Not many actresses have made movies that are as precious as Kristin Scott Thomas. Since the 1990’s, Thomas has become an icon. Whether it’s housekeepers, mothers of singers or suspects of murders, Thomas has portrayed several characters. Given the number of movies she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The English Patient
Historical movies are a genre of film that my uncle has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with an uncle appreciating great movies about historical events. Fascinated by WWII, he enjoyed watching hardships soldiers went through. He always believed movies were an art that couldn’t capture historical events tearing lives apart. Few films I’ve ever seen have managed to depict historical events in entertainment as powerfully as “The English Patient”. Released in 1996, Kristin Scott Thomas’ best movie offered beautiful adaptation sof a beloved book about WWII. In the greatest role of her career, Thomas portrayed an adventurous woman enduring a doomed romantic affair with a tormented soldier causing despair. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. Thomas has spent most of her career playing romantic heroines in British period pieces. With “The English Patient”, however, the actress took huge steps out of her comfort zone by playing a woman in a sad love affair. Working alongside Ralph Fiennes who is also outstanding, Thomas created a portrait of doomed love that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Katharine first meets Count Almasy in the Sahara Desert starting their affair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The English Patient” Kristin Scott Thomas’ best movie is its appeal. Unlike most movies set during WWII, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about doomed love which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the publication of a book about about courageous soldiers that have a catastrophic affair, it’s a breathtaking reminder about an actress that has made a great career by making movies about which audiences deeply care.
2. Darkest Hour
Winston Churchill is a great historical figure that inspired my grandfather. At an early age, I bonded with a grandfather had knowledge about a historical figure with courage. Fascinated with WWII, he grew up to value a historic figure making his dreams come true. In 2017, Kristin Scott Thomas honoured the prime minister serving Britain during its darkest hour in her movie “Darkest Hour”. In the most historical role of her career, Thomas portrayed the supportive wife that sought to care for a prime minister facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for creating strong supportive female characters. Working alongside Gary Oldman who is also outstanding, Thomas honoured a prime minister that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Clementine gives Churchill valuable advice about how to prepare his speech for warfare is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Darkest Hour” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most historical biopics, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with WWII history to appreciate it. Nearly 90 years after Winston Churchill became a prime minister changing history forever, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great actress making strong films which audiences treasure.
3. Gosford Park
Housekeepers are powerful figures that shape families. At an early age, I developed strong bonds with a housekeeper that delivered an inspiring message. A housekeeper that was dedicated to performing every chore, she was a person my family came to adore. As someone treasuring fond memories of a housekeeper with a bright spark, I appreciated “Gosford Park”. Released in 2001, Kristin Scott Thomas’ movie depicted housekeepers facing murder investigations. In the most mysterious role of her career, Thomas portrayed a commemorated woman that becomes suspect of murder causing despair. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Michael Gambon who is also outstanding, Thomas created commemorated mystery that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Sylvia becomes aware that Sir William has been murdered causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Gosford Park” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about social class resonating with everyone. As precious as Gosford Park, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress with a bright spark that made celebrated movies leaving a lasting mark.
4. Nowhere Boy
John Lennon is a beloved musician that earned my brother’s appreciation. I remember my brother acknowledging world-famous British singer. Fascinated with Beatles’ music, he adored an iconic singer having an impact on life which was drastic. He always believed movies were an art that couldn’t honour a singer holding a place in his heart. In 2009, Kristin Scott Thomas honoured the iconic musician that gave people joy in her movie “Nowhere Boy”. In the most musical role of her career, Thomas portrayed a conflicted mother seeking to care for a musician facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by honouring an iconic musician that’s well-known. Working alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson who is also amazing, Thomas honoured a musician that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Aunt Mimi becomes aware of John’s talents crafting melodies people love to hear is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Nowhere Boy” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the Beatles’ music to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about dreams which will resonate with everyone. A terrific tribute towards a celebrated singer with a love for music, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress producing movies which captivated the public.
