Not many actors have made movies that demand to be seen like Michael Sheen. Since the 1990’s, Sheen has become a beloved British icon. Whether it’s prime ministers, doomed lovers or vampires, Sheen has portrayed several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has made in his career, 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. The Queen
Queen Elizabeth is a legendary figure of the royal family my father has always loved dearly. I remember an inspiring father that once used to be a fan of a queen he would treasure. Fascinated with the royal family, he sought to become educated about queens he appreciated. He would tell larger-than-life stories about a queen that influenced his identity. Through love for Queen Elizabeth, my father gave me a lifelong appreciation for the royal family I have grown up to value. In 2006, Michael Sheen honoured the legendary queen in his movie “The Queen”. In the greatest role of his career, Sheen portrayed a renowned British prime minister that sought to interview the Queen causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Sheen has spent most of his career playing fictional heroes in British period dramas. With “The Queen”, however, the actor took a huge step out of his comfort zone by playing a prime minister that’s well-known. Working alongside Helen Mirren who is also outstanding, Sheen honoured Queen Elizabeth’s legacy. For instance, the scene in which Tony Blair becomes aware of the personal issues faced by the Queen causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Queen” Michael Sheen’s best movie is its commemorated appeal. The film delivers a meaningful message about loss which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the royal family to appreciate the movie. A breathtaking tribute towards a larger-than-life British queen, it’s a brilliant reminder of a celebrated actor that has manufactured commemorated movies throughout his career which deserve to be seen on the big-screen.
2. Midnight in Paris
Paris is a beautiful city that my brother always loved dearly. I remember that my brother grew up to treasure a French city that changed his life forever. Drawn towards streets of Paris, he would love to discuss a city that he considered to be precious. In 2011, Michael Sheen captured the beauty of Paris in his movie “Midnight in Paris”. In the most thoughtful role of his career, Sheen portrayed an American tourist seeking to cherish the beauty of a city with love in the air. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing joyous characters with a charismatic nature. Working alongside Owen Wilson who is also outstanding, Sheen created a portrait of Paris that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Paul becomes aware of Gil’s midnight trips in Paris is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Midnight in Paris” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Paris, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A magnificent tribute towards a city that shines at midnight, it’s a marvellous reminder about a bright actor whose movies have earned the spotlight.
3. Kingdom of Heaven
Jerusalem is an ancient city that my grandfather always loved dearly. I remember my grandfather once adored a beautiful city with wisdom that he considered a kingdom. He would always strive to educate my family about the history of an ancient city he had grown to appreciate. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather that considered Jerusalem a heaven, I admired “Kingdom of Heaven”. Released in 2005, Michael Sheen’s medieval epic celebrated the beauty of Jerusalem. In the most religious role of his career, Sheen portrayed a priest in Jerusalem during a time of warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong leaders in positions of power. Working alongside Liam Neeson who is also outstanding, Sheen created a portrait of Jerusalem that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which the priest gives Balian advice seeking to prepare him for warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Kingdom of Heaven” a timeless classic is its appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Jerusalem’s history to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about religion which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of Jerusalem, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made unforgettable movies that have gained immense stardom.
4. Far From the Madding Crowd
Far from the Madding Crowd is a legendary romantic book that my mother always loved dearly. I remember my mother was once a huge fan of a classic book she considered timeless literature. She would often yearn to see the book depicted on the big-screen. In 2015, Michael Sheen honoured the iconic book about women in a crowd in his movie “Far From the Madding Crowd”. In the most romantic role of his career, Sheen portrayed a nobleman that engages in a doomed love affair causing 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 Carey Mulligan who is also amazing, Sheen created a romantic drama that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which William is rejected after he proposes to Bathsheba causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Far From the Madding Crowd” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about consequences of social class which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic adaptation of a book about women that are romantic, it’s a terrific reminder about an actor that has manufactured iconic movies throughout his commemorated career which have captivated public.
5. Blood Diamond
Diamonds are dazzling artifacts that always fascinated my grandmother. I remember my grandmother was always fascinated with diamonds that glimmer. Drawn to diamond jewelry, she often spoke fondly about artifacts she regarded highly. As someone treasuring a mother that loved diamonds, I adored “Blood Diamond”. Released in 2006, Michael Sheen’s movie captured diamond smugglers in Sierra Leone. In the most political role of his career, Sheen portrayed an advisor seeking to resolve the warfare in Sierra Leone 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 Leonardo DiCaprio who is also outstanding, Sheen created a portrait of diamond smugglers that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Rupert gives Solomon advice seeking to prepare him for his speech is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Blood Diamond” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies set in South Africa, it tackles themes that would resonate with everyone. As precious as blood diamonds in Sierra Leone, it’s a riveting reminder of a well-known actor that has made great movies standing in a league of their own.
6. The Damned United
When it comes to the most beloved football coaches in English history, it’s worth discussing Brian Clough. An awe-inspiring manager, Clough led the team Leeds United to achieve victories in soccer. In 2009, Michael Sheen honoured legacy of a united manager in his movie “The Damned United”. In the most authoritative role of his career, Sheen portrayed the renowned manager that sought to prepare a soccer team for games causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a football manager that’s well-known. Working alongside Timothy Spall who is also amazing, Sheen honoured a soccer team’s legacy. Nearly 50 years after Brian Clough became an iconic manager guiding teams in soccer, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making memorable movies that audiences treasure.
7. Frost/Nixon
Michael Sheen has often excelled at playing historical figures that are emotional. Sheen has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing emotional heroes facing damage. Sheen’s strength for playing emotional heroes facing tension is clearly evident in his movie “Frost/Nixon”. Released in 2008, Ron Howard’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most intense role of his career, Sheen portrayed a real-life news reporter that interviewed a famous president during a time of despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing anxious characters under pressure. Working alongside Frank Langella who is also amazing, Sheen honoured a president that’s inspiring. As strong as David Frost’s desire to interview, it’s a dazzling reminder of an actor making great movies that audiences commonly value.
8. Kill the Messenger
Few investigative journalists in American history are as beloved as Marc Webb. A dedicated journalist with strong views, Webb was driven to uncover stories about drugs in news. Through his drive to expose corruption, Webb earned recognition. In 2014, Michael Sheen honoured the dedicated messenger in his movie “Kill the Messenger”. In the most devoted role of his career, Sheen embodied a dedicated journalist seeking to uncover stories causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a reporter that’s well-known. Working alongside Jeremy Renner who is also outstanding, Sheen honoured a messenger that’s inspiring. A terrific tribute towards a commemorated journalist that penned groundbreaking stories making news, it’s a tremendous reminder of an actor whose movies have earned fantastic reviews.
9. Nocturnal Animals
Tony & Susan is a legendary mystery book that has built a lasting legacy. Since its publication in 1993, Austin Wright’s book has become a literary classic. In 2016, Michael Sheen honoured the book about people behaving like animals in his movie “Nocturnal Animals”. In the most mysterious role of his career, Sheen portrayed an art designer that becomes involved in a murder mystery causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing eccentric characters engaging in strange behaviour. Working alongside Amy Adams who is also amazing, Sheen honoured a book about fashion that’s compelling. As strong as Susan’s love for art, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured great movies throughout his impressive career which hold a precious place in every viewers’ heart.
10. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part Two
Michael Sheen hasn’t always made great movies that demand to be seen. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part Two” falls into the latter category. Released in 2012, Bill Condon’s vampire blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed a vampire facing warfare. Sheen brought charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part Two” is a bad movie, it honoured Sheen’s enduring legacy. As strong as Bella’s desire to become a vampire, it’s a bold reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to inspire making movies which I will forever treasure for motivating my lifelong love of filmmaking that I always admire.
The Film Buff 