Few movie-stars in Hollywood have achieved appreciation of Morgan Freeman. Following stardom in the 1980’s, Freeman has become an icon in the film industry. Whether it’s prisoners seeking redemption, detectives or political figures, Freeman has portrayed several characters. Through his iconic voice, Freeman has created characters audiences value. Given number of movies Freeman has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Shawshank Redemption
When it comes to the greatest movies made about prison, it’s worth discussing “The Shawshank Redemption”. Following its release in 1994, Frank Darabont’s movie has become a classic audiences adore. With its powerful themes of hope, friendship and redemption, the film has gained a reputation for being an all-time classic. One of the major reasons why the film is considered a masterpiece is because of Morgan Freeman. In arguably the greatest role of his career, Freeman transforms into a hopeful prisoner with a burden to bear. As Red, Freeman uses his powerful voice to create a compelling character seeking redemption. Throughout the movie, Red reflects on his experiences in prison through insightful voice-over narration. Freeman beautifully uses his voice to capture the emotion of a prisoner seeking redemption. For instance, the final scene where Red reflects on whether he should get busy living or get busy dying is the most emotional moment of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Shawshank Redemption” Freeman’s greatest movie is its meaningful message. Unlike most prison movies, it tackles universal themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a poignant message about importance of hope with which everyone would be able to engage. Nearly 30 years after the release of an iconic film about prisoners questioning whether they should get busy living or get busy dying, it’s an inspiring reminder of an actor that thrives playing compassionate characters whose timeless movies are definitely worth celebrating.
2. Se7en
Serial killers are fascinating figures that have often made for memorable movies. Ever since Hannibal Lecter stunned police into silence, movies about serial killers committing violence have earned a huge audience. Few movies ever made about serial killers have left an impression on me as strong as “Se7en”. Released in 1995, David Fincher’s iconic film painted an unforgettable portrait of serial killers in a murder investigation. In the most methodical role of his career, Morgan Freeman embodied a dedicated detective seeking to apprehend a serial killer evoking fear. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and utterly committed in his darkest role. It isn’t easy to portray the pessimistic point-of-view of a detective solving murders, but Freeman succeeds tremendously. Working alongside Brad Pitt who is also excellent, Freeman embodies a detective with a pessimistic outlook on the world. As Detective Somerset, Freeman excels at using his expressions to capture a detective with a negative life perspective. For instance, the scene where Freeman discovers with a shocked reaction the contents of a terrifying box is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s illustrious career. A powerful portrait of detectives seeking to investigate murders seven deadly sins killers have committed, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to leave audiences captivated playing characters that are conflicted.
3. Million Dollar Baby
One of the main qualities that makes Morgan Freeman an outstanding actor is his iconic voice. Freeman has always been an actor with a powerful voice that he has used to create compelling characters. His rich baritone voice has created fascinating characters whose reflections on life are compelling. Freeman’s voice-over narration has become the main highlight of several movies he has made. Freeman’s strength for using his larger-than-life voice to create characters with rich personality is clearly evident in his film “Million Dollar Baby”. In the role for which he won a long overdue Oscar, Freeman captures the compassionate personality of a boxing trainer. It’s a supporting role that arguably isn’t the centre piece of the film with limited screen time, but Freeman steals the show. Freeman uses his authoritative voice to create a compelling character reflecting on the profession of boxing. Whether it’s Eddie meaningful reflections on the depressing nature of his profession or his compassionate support for female boxers, Freeman effectively uses voice-over narration to capture the tensions faced by a boxing trainer. Freeman’s commanding voice becomes the heart and soul of the movie, and is the main reason why it remains a masterpiece. A magnificent portrait of million dollar baby boxers seeking victory, it’s a marvellous reminder of a movie-star that thrives using his commanding voice to create characters with personality.
4. Unforgiven
Over the past decade, the western genre has faced a decline in quality. With their loud spectacle, wooden characters and outdated themes, most westerns have become a chore to sit through. A bygone genre, westerns have faded from popularity in the modern era. However, “Unforgiven” stands out as an exception. Released in 1992, Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-winning movie revived a bygone genre through casting an actor with charisma. In his first ever western role, Morgan Freeman embodies a black gunslinger driven to achieve a goal that experiences an excruciating emotional toll. It’s a subtle role that gives Freeman an opportunity to showcase strong emotions through his expressions rather than words. Freeman communicates the pain felt by a black gunslinger in the Wild West through strong expressions. For instance, Freeman’s use of expressions is evident in the whipping scene. During this heartbreaking scene, Ned experiences a whipping that has a negative impact on his well-being. Freeman skillfully uses strong expressions to capture the emotions of a black gunslinger that struggles to find a sense of belonging in the Wild West. An unforgettable tribute towards an unforgiven genre that has lost popularity in the modern era, it’s an uplifting reminder of an actor with charisma whose movies have become iconic Cinema.
5. Invictus
Few political leaders from Africa are as celebrated as Nelson Mandela. As the final president of South Africa, Mandela became a symbol of hope for his country. With his larger-than-life persona, leadership and commanding authority, Mandela played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of his country. In 2009, Morgan Freeman did an extraordinary job of portraying the South African president in his film “Invictus”. It isn’t easy to embody the personality of an iconic president that forever changed African history, but Freeman pulls it off successfully. In his first ever biopic role, Freeman transforms into a powerful African president that was driven to accomplish his goal. Not only does Freeman bear a striking physical resemblance to the president, but he captures his sense of authority. It’s a larger-than-life role that gives Freeman an opportunity to showcase his abilities to captivate audiences through his powerful presence. Freeman has always been an actor with a commanding presence, and here he uses that skill beautifully to capture Nelson Mandela’s sense of authority. He is so convincing in the role that at times you believe you’re watching the real Nelson Mandela on screen. A touching tribute to a larger-than-life president that guided his African nation in the right direction, it’s a tremendous reminder of an actor that has built a strong reputation for playing inspirational figures whose classic movies are definitely a cause for celebration.
6. Driving Miss Daisy
Racism is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has shied away from telling stories of race relations that are hard to face. A tricky subject matter, racism is rarely ever easy to depict in movies. However, in 1989, Morgan Freeman did an extraordinary job of capturing segregation in his film “Driving Miss Daisy”. In the most likeable role of his career, Freeman captures the adversities faced by a black chauffeur in the 1950’s. It’s a warm role that gives the actor an opportunity to showcase his abilities to play compassionate characters. Freeman uses his powerful presence to capture an African-American driver’s personality. He pulls off the tricky feat of tackling a tough subject of racism with a sense of humour. A remarkable portrait of race relations during 1950’s America, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has carved a precious place in the hearts of movie-goers whose movies audiences embrace.
7. Glory
Morgan Freeman is one of those actors that excels at playing leaders. Through his larger-than-life presence, Freeman has always thrived at playing inspirational leaders that people value. Freeman’s aptitude for playing leaders that guide their countries towards glory is clearly evident in his film “Glory”. Released in 1989, Edward Zwick’s Oscar-winning movie found the actor playing an authoritative army commander. Whether he’s delivering an inspirational speech to soldiers or issuing orders, Freeman uses his powerful voice to create a powerful army commander. A glorious portrait of courageous African-American soldiers which fought in a civil war that was dangerous, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a movie-star that thrives at portraying righteous leaders whose timeless movies audiences will forever consider precious.
8. Gone Baby Gone
Child abduction is a painful problem causing families to face trauma in America. The mere thought of losing a child is any parent’s worst nightmare. Despite child abduction cases experiencing a rise, movies rarely ever depict an issue that’s hard to realize. Few films I’ve seen have captured the dilemma faced by parents when children are suddenly gone as powerfully as “Gone Baby Gone”. In his first ever police officer role, Freeman embodies a cop with a strong goal to save children facing an emotional toll. Freeman brings a sense of authority to a cop driven at any cost to rescue children from abduction. A powerful portrait of despair faced by parents when children suddenly disappear, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that created an extraordinary career playing compelling characters in movies about which audiences care.
9. The Dark Knight
Few superheroes in the world have achieved a fan following as massive as Batman. Following introduction during the 1940’s, Batman has appeared in several memorable movies. I adore all the Batman movies but “The Dark Knight” remains my favourite film in the franchise. In the comic-book sequel, Morgan Freeman embodied the larger-than-life personality of a technical genius designing gadgets that are precious. As Lucius Fox, Freeman plays a pivotal role in the movie designing gadgetry for Batman. Although it’s only a supporting role, Freeman steals nearly every scene he’s in as the technical genius driven to achieve his goal. A dazzling tribute towards a dark comic-book hero that fights crime at night, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives playing larger-than-life characters with technological insight in movies that excite.
10. The Dark Knight Rises
It isn’t easy to bring a beloved franchise to a satisfying conclusion. Most film franchises begin on a high note but end with a whimper. However, “The Dark Knight Rises” is an exception. Christopher Nolan’s final Batman film brought the beloved franchise to a satisfying ending. In his final role as Lucius Fox, Morgan Freeman bid emotional farewell to a technical genius designing gadgetry that’s precious. Despite reaching an age of retirement, Freeman proves he hasn’t lost his enthusiasm for comic-book entertainment. As breathtaking goodbyes to a beloved superhero rising from pits bringing tears to the eyes, it’s a brilliant reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to surprise audiences whose timeless films I will forever idolize.
The Film Buff 