Not many actors in Hollywood have earned appreciation of William Hurt. Since the 1990’s, Hurt has made memorable movies. Whether it’s political leaders, frightened villagers or frustrated fathers, Hurt 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. Into the Wild
Wilderness survivors experiencing grave danger always inspired my grandfather. I remember forming relationships with a grandfather acknowleding wilderness survivors facing danger. Drawn towards the wild, he always loved discussing people surviving in wilderness leaving him beguiled. He would strive to educate family about wilderness survivors he had grown to appreciate. Few films I’ve seen have captured the struggles faced by men seeking to survive into the wild as powerfully as “Into the Wild”. Released in 2007, William Hurt’s best movie captured the lives of men seeking to survive in wilderness causing adversity. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Hurt has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes with sympathetic personalities in dramas. With “Into the Wild”, however, the actor took a huge step out of his comfort zone making his first wilderness drama. Working alongside Emile Hirsch who is also amazing, Hurt created a portrait of the wilderness that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Walt has a tense argument with his son becoming aware of his plans to journey into the wild is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Into the Wild” William Hurt’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the wilderness, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about men seeking to survive in the frightening wilderness, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made great movies in the entertainment business.
2. A.I. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is an entity that shaped my teacher’s identity. I remember a high school teacher that was fascinated with dark artificial intelligence which put lives in grave danger. He would often strive to educate students about A.I. causing lives to deteriorate. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher that adored artificial intelligence, I appreciated “A.I. Artificial Intelligence”. Released in 2001, William Hurt’s movie offered a powerful portrait of artificial intelligence technology. In the most technical role of his career, Hurt portrayed an intelligent scientist that seeks to prepare artificial intelligence technology causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong leaders in positions of power. Working alongside Jude Law who is also amazing, Hurt created a portrait of artificial intelligence that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Professor Allen becomes aware that David is still alive causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about A.I., it tackles strong themes everyone can relate to. An astonishing depiction of artificial intelligence, it’s an amazing reminder of a commemorated actor with a larger-than-life presence that has manufactured memorable movies throughout his impressive career which have always achieved tremendous audience.
3. Avengers: Endgame
The Avengers is a spectacular superhero team that always inspired my cousin. I remember my cousin was once a huge fan of a superhero team saving the world from grave danger. He would often marvel at movies in which the iconic team sought to assemble. In 2019, William Hurt honoured the iconic superhero team reaching an endgame in his movie “Avengers: Endgame”. In the most authoritative role of his career, Hurt portrayed an army commander seeking to prepare superhero teams for warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase talent for playing strong men in positions of power. Working alongside Robert Downey Jr. who is also amazing, Hurt honoured a superhero team that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which General Ross seeks to prepare the Avengers for their final mission causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Avengers: Endgame” a comic-book classic is its message. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles commemorated themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a heartwarming message about teamwork which would resonate with everyone. An awe-inspiring tribute towards a groundbreaking team reaching an endgame, it’s an amazing reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his career achieving fame.
4. Black Widow
Black Widow is a wonderful heroine that inspired my friend years ago. I remember a friend that adored the character. A comic-book nerd, he spoke fondly about a heroine that made him feel heard. My friend would always love a superhero he considered to be a strong symbol of feminism. As someone treasuring a companion that loved Black Widow years ago, I admired “Black Widow”. Released in 2021, William Hurt’s movie celebrated the feminist heroine’s legacy. In the most supportive role of his career, Hurt portrayed an army commander that seeks to resolve a child trafficking scenario 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 Scarlett Johansson who is also amazing, Hurt honoured a heroine that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which General Ross becomes aware that children are being trafficked is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Black Widow” a great comic-book movie is its appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about sibling rivalry which would resonate with everyone. A bold tribute towards a symbol of feminism, it’s a spellbinding reminder of an actor that has manufactured movies which have achieved undeniable stardom.
5. The Village
The woods have always terrified me. At an early age, I developed a fear of woods that caused damage. My family lived in a small neighbourhood next to the woods. I had a nerve-wracking feeling that there were creatures in the woods. No matter how hard I tried, I could never overcome fear of woods that left me terrified. My fear of the woods I never had courage to enter began when I saw “The Village”. Released in 2004, William Hurt’s horror movie depicted woods causing catastrophe. In the most frightening role of his career, Hurt portrayed a villager seeking to protect his community from creatures in woods evoking fear. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase aptitude for horror that he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Adrien Brody who is also outstanding, Hurt created a horror movie that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Edward tells Ivy the truth about the creatures causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Village” a great horror movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most M. Night Shyamalan movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a message about terrorism which resonates with everyone. As powerful as frightening creatures which villagers fear, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has built an impressive career.
6. Broadcast News
Stories of news reporters have often made for memorable movies. Hollywood has often made great movies about a profession that’s misunderstood. In 1987, William Hurt captured the enduring appeal of broadcast news in his movie “Broadcast News”. In the most devoted role of his career, Hurt portrayed a news reporter seeking to prepare stories for a station causing despair. It’s a commemorated role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional characters under pressure. Working alongside Albert Brooks who is also outstanding, Hurt created a commemorated news drama that’s captivating. A breathtaking portrait of broadcast news, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies throughout his impressive career which have always earned rave critical reviews.
7. Captain America: Civil War
Few heroes in comic-books possess the charisma of Captain America. With his charming personality, heroic nature and strong presence, Captain America has earned a huge following. In 2016, William Hurt honoured the iconic superhero facing a civil war in his movie “Captain America: Civi War”. In the most commanding role of his career, Hurt portrayed an army general seeking to prepare a superhero team for intense warfare. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Chris Evans who is also amazing, Hurt honoured an iconic superhero that’s inspiring. A captivating tribute towards Captain America, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated actor making memorable movies which always attract audiences towards the Cinema.
8. Children of a Lesser God
Deaf communities are rarely depicted with respect in movies. Hollywood has often shied away from depicting the struggles faced by deaf communities that are misunderstood. In an industry avoiding the struggles faced by a community seeking a God, it’s worth praising “Children of a Lesser God”. Released in 1986, William Hurt’s movie painted a powerful portrait of the deaf community. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase strong emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Marlee Matlin who is also outstanding, Hurt created a portrait of the deaf community that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of hardships deaf communities face, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured great movies throughout his impressive career which audiences embrace.
9. A History of Violence
When it comes to the greatest graphic novels ever written about violence, it’s worth discussing A History of Violence. Since its publication in 1997, John Wagner’s graphic novel has earned a huge following. In 2005, William Hurt honoured the iconic comic-book about violence in his movie “A History of Violence”. In the most violent role of his career, Hurt portrayed a gangster engaging in a life of crime causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase his talent for playing villains he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Viggo Mortensen who is also outstanding, Hurt honoured a graphic novel about violence that’s captivating. As strong as Joey’s desire to become violent, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that demonstrates strong commitment to his craft that has made unforgettable entertainment.
10. The Host
William Hurt hasn’t always made great movies achieving stardom. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Host” falls into the latter category. Released in 2013, Andrew Niccol’s movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed a scientist investigating a frightening virus causing the world to experience despair. Hurt brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Host” is a bad movie, it honoured Hurt’s enduring legacy. As strong as Melanie’s desire to overcome a host parasite, it’s a riveting reminder of a bright actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies achieving the spotlight which I will forever treasure for inspiring my passion for movie reviews which I write on my beloved website.
The Film Buff 