Tarantino. Ever since his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Tarantino has become one of the greatest directors in the film industry. With their compelling characters, witty dialogue and sharp storytelling, Tarantino’s films have earned a huge fan following. In 1997, Tarantino collaborated with Michael Keaton for the first time when he made his film “Jackie Brown”. In the most comical role of his career, Keaton embodies a crooked cop that becomes embroiled in a criminal affair. Keaton has always had a way with words, and here he cherishes Tarantino’s timeless dialogue. As unforgettable as crimes which Jackie Brown has committed, it’s a riveting reminder about an actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to leave audiences captivated whose films deserve to be celebrated.
8. Mr. Mom
Taking care of a household is a duty fathers often find challenging. Whether it’s pressure to take care of kids, cleaning or managing garbage, managing households can be a task fathers find demanding. Challenges faced by fathers given responsibility of being a mom are beautifully depicted in the film “Mr. Mom”. Released in 1983, Michael Keaton’s movie did an excellent job of depicting fathers assuming household responsibility. In his most realistic career role, Keaton embodies a father facing tension when he’s given the goal of managing a household. It’s a role that gives Keaton a chance to showcase his aptitude for comedy. A captivating portrait of frustrated fathers finding managing households challenging, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives playing complex characters in movies worth celebrating.
9. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Michael Keaton has built an image of being an actor that plays heroes with courage. Since his career began years ago, Keaton has always excelled at playing a stereotypical hero. His attractive looks, charismatic personality and larger-than-life presence make him an ideal actor for classic heroes. However, in 2017 Keaton took audiences by surprise when he portrayed a menacing villain threatening superheroes in “Spider-Man: Homecoming”. In his first ever villainous role, Keaton embodies an arms dealer causing Spider-Man’s life to spiral out of control. It’s a role that gives the actor a rare opportunity to step out of his comfort zone by playing a villain that evokes fear. A spectacular tribute to a web-swinging superhero, it’s a superb reminder of an actor whose movies give audiences dreams to follow.
10. The Trial of the Chicago 7
When it comes to court cases in American history, it’s worth discussing the trial of the Chicago 7. In 1969 Chicago, eight protesters were charged with riots. Known as the ‘Chicago 7’, the group declared that their intention was to protest in peace. However, what started out as a simple protest became a clash with police. In 2020, Michael Keaton did an excellent job of bringing the trial to the big-screen in his film “The Trial of the Chicago 7”. In a brief appearance, Keaton embodies an attorney that assisted protestors. Although it’s a supporting role, Keaton steals the show. It’s a role that gives the actor a chance to showcase wisdom absent from his previous movies. Nearly 60 years after the Chicago 7 trial, it’s a riveting reminder of a versatile actor that hasn’t lost style whose worthwhile movies will forever leave me with a smile.
The Film Buff 
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