Not many actresses in Britain built a legacy as strong as Helen McCrory. Since rise to fame in the 1980’s, McCrory became a British icon. Whether it’s magical teachers, political leaders or grieving mothers, the actress portrayed several characters. However, in 2021 the actress’ career came to a closure when she passed away from Cancer. Listed below are my favourite films made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter is a magical book series that shaped my identity. The story about the misunderstood boy who lived has always been a big part of my childhood. I remember fond memories of reading J.K. Rowling’s great book series during my childhood that had a big impact on my identity. I instantly fell in love with a great book series about the lives of strong wizards that cast powerful spells with timeless stories to tell. In 2009, Helen McCrory honoured the iconic series about lives of magical wizards in her movie “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”. In the greatest role of her career, McCrory portrayed a magical mother that struggles to care for a family that’s a burden to bear. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. McCrory has spent most of her career playing likeable women in British period dramas. With “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”, however, the actress took a huge step out of her comfort zone by playing a literary heroine that’s well-known. Working alongside Alan Rickman who is also amazing, McCrory honoured an iconic book about wizards that’s spellbinding. For instance, the scene in which Narcissa is aware of her son’s doomed fate making the unbreakable vow is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” Helen McCrory’s best movie is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies in the Harry Potter series, it tackles bold themes that everyone would relate to. A great farewell to a dark franchise with sad stories to tell, it’s a bold reminder of a great actress whose movies cast a powerful spell.
2. The Queen
Queen Elizabeth is a legendary figure of the royal family that my father has always loved dearly. I remember an inspiring father that praised a queen that he came to treasure. Fascinated with the royal family, he sought to become educated about a queen he deeply appreciated. In 2006, Helen McCrory honoured the legendary queen on the big-screen in her movie “The Queen”. In the most majsetic role of her career, McCrory portrayed a royal family figure seeking to prepare a nation for warfare. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a historical figure that’s well-known. Working alongside Helen Mirren who is also outstanding, McCrory created a royal family movie that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Cherie first meets Queen Elizabeth becoming aware of her majestic presence is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Queen” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the royal family to appreciate the movie. It delivers a meaningful message about importance of leadership which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking tribute towards a beloved British queen, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured movies throughout her career which deserve to be seen on the big-screen.
3. Skyfall
James Bond is a spectacular spy of whom my father was always fond. Several years ago, my father once adored 007. I remember my father was once a huge fan of the iconic spy saving the world from grave danger. He would often seek to explain why she adored a spy with no time to die. In 2012, Helen McCrory honoured the iconic spy facing a skyfall in her movie “Skyfall”. In the most mysterious role of her career, McCrory portrayed a politician that becomes involved in James Bond’s affairs causing despair. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for stealing the show in a role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Daniel Craig who is also outstanding, McCrory honoured a spy that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Clair becomes aware of the threat posed by Bond is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Skyfall” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies in the Bond franchise, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular tribute towards a spy, it’s a superb reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout her career which always satisfy.
4. Hugo
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to become a filmmaker. From an early age, I’ve been drawn towards the magic of the moving image as an art-form with power to deliver a message. During childhood, I developed a passion for writing about movies that I found engaging. As someone that developed a passion for Cinema years ago, I adored “Hugo”. Released in 2011, Helen McCrory’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about filmmakers. In the most artistic role of her career, McCrory portrayed an aging actress facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a rare chance to showcase wisdom she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Ben Kingsley who is also outstanding, McCrory created an adaptation that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Mama Jeanne becomes aware that movies of her husband still exist causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Hugo” a masterpiece is its message. It delivers a meaningful message about dreams which would resonate with everyone. As strong as machines built by Hugo Cabret, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress making great movies that definitely deserve to be celebrated today.
5. Becoming Jane
Jane Austen is a legendary author whose timeless literature my mother has always loved dearly. I remember bonding with a mother that was a fan of the legendary author in English literature. She took pride rather than prejudice reading books written by an author that left her satisfied. In 2007, Helen McCrory honoured the iconic author seeking to entertain in her movie “Becoming Jane”. In the most literary role of her career, McCrory portrayed a famous female author that forms a friendship with Jane Austen during an era of despair. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing emotional women under stress. Working alongside Anne Hathaway who is also outstanding, McCrory honoured a legendary author that is beloved today. For instance, the scene in which Mrs. Radcliffe has a meeting with Jane Austen becoming aware of the author’s talents is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Becoming Jane” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Jane Austen’s literature to appreciate it. Centuries after Jane Austen became a legendary author in English literature, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress manufacturing commemorated movies which audiences treasure.
6. The Count of Monte Cristo
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about counts facing sorrow, it’s worth discussing The Count of Monte Cristo. Since its publication in 1846, Alexandre Dumas’ book has become a literary classic. In 2002, Helen McCrory honoured the book published years ago in her movie “The Count of Monte Cristo”. In the most mischievous role of her career, McCrory portrayed a woman engaging in a life of crime causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a literary heroine that’s well-known. Working alongside Guy Pearce who is also amazing, McCrory honoured a book about counts that’s compelling. As precious as the island of Monte Cristo, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured memorable movies which always give audiences dreams to follow.
7. Fantastic Mr. Fox
Few filmmakers have earned recognition of Wes Anderson. With their witty dialogue, quirky characters and compelling storytelling, Anderson’s movies have earned a massive following. Anderson has always had an eye for casting great actors in his movies. In 2009, Anderson showcased his strengths as a filmmaker when he cast Helen McCrory in his movie “Fantastic Mr. Fox”. In the most colourful role of her career, McCrory portrayed a strict woman seeking to care for foxes causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for creating animated characters through her powerful voice. Working alongside George Clooney who is also amazing, McCrory created an animated movie that’s engaging. As strong as Mr. Fox’s desire to be fantastic, it’s a terrific reminder of an actress making movies captivating public.
8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
It isn’t easy to bring a beloved fantasy franchise to a satisfying conclusion. Most film franchises start on a high note but end with a whimper. However, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is an exception. Released in 2011, Helen McCrory’s movie brought the Harry Potter series to a conclusion. In the most emotional role of her career, McCrory portrayed a witch engaging in warfare. It gave the actress a rare chance to showcase emotional range as Narcissa Malfoy she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Alan Rickman who is also amazing, McCrory honoured a series that’s spellbinding. An emotional farewell towards a spellbinding franchise about wizards that are magical, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actress whose timeless movies audiences have always considered to be extremely special.
9. Interview With the Vampire
Vampires are fascinating creatures that have often made for memorable movies. With their sharp teeth, strong personalities and powerful presence, vampire movies have earned a huge audience. In 1994, Helen McCrory captured the enduring appeal of the vampire in her movie “Interview With the Vampire”. In the most frightening role of her career, McCrory portrayed a vampire seeking to prepare for tense warfare. It’s a role that gave the actress a rare chance to showcase talent for horror she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Tom Cruise who is also outstanding, McCrory created a vampire movie that’s captivating. As strong as Lioncourt’s desire to become a frightening vampire, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has made commemorated movies throughout her long-lasting career which audiences always will admire.
10. The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death
Helen McCrory hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actress has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death” falls into the latter category. Released in 2014, Tom Harper’s horror blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, the actress portrayed a woman haunted by supernatural spirits causing despair. McCrory brought her usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Woman in Black 2” is a bad movie, it honoured McCrory’s legacy. As strong as Jean’s desire to overcome supernatural spirits causing destruction, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress with dedication that has made unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 