Few actors in Hollywood have lit a bright spark into movies like Brad Pitt. Following his stardom during the 1990’s, Pitt has become an icon in the film industry. Whether it’s detectives investigating gruesome murders, baseball managers or curious men aging backwards, Pitt has proven that he can portray various characters. Given the number of movies Pitt has made throughout his career, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Fight Club
The first rule of fight club is you do not talk about fight club. However, it’s impossible for me not to discuss a movie that has affected me deeply. As someone with severe mental health issues, I’ve always identified deeply with “Fight Club”. Released in 1999, David Fincher’s film has stood the test of time as a cult classic that hasn’t lost abilities to shine. In arguably the greatest role of his career, Brad Pitt captures the painful burden of mental health that men bear. As Tyler Durden, Pitt created one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history. With his stylish appearance, quotable dialogue and powerful screen presence, Pitt commands every scene he’s in. It’s a larger-than-life character that allows the actor to showcase his natural charisma. The scene in which Durden delivers the iconic speech about the rules of fight club has become the most memorable moment of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Fight Club” Brad Pitt’s greatest movie is its powerful message. The film delivers a powerful message that would resonate with everyone that has faced mental health issues at an early age. So, it appears I’ve broken the first rule of fight club by talking about it. Nevertheless, it’s for a good reason. Nearly 30 years after the release of an iconic film about men forming fight clubs facing mental health plight, it’s a riveting reminder of a legendary star with a bright presence whose timeless movies haven’t lost their abilities to excite.
2. Se7en
Serial killers are fascinating figures that have made for memorable movies. Ever since Hannibal Lecter stunned police into silence, movies about serial killers have attracted a huge audience. Witnessing detectives solving murders has often made for movies that are entertaining. Few films ever made about serial killers have achieved the appreciation of “Se7en”. Released in 1995, David Fincher’s magnificent masterpiece captured the enduring appeal of serial killers that get away with committing gruesome murders. In the most emotional role of his career, Pitt embodies a detective driven to achieve his goal of catching a serial killer that’s out of control. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and vulnerable in his most challenging role. It’s an emotionally draining role requiring the actor to convey strong emotions but he pulls it off tremendously. The ending scene in which detective Mills questions what’s in the box is the greatest piece of acting the movie-star has ever done. As frightening as murders that detectives investigate, it’s a captivating reminder of a movie-star that thrives playing conflicted characters facing emotions that are harrowing whose timeless movies are definitely worth celebrating.
3. Once Upon A Time in Hollywood
Few filmmakers that achieved fame years ago are as celebrated as Quentin Tarantino. Ever since 1995’s “Pulp Fiction”, Tarantino has made unforgettable movies earning recognition. With their bloody violence, foul language and powerful themes, Tarantino’s movies have gained a huge fan following. I love all the movies that Tarantino has made. However, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” may be my favourite. Released in 2019, Tarantino’s Oscar-winning movie gave Brad Pitt an opportunity to showcase his charisma on the big-screen. In the role for which he finally won his long overdue Oscar, Pitt captures the charismatic nature of a stunt double that loves putting his life in danger. It’s a fun role that allows Pitt to tap into his own personal experiences as an actor facing struggles achieving recognition in Hollywood. Pitt showcases a comedic side to his acting that audiences have rarely seen before. For instance, the scene where Cliff Booth faces the Manson hippies in a drug-fuelled state is the most hilarious acting he has ever done. It’s a phenomenal performance that pays tribute to forgotten stunt performers in Hollywood. A touching tribute to the timeless city of L.A., it’s a tremendous reminder of a terrific movie-star that thrives when he’s given chances to portray complex characters whose movies deserve to be appreciated today.
4. Moneyball
Baseball is a fascinating game that I was once fond of playing. I recall heartwarming childhood memories of my love for playing baseball. During my childhood, I would always enjoy playing the game with children in my neighbourhood. I participated in my school’s baseball championships working with a team to build relationships. Although I lost interest in playing baseball as I grew older, it’s a game that I will forever treasure. As someone cherishing baseball, I loved Brad Pitt’s movie “Moneyball”. Bennett Miller’s movie found the movie-star playing a baseball manager whose career is in danger. In his first ever sports role, Pitt captures the strong dedication of a baseball manager that’s driven to achieve his goal. It’s a role that allows the actor to showcase his skills of leadership. For instance, the scene in which Pitt pitches ideas to a board room filled with cynical investors showcases his skills at playing a leader. Ultimately, what makes “Moneyball” special is its message. More than a film about baseball, it’s a movie about dreams. It emphasizes importance of dreams no matter how unattainable they may seem. A magnificent tribute to a magical game, it’s a marvellous reminder of a movie-star thriving given chances to play characters with a strong drive to achieve fame.
5. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Aging is a painful process that causes seniors to face stress. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that I grew up to treasure. An inspiring role model, he gave me a lifelong love for filmmaking. However, aging brought our bond to a sudden closure. After reaching an age of retirement, he lost his interest in entertainment. Few films that I’ve ever seen have captured the curious process of aging causing destruction as powerfully as “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”. Released in 2008, David Fincher’s film found Brad Pitt playing an extraordinary man with the abilities to age backwards. In the strangest role of his career, Pitt does an extraordinary job of capturing consequences faced by a man aging backwards. As Benjamin Button, Pitt is given an opportunity to showcase his talents for conveying strong emotions through minimal dialogue. Ultimately, what makes “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” stand out is its powerful message. It delivers an inspiring message resonating with everyone that witnessed consequences of aging. A captivating portrait of the curious case of aging individuals face, it’s a compelling reminder of an actor whose timeless movies holding a special place in hearts audiences will forever embrace.
6. Twelve Monkeys
Brad Pitt has built a reputation for playing heroes that are physically fit. Ever since his career began several years ago, Pitt has always fit into the stereotypical role of a hero. With his attractive looks, charm and larger-than-life presence, the actor has always excelled playing characters that are heroic. In a career filled with heroic heroic characters viewers care about, “Twelve Monkeys” is a film that stands out. Released in 1995, Terry Gilliam’s movie found the actor playing his first ever villainous character. In the most risky role of his career, Pitt embodies a psychotic patient at a mental institution that evokes fear. It’s a role that marked a turning point for the actor where he went from being a romantic heartthrob to a dramatic star. A powerful portrait of individuals in mental institutions driven insane, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to entertain when given chances to portray characters facing pain.
7. Inglorious Basterds
The Holocaust is a sensitive subject matter that doesn’t lend itself to humour. Ever since Hitler’s downfall, there’s proven to be nothing funny about a genocide that’s painful to recall. Comedy is a risky way of depicting a mass genocide in history. It’s not easy to infuse humour into a subject as serious as the Holocaust. However, in 2009 Brad Pitt pulled it off successfully in his glorious film “Inglorious Basterds”. Quentin Tarantino’s magnificent satire found the actor playing a lieutenant famous for scalping German soldiers. In the most courageous role of his career, Pitt embodies an inglorious lieutenant driven to murder German soldiers that are dangerous. It’s a fascinating character allowing the actor to showcase his sharp comic timing. An glorious portrait of an inglorious genocide tragedy, it’s a powerful reminder of a movie-star that hasn’t lost abilities to captivate audiences making courageous films about dangerous war veterans that audiences consider precious.
8. Ocean’s 11
When it comes to the greatest movies ever made about heist robberies, it’s worth discussing “Ocean’s 11”. Released in 2001, the film earned a legendary reputation for its depiction of heists. In a star-studded cast filled with several notable actors, Brad Pitt stood out the most. In the most stylish role of his career, Pitt embodies a compelling con-artist accomplishing a robbery. It’s a fun role allowing the actor to showcase ability for playing characters with charismatic personalities. Pitt embodies a con-artist committing robberies through his body language. It’s a testament to the strength of Pitt’s performance that he stands out in a star-studded ensemble filled with famous actors. Nearly 30 years following the release of a celebrated film about casino heists that thieves have committed, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to captivate audiences playing conflicted characters whose movies deserves to be appreciated.
9. 12 Years a Slave
Slavery is a subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has avoided telling a time in history that’s misunderstood. Making a movie about slavery often requires filmmakers to balance entertainment and educational value. In 2013, Brad Pitt pulled it off successfully when he made the film “12 Years a Slave”. Steven McQueen’s masterpiece told a true story of a slave in history. In his most important role, Pitt brings humanity to a slave trader with a goal. He captures compassion of a trader making it his mission to rescue slaves from destruction. A powerful tribute towards a real-life slave that achieved survival, it’s a phenomenal reminder of an actor that shines given chances to play subtle characters in movies that are educational.
10. Ad Astra
Space is a setting where loneliness is common for astronauts to face. It’s natural for astronauts that spend their entire lives in outer galaxies to feel lonely. Loneliness is a consequence of being an astronaut on a mission. Few films I’ve seen have captured the dilemma of loneliness faced by astronauts in space as beautifully as “Ad Astra”. Released in 2016, James Gray’s movie finds Brad Pitt playing a quiet astronaut in space. In the most subtle performance of his career, Pitt uses meaningful expressions without dialogue to convey an astronaut’s internal struggle. A powerful portrait of adversities faced by astronauts in galaxies, it’s a captivating reminder of a legendary actor whose timeless movies hold a precious place in my heart I regard highly.
The Film Buff 