Not many actors have built a legacy as bright as Jeffrey Wright. Since the 1990’s, Wright has become an African-American icon. Whether it’s frustrated authors, detectives solving murders or political leaders, Wright has portrayed several 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. American Fiction
Writing is a passion that I’ve always enjoyed pursuing. As far back as I remember, I have always wanted to become a famous writer. At an early age, I developed lifelong hobbies for writing words written on a page. During my childhood, I developed lifelong passions for writing about the art of filmmaking. Despite facing grim cyberbullying, nothing has stopped me from pursuing passions for writing. Few films I have ever seen have captured my passion for writing as powerfully as “American Fiction”. Released in 2023, Jeffrey Wright’s best movie captured the life of an African-American author facing adversity. In the greatest role of his career, Wright portrayed a black author facing racism causing despair. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, hilarious and emotional in his most memorable role. Wright has always had a sharp sense of humour, and “American Fiction” showcased his comedic talents as an actor. Working alongside Sterling K. Brown who is also amazing, Wright honoured African-American authors that are inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Monk faces disappointment when his book is rejected by racist publishers causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “American Fiction” Jeffrey Wright’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about famous authors, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about racism which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of African-American authors facing frightening barriers of racism affecting their writing, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has produced engaging movies throughout his great career which are worth celebrating.
2. The Batman
The Batman is a celebrated comic-book hero my brother always appreciated