Not many actors in Hollywood have achieved stardom of Shea Whigham. Since the 2000’s, Whigham has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s police officers, political leaders or astronauts in dangers, Whigham has portrayed 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 an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1
Mission: Impossible is a spectacular franchise that always earned my father’s appreciation. I remember my father was always a huge fan of a great franchise about secret spies that faced danger. A huge fan of Tom Cruise, he was a big fan of movies that forever changed his worldviews. Through lifelong love for Mission: Impossible, my father inspired me to believe film criticism dreams were possible. In 2023, Shea Whigham honoured the iconic franchise about spies on impossible missions in his movie “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1”. In the greatest role of his career, Whigham portrayed an FBI agent seeking to catch a hunted spy causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Whigham has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes with sympathetic personalities. With “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1”, however, the actor showcased a rare villainous side to himself audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Tom Cruise who is also amazing, Whigham honoured a franchise about missions that are entertaining. For instance, the scene in which Briggs becomes aware of Ethan Hunt’s whereabouts causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1” Shea Whigham’s best movie is its appeal. Unlike M:I movies targeted towards action junkies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly two years after the release of a great action film about missions that are impossible, it’s a bold reminder of an actor making movies that are special.
2. American Hustle
Con-artists that engage in criminal behaviour always fascinated my father. I remember my father was once a huge fan of with clever con-artists facing disaster. He would often marvel at the clever way con-artists got away with dark crimes without facing a serious price to pay. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father that adored clever con-artists that hustle, I admired “American Hustle”. Released in 2013, Shea Whigham’s movie depicted the lives of con-artists facing tragedy. In the most mischievous role of his career, Whigham portrayed a con-artists facing crime causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a con-artist that’s well-known. Working alongside Christian Bale who is also amazing, Whigham created a portrait of con-artists that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Carl becomes aware of the crimes con-artists have committed causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “American Hustle” a classic is its timeless appeal. Unlike most movies about con-artists, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about consequences of crimes which would resonate with everyone. As memorable as crimes con-artists have committed, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor that deserves to be appreciated.
3. Joker
The Joker is a legendary comic-book character that always inspired by brother. I remember my brother grew up to embrace a legendary villain that put a lasting smile on his face. Drawn to the Clown Prince of Crime, he would love discussing a villain that he talked about every time. He would always enjoy heading to the theatre to see movies about an iconic comic-book character. In 2019, Shea Whigham honoured the iconic comic-book character in his movie “Joker”. In the most anxious role of his career, Whigham portrayed a police officer seeking to catch a serial killer causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under pressure. Working alongside Joaquin Phoenix who is also amazing, Whigham honoured a comic-book villain that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Detective Burke becomes aware of Arthur’s crimes causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Joker” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most comic-book movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about terrorism which would resonate with everyone. As strong as the Joker’s desire to change Gotham, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured great movies achieving stardom.
4. Silver Linings Playbook
Bipolar is a devastating disorder that shaped my aunt’s identity. Several years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with bipolar disorder causing sorrow. She would often experience mood swings that impacted her ability to function effectively. No matter how hard she tried, my aunt couldn’t cope with a disorder that left her terrified. As someone treasuring memories of an aunt that suffered from Bipolar changing her outlook, I adored “Silver Linings Playbook”. Released in 2012, Shea Whigham’s movie depicted the life of a man with Bipolar. In the most compassionate role of his career, Whigham portrayed a brother seeking to care for a Bipolar man facing 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 Bradley Cooper who is also outstanding, Whigham created a portrait of Bipolar disorder that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Jake reunites with his brother following years of separation causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Bipolar disorder, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about optimism which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Pat’s desire to overcome Bipolar, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor making memorable movies audiences treasure.
5. The Wolf of Wall Street
Wall Street stockbrokers engaging in criminal behaviour always fascinated by grandfather. I remember my grandfather was once fascinated with crimes Wall Street businessmen committed. He would always yearn to seen the lives of Wall Street stockbrokers following a strict routine depicted on the big-screen. In 2013, Shea Whigham honoured a real-life Wall Street stockbroker in his movie “The Wolf of Wall Street”. In the most conflicted role of his career, Whigham portrayed a ship pilot facing despair. 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 Leonardo DiCaprio who is also amazing, Whigham honoured a stockbroker that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Captain Ted becomes aware that his ship is destined for disaster causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Wolf of Wall Street” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Wall Street, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about value of leadership which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after Jordan Belfort committed frightening crimes on Wall Street, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences consider a treat.
6. Vice
When it comes to the most controversial vice presidents in American history, it’s worth discussing Dick Cheney. Elected under the Bush administration, Cheney was a politician whose decisions didn’t please everyone. In 2018, Shea Whigham honoured the vice-president on the big-screen in his movie “Vice”. In the most political role of his career, Whigham portrayed a real-life politician that participated in Dick Cheney’s life causing despair. 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 Christian Bale who is also outstanding, Whigham honoured a politician that’s inspiring. 30 years after the election of a vice-president, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor with commitment whose movies have stood the test of time as beloved entertainment.
7. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Few superheroes have earned a fan following as huge as Spider-Man. Since his creation in the 1940’s, the web-swinging hero has appeared in memorable movies. With his charming personality, strength and sense of humour, Spider-Man has become a beloved character. In 2023, Shea Whigham honoured the iconic hero in his own verse in his movie “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”. In the most animated role of his career, Whigham portrayed the father of a superhero facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase his talent for creating compelling animated characters through his powerful voice. Through his commanding voice, Whigham created a character that’s compelling. As strong as webs Spider-Man seeks to weave, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making movies which achieve.
8. The Lincoln Lawyer
Shea Whigham has often excelled at playing emotional characters facing a dilemma. Whigham has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing emotional heroes facing damage. Whigham’s strength for playing heroes under intense pressure is clearly evident in his movie “The Lincoln Lawyer”. Released in 2011, Brad Furman’s legal drama showcased the actor at his best. In the most conflicted role of his career, Whigham portrayed a convict participating in a tense lawsuit causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing men under pressure. Working alongside Matthew McConaughey who is also amazing, Whigham honoured lawyers that are inspiring. A lovely adaptation of a legendary book about lawyers fighting a case, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor audiences embrace.
9. First Man
Neil Armstrong is a legendary astronaut that has built a legacy which is strong. In 1969, Armstrong forever changed the world when he became the first ever person to walk on the moon. In 2018, Shea Whigham honoured the first man to walk the moon in his movie “First Man”. In the most historic role of his career, Armstrong portrayed a technician that assisted NASA complete space missions causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Ryan Gosling who is also amazing, Whigham honoured an astronaut that’s inspiring. Nearly 60 years after Neil Armstrong became the first ever man to walk on the moon, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured movies which definitely won’t be forgotten soon.
10. Death Note
Shea Whigham hasn’t always made great movies attracting audiences to the Cinema. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Death Note” falls into the latter category. Released in 2017, Adam Wingard’s movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed an FBI agent seeking to catch a dangerous serial killer evoking fear. Whigham brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Death Note” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Whigham’s legacy. As precious as the death note notebook Kira seeks to write, it’s a riveting reminder of a bright actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies earning spotlight which I will forever treasure for inspiring my passion for movie reviews I publish on my website.
The Film Buff 