Not many actors in Britain have made movies that grant attention of Richard E. Grant. Since the 1980’s, Grant has become a British icon. Whether it’s housekeepers, political leaders or aristocratic figures, Grant 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 an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Gosford Park
Housekeepers have always helped my family. At an early age, I developed bonds with a housekeeper that delivered an inspiring message. Dedicated towards every chore, she was a person my family would often adore. A devoted housemaid, she devoted herself to doing her job regardless of how much money she was paid. Through her abilities to assist my family, she became a person that I would value. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the stark roles played by housekeepers in families with a bright spark as powerfully as “Gosford Park”. Released in 2001, Richard E. Grant’s best movie captured housekeepers in a family facing a murder mystery. In the greatest role of his career, Grant portrayed a dedicated housekeeper struggling to take care of a family that faces murder mysteries causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Grant has spent most of his career playing comical characters in British comedies. With “Gosford Park”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by showcasing emotional range. Working alongside Kristin Scott Thomas who is also outstanding, Grant created a murder mystery that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which George becomes aware that a murder has been committed in his household causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Gosford Park” Richard E. Grant’s best movie is its bold appeal. Unlike most murder mysteries, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 25 years following the release of a classic film about housekeepers seeking to discover murders at Gosford Park, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor with a bright spark manufacturing movies leaving a lasting mark.
2. The Age of Innocence
Extramarital affairs often cause marriages to face tragedy. At an early age, I witnessed a family friend engage in extramarital affairs causing marriages to face damage. As someone treasuring memories of a father that committed infidelity without innocence, I appreciated “The Age of Innocence”. Released in 1993, Richard E. Grant’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a book about infidelity. In the most provocative role of his career, Grant portrayed an aristocrat that witnesses his friend engage in an extramarital affair 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 Daniel Day-Lewis who is also amazing, Grant honoured a book about affairs that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Larry first becomes aware that Archer is having an extramarital affair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Age of Innocence” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Despite being set in the 1870s, its strong themes of infidelity remain relevant today. It delivers a meaningful message about extramarital affairs which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful portrait of affairs in an age of innocence, its a breathtaking reminder of an actor whose movies always attract a humongous worldwide audience.
3. Logan
The Wolverine is a legendary superhero that my grandfather always loved seeing on the big-screen. I remember my grandfather was once a huge fan of a legendary comic-book character with claws posing danger. In 2017, Richard E. Grant honoured the iconic hero with claws causing destruction in his movie “Logan”. In the most villainous role of his career, Grant portrayed an evil scientist that seeks to prepare for warfare causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase talent for playing villains he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Hugh Jackman who is also amazing, Grant created a portrait of the superhero that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Dr. Rice becomes aware of Wolverine’s powers causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Logan” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the X-Men franchise, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about aging which would resonate with everyone. A wonderful tribute towards the Wolverine, it’s a spectacular reminder of an actor that has made commemorated movies that truly demand to be seen on the big-screen.
4. Saltburn
Social class is a barrier that affected my family. Years ago, my grandparents faced grief when they found that their housekeeper was a thief. I remember that he was a kind person that treated my grandparents in a kind manner. My grandparents were shocked to find that he was a thief that had stolen jewelry. As someone haunted by a housekeeper seeking wealth to earn, I adored “Saltburn”. Released in 2023, Richard E. Grant’s movie captured Britain’s social class disparity. In the most wealthy role of his career, Grant portrayed an upper-class man facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing aristocratic figures in positions of power. Working alongside Rosamund Pike who is also outstanding, Grant created a social class movie that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which James is overcome with joy when he first meets Oliver in his estate about which he has grown to care is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Saltburn” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a message about social class which would resonate with everyone. As precious as the Saltburn estate, it’s a breathtaking reminder about an actor making memorable movies audiences always happily appreciate.
5. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Star Wars is a spectacular science-fiction franchise that shaped my teacher’s identity. Years ago, I developed a powerful bond with a teacher that was a fan of the franchise. Star Wars was a franchise my English teacher came to cherish. In 2019, Richard E. Grant honoured the iconic science-fiction franchise about galaxies facing disaster in his movie “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”. In the most scientific role of his career, Grant portrayed a commander facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing an iconic Star Wars character that’s well-known. Working alongside Adam Driver who is also amazing, Grant honoured a franchise about galaxies that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Pryde seeks to prepare his troops for warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” a sci-fi classic is its appeal. Unlike most Star Wars movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A spectacular tribute to a franchise created in a galaxy far far away, it’s a bold reminder of a fantastic actor that deserves to be celebrated today.
6. Withnail and I
Richard E. Grant has often excelled at playing emotional characters under pressure. Grant has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing emotional heroes facing damage. Grant’s strength for playing emotional characters facing obstacles that terrify is clearly evident in his movie “Withnail and I”. Released in 1987, Bruce Robinson’s movie captured the actor at his best. In the most conflicted role of his career, Grant portrayed a lonely man without employment 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 Richard Griffiths who is also amazing, Grant created a drama that’s engaging. As strong as Withnail’s love for performing, it’s a riveting reminder of a celebrated actor manufacturing engaging movies that are worth celebrating.
7. The Player
Sometimes, the sign of a great actor comes across when they steal the show in a supporting role. Richard E. Grant has always had the rare ability to leave a strong impression in a small role with limited screen-time. Grant’s strength for leaving a lasting impression in supporting roles is clearly evident in his movie “The Player”. Released in 1992, Robert Altman’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most scene-stealing role of his career, Grant portrayed a Hollywood actor seeking to prepare for a film shoot. It’s a role giving the actor an opportunity to showcase his strong screen presence. Despite being a supporting role with limited screen-time, Grant stole every scene he’s in. As strong as Griffin’s desire to become a successful Hollywood producer, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has manufactured movies which audiences treasure.
8. Can You Ever Forgive Me?
When it comes to the most controversial authors in American history, it’s worth discussing Lee Israel. An American author that faced controversy, Israel was accused of committing forgery. In 2018, Richard E. Grant honoured the iconic author’s legacy in his movie “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”. In the most mischievous role of his career, Grant portrayed a renowned author that becomes involved in forgery crimes causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a legendary author that’s well-known. Working alongside Melissa McCarthy who is also amazing, Grant honoured an author that’s inspiring. As precious as letters Lee seeks to publish, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his career that audiences always cherish.
9. Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Few villains in popular culture are as beloved in the modern era as Dracula. Ever since his creation in 1897 by Bram Stoker, Dracula has become as a legendary character. With his frightening appearance, scary laugh and maniacal personality, Dracula has gained a following. In 1992, Richard E. Grant honoured the legacy of Dracula in his movie “Bram Stoker’s Dracula”. In the most frightening role of his career, Grant embodied a dangerous vampire whose mere presence evokes fear. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase talent for horror he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Gary Oldman who is also amazing, Grant honoured a vampire that’s frightening. As powerful as the teeth of Dracula, it’s a dazzling reminder about an actor with charisma whose movies always attract audiences to the Cinema.
10. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Richard E. Grant hasn’t always made great movies that are treasured. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” falls into the latter category. Released in 2018, Joe Johnston’s movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed a magical teacher facing warfare. Grant brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a disastrous movie. Although “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is a bad movie, it honoured Grant’s legacy. As strong as Clara’s desire to find the key, it’s a stirring reminder of a commemorated actor that has established a lasting legacy making great movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 