Not many actors have made movies that excel like Harvey Keitel. Since the 1990’s, Keitel has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s corrupt gangsters, bank robbers or star-crossed lovers, Keitel has portrayed several interesting 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. Pulp Fiction
Housekeepers have always helped my family. At an early age, I formed bonds with a housekeeper that delivered an inspiring message. Dedicated to doing every chore, he was a person my family would adore. A devoted housekeeper, he dedicated himself towards jobs regardless how much he was paid. Through abilities to assist family, he became a person I would value. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured roles housekeepers play in lives of gangsters facing tension as powerfully as “Pulp Fiction”. Released in 1994, Harvey Keitel’s best movie captured lives of fixers assisting gangsters with authority. In the greatest role of his career, Keitel portrayed a fixer seeking to assist gangsters clean up crimes causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Keitel has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes in period dramas. With “Pulp Fiction”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by playing a fixer. Working alongside Samuel L. Jackson who is also amazing, Keitel created a crime drama that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which the Wolf is first introduced seeking to prepare for a messy crime is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Pulp Fiction” Harvey Keitel’s best movie is its universal message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of forgiveness as a source of redemption that would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a commemorated film about pulp gangsters demonstrating religious beliefs seeking redemption, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has manufactured commemorated movies which are without a doubt worthy of celebration.
2. Taxi Driver
Loneliness has impacted by personality. As far as I can remember, I have always been a lonely person. Being an Autistic person, I’ve often found social interactions in life challenging. I often preferred to spent time writing rather than interacting. As someone impacted by feelings of loneliness causing disaster, I adored “Taxi Driver”. Released in 1976, Harvey Keitel’s movie captured the lives of lonely taxi drivers in New York City. In the most provocative role of his career, Keitel portrayed a criminal that has a friendship with a lonely taxi driver causing despair. It’s a movie that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Robert De Niro who is also amazing, Keitel created a portrait of taxi drivers that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Sport negotiates a deal with Travis about drugs causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Taxi Driver” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. A phenomenal portrait of loneliness causing taxi drivers in 1970’s New York City to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his career which audiences appreciate.
3. Reservoir Dogs
Bank robbers engaging in criminal behaviour always fascinated my brother. I remember my brother was fascinated with the crimes that bank robbers committed. He was fascinated with criminals that would get away with robbing banks without facing a price to pay. As someone treasuring fond memories of a brother that adored bank robbers treated like dogs, I adored “Reservoir Dogs”. Released in 1992, Harvey Keitel’s movie captured the lives of bank robbers committing crimes causing tragedy. In the most complex role of his career, Keitel portrayed the leader of a gang of thieves committing crimes causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his strength for playing leaders in positions of power. Working alongside Steve Buscemi who is also outstanding, Keitel created a bank robbery thriller that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Mr. White becomes aware that his team is in danger causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Reservoir Dogs” a timeless classic is its broad appeal. Unlike most bank robbery movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. As memorable as bank robberies Mr. White has committed, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies in his career which deserve to be celebrated.
4. The Piano
The piano is a musical instrument my friend once enjoyed playing years ago. I remember forming a friendship with a mute girl in my school that sought to become a piano player. Unable to speak, she would love to play piano every day of the week. As someone treasuring memories of a girl that loved playing the piano years ago, I adored “The Piano”. Released in 1991, Harvey Keitel’s movie captured the lives of a mute woman with love of piano. In the most musical role of his career, Keitel portrayed a piano player that has a doomed romantic affair causing despair. With “The Piano”, the actor showcased a rare sensitive side to himself that he hadn’t showcased before in his career. Working alongside Anna Paquin who is also amazing, Keitel created a drama that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Flora witnesses her mother being abused by her husband causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Piano” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about mute women, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of mute women with a love for piano, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making unforgettable movies giving audiences dreams to follow.
5. The Irishman
Aging is a painful process that causes seniors to face stress. As far back as I remember, I’ve always shared a strong bond with a grandfather I treasure. However, aging ended our relationship forever. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather that faced aging destruction, I adored “The Irishman”. Released in 2019, Harvey Keitel’s movie captured aging gangsters facing tragedy. In the most conflicted role of his career, Keitel portrayed an aging gangster engaging in a life of crime causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under pressure. Working alongside Robert de Niro who is also outstanding, Keitel created a crime drama that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Angelo becomes aware that he is being deceived by Frank Sheeran causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Irishman” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about aging which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrayal of aging causing the lives of gangsters to crumble, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor that has made unforgettable movies throughout his career that audiences consider special.
6. Bad Lieutenant
Harvey Keitel has often excelled at playing emotional characters that feel unwell. Keitel has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing emotional heroes facing damage. Keitel’s strength for playing heroes facing resentment is clearly evident in his movie “Bad Lieutenant”. Released in 1992, Abel Ferrara’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most villainous role of his career, Keitel portrayed a corrupt police officer engaging in crime causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under pressure. Working alongside Zoe Lund who is also amazing, Keitel created a crime drama that’s engaging. As memorable as crimes committed by the lieutenant, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with commitment that has made unforgettable entertainment.
7. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Few filmmakers have earned recognition of Wes Anderson. With their witty dialogue, quirky characters and compelling storytelling, Anderson’s commemorated movies have earned a massive following. Anderson has always had an eye for casting great actors in his movies. In 2014, Anderson showcased his strengths as a filmmaker by casting Harvey Keitel in his movie “The Grand Budapest Hotel”. In the most comical role of his career, Keitel embodied a ruthless hitman carrying a heavy burden to bear. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase comedic timing he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Ralph Fiennes who is also amazing, Keitel created a comedy that’s engaging. A grand portrait of a Budapest hotel, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor whose strong movies cast a magical spell.
8. The Last Temptation of Christ
Religion is a sensitive subject that is rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often avoided discussing a subject that’s misunderstood. In an industry afraid of discussing stories of Christ, it’s worth praising “The Last Temptation of Christ”. Released in 1988, Harvey Keitel’s movie captured the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the most religious role of his career, the actor portrayed a church pastor questioning his faith causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a religious preacher that feels alone. Working alongside Willem Dafoe who is also outstanding, Keitel created a religious drama that’s captivating. As powerful as Jesus Christ’s crucification, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated actor with an unwavering dedication whose movies deserve celebration.
9. Mean Streets
Gangsters are grand figures that have often made for engaging movies. Since the 1970’s, stories of gangsters engaging in crimes have made for memorable movies. In 1973, Harvey Keitel captured the enduring appeal of gangsters roaming mean streets in his movie “Mean Streets”. In the most volatile role of his career, Keitel portrayed a gangster engaging in a criminal lifestyle causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Robert De Niro who is also outstanding, Keitel created a crime drama that’s captivating. A powerful portrait of gangsters that are mean, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies throughout his impressive career which deserve to be seen on the big-screen.
10. The Ridiculous 6
Harvey Keitel hasn’t always made great movies that excel. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Ridiculous 6” falls into the latter category. Released in 2015, Frank Coraci’s comedy was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Keitel portrayed a sheriff of a town seeking to resolve crimes experiencing despair. Keitel brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Ridiculous 6” is a bad movie, it honoured Keitel’s commemorated legacy. As strong as bonds between the ridiculous six team, t’s a strong reminder of a supreme actor that has manufactured unforgettable films appealing to mainstream audiences which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish my film criticism dream.
The Film Buff 