5. Rebecca
Rebecca is a legendary movie that shaped my father’s persona. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a father that adored a movie about ghosts causing trauma. A huge fan of Alfred Hitchcock, he adored a movie about haunted mansions that left him terrified. In 2020, Kristin Scott Thomas honoured the classic suspense film made in a bygone era in her movie “Rebecca”. In the most frightening role of her career, Thomas portrayed a maid seeking to care for a haunted house facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a rare chance to showcase a scary side to herself that she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Lily James who is also outstanding, Thomas honoured an iconic book about mansions that are terrifying. For instance, the scene in which Mrs. Danvers is first introduced taking care of Manderley is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Rebecca” a great remake is its bold appeal. Unlike the 1940 film, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about social class that would resonate with everyone. As powerful as Rebecca, it’s a bold reminder of a great actress with charisma that has made movies which attract audiences to the Cinema.
6. Four Weddings and a Funeral
Weddings are a process that has shaped my identity. Growing up in Pakistan, my family has always followed a weddings tradition. As someone treasuring weddings that are special, I adored “Four Weddings and a Funeral”. Released in 1994, Kristin Scott Thomas’ movie captured British weddings. In the most romantic role of her career, Thomas portrayed a woman seeking to confess her love to a groom at a wedding causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a rare chance to showcase a romantic side to herself she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Hugh Grant who is also amazing, Thomas created a portrait of weddings that’s compelling. A wonderful portrait of a wedding, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured captivating movies which are worth celebrating.
7. I’ve Loved You So Long
Kristin Scott Thomas has always excelled at playing emotional women that are dangerous. Thomas has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing emotional women facing damage. Thomas’ strength for playing emotional woman facing long despair is clearly evident in her movie “I’ve Loved You So Long”. Released in 2008, Philippe Claudel’s French drama showcased the actress at her best. In the most emotional role of her career, Thomas portrayed a woman struggling to adjust to life after spending years in prison causing despair. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing emotional women under stress. Thomas showcased range she hadn’t shown before in her career. A powerful portrait of imprisonment, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress with commitment that has become an icon in entertainment.
8. Mission: Impossible
Few film franchises about spies accomplishing missions that are impossible are as beloved as Mission: Impossible. With its awe-inspiring stunts, engaging acting and strong storytelling, the series has earned a huge following. In 1996, Kristin Scott Thomas honoured the iconic action franchise in her movie “Mission: Impossible”. In the most heroic role of her career, Thomas portrayed a female spy on a mission that causes despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase talent for performing dangerous stunts she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Tom Cruise who is also outstanding, Thomas honoured an iconic action franchise. As strong as Ethan Hunt’s desire to accomplish missions that are impossible, it’s a powerful reminder of an actress making unforgettable movies audiences consider special.
9. Tell No One
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about murder, it’s worth discussing Tell No One. Since its publication in 2001, Harlan Coben’s book has become a literary classic. In 2006, Kristin Scott Thomas honoured the iconic book in her movie “Tell No One”. In the most devious role of her career, Thomas portrayed a suspicious woman that becomes involved in a murder case causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing women that are under intense pressure. Working alongside Francois Cluzet who is also outstanding, Thomas honoured a book about murders that are frightening. A marvellous adaptation of a beloved book about a murder case, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences embrace.
10. Under the Cherry Moon
Kristin Scott Thomas hasn’t always made great movies that are precious. While most movies the actress has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Under the Cherry Moon” falls into the latter category. Released in 1986, Prince’s movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Thomas portrayed a wealthy woman that becomes victim of con-artists causing despair. Thomas brought charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Under the Cherry Moon” is a bad movie, it celebrated Thomas’ legacy. As strong as Christopher’s desire to engage in a criminal lifestyle, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a versatile actress that has manufactured memorable movies with style which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking that’s worthwhile.
The Film Buff 