Not many actors have built a legacy as strong as Steve Buscemi. Since the 1990’s, Buscemi has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s frustrated writers, bank robbers or armageddon survivors, Buscemi has portrayed many 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. Fargo
Abduction is a painful process that causes stress. Years ago, my mother became anxious when she lost my brother in grocery stores which were humongous. I vividly remember the expression of terror etched on the face of my mother as she searched stores for my baby brother. Fearful he had been abducted, she couldn’t cope with tense situations that left her emotionally affected. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the grim consequences of abduction causing sorrow as powerfully as “Fargo”. Released in 1996, Steve Buscemi’s best movie captured the lives of criminals committing kidnapping in a doomed city. In the greatest role of his career, Buscemi portrayed a criminal engaging in kidnapping causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Buscemi has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes with sympathetic personalities. With “Fargo”, however, the actor showcased a rare villainous side to himself that he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Frances McDormand who is also great, Buscemi created a murder mystery that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Carl is aware that his life is in grave danger causing despair is one of the best moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Fargo” Steve Buscemi’s best movie is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies made by the Coen Brothers which are targeted to a small audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone can relate to. Nearly 30 years after the release of a groundbreaking crime film about thieves experiencing trauma in North Dakota, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor showcasing charisma that has manufactured great movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
2. 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, Steve Buscemi’s movie captured bank robbers committing crimes causing tragedy. In the most anxious role of his career, Buscemi portrayed a bank robber 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 Harvey Keitel who is also outstanding, Buscemi created a bank robbery thriller that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Mr. Pink becomes aware that his team of bank robbers 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. Pink has committed, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies in his career which deserve to be celebrated.
3. Pulp Fiction
Buddy Holly is a legendary rock musician that my cousin always loved dearly. I remember my cousin was once a huge fan of a singer he would treasure. Drawn towards Buddy Holly’s music, he loved discussing a singer he considered iconic. As someone treasuring memories of a cousin that regarded Buddy Holly with affection, I appreciated “Pulp Fiction”. Released in 1994, Steve Buscemi’s movie celebrated the legendary musician’s legacy. In the most musical role of his career, Buscemi portrayed a a waiter dressed up as the renowned musician in a restaurant. It’s a movie that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Uma Thurman who is also outstanding, Buscemi honoured a rock musician that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Buddy Holly asks Mia and Vincent what they want for dinner he has to prepare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Pulp Fiction” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Tarantino movies targeted towards a niche audiences, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a strong message about redemption which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Vincent’s desire to be a gangster, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured great movies which audiences treasure.
4. The Big Lebowski
Slackers that are lazy have shaped my identity. Several years ago, I formed strong friendships with a close classmate in school whose aimless life lacked a clear purpose. An aimless youth, he always loved engaging in recreational drug activities that didn’t require any energy. As someone treasuring memories of a slacker whose life lacked purpose, I adored “The Big Lebowski”. Released in 1998, Steve Buscemi’s comedy captured the lives of slackers facing tragedy. In the most comical role of his career, Buscemi portrayed a bowling champion that forms a friendship with a slacker causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his sharp sense of humour. Working alongside John Goodman who is also amazing, Buscemi created a comedy about slackers that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Theodore becomes aware that the Dude has been involved in a mix-up causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Big Lebowski” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Coen Brothers’ movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about the value of finding one’s life purpose which would resonate with everyone. As powerful as the Dude, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made commemorated movies which audiences have valued.
5. Armageddon
Disaster movies are a genre of film that always impressed my grandfather. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a grandpa that adored movies about disasters causing trauma. He would often enjoy watching movies about disaster in the theatre. My grandfather always believed movies were great art that could capture disasters tearing lives apart. As someone treasuring memories of a grandfather that adored disaster movies with affection, I appreciated “Armageddon”. Released in 1998, Steve Buscemi’s movie offered a powerful portrait of armageddon disasters causing catastrophe. In the most conflicted role of his career, Buscemi portrayed a soldier participating in warfare causing despair. It’s a movie that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotionally disturbed characters under intense pressure. For instance, the scene in which Rockhound becomes aware the world is ending causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Armageddon” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most disaster movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. A dazzling depiction of a frightening armageddon disaster that’s dangerous, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated actor that thrives playing courageous characters in unforgettable movies that audiences consider precious.
6. Big Fish
Few filmmakers in Hollywood have earned recognition of Tim Burton. With their compelling storytelling, strong acting and strange themes, Burton’s movies have earned a huge following. In 2003, Burton showcased his strengths as a filmmaker audiences cherish when he cast Steve Buscemi in his movie “Big Fish”. In the most eccentric role of his career, Buscemi portrayed an entrepreneur seeking to negotiate business deals causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing eccentric characters engaging in strange behaviour. Working alongside Ewan McGregor who is also amazing, Buscemi created a comedy that’s engaging. A fantastic portrait of fatherhood, it’s a fabulous reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies becoming an icon in Hollywood.
7. The Death of Stalin
When it comes to the most controversial politicians in Soviet history, it’s worth discussing Joseph Stalin. During the 1920’s, Stalin guided his country to fight adversities. In 2017, Steve Buscemi honoured the iconic political leader seeking to win in his movie “The Death of Stalin”. In the most political role of his career, Buscemi portrayed a renowned dictator seeking to prepare his nation for warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a historical figure that’s well-known. Working alongside Jason Isaacs who is also amazing, Buscemi honoured a political leader that’s inspiring. As strong as Stalin’s desire for control, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his long-lasting career pouring his heart and soul into every role.
8. Ghost World
Steve Buscemi has often excelled at playing emotional characters facing adversity. Buscemi has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing heroes facing damage. Buscemi’s strength for playing heroes angry with the world is clearly evident in his movie “Ghost World”. Released in 2001, Terry Zwigoff’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most provocative role of his career, the actor portrayed a conflicted man engaging in a love affair with a girl causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing heroes under pressure. Working alongside Scarlett Johansson who is also amazing, Buscemi created a romance that’s engaging. A dazzling depiction of age gap romances that decline, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to make movies that shine.
9. Monster’s Inc.
Pixar is a great studio that has raised the bar for animation. With their awe-inspiring animation, compelling storytelling and strong themes, Pixar’s animated movies have earned a huge following. In 2001, Steve Buscemi honoured the iconic studio in his movie “Monster’s Inc.”. In the most animated role of his career, Buscemi portrayed a frightening monster born with the abilities to scare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his strength for creating animated characters through his commanding voice. Through his compelling voice, Buscemi created a monster that’s engaging. Working alongside Billy Crystal who is amazing, Buscemi created an animated movie that’s captivating. As powerful as monsters that scare, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor building a career making movies about which audiences care.
10. The Ridiculous 6
Steve Buscemi hasn’t always made great movies audiences love dearly. 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, Buscemi portrayed a sheriff of a town seeking to resolve crimes experiencing despair. Buscemi 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 Buscemi’s enduring legacy. As strong as bonds between the ridiculous six squad, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to leave audiences awed whose movies that are rarely flawed I will forever treasure for inspiring my love of Cinema I applaud.
The Film Buff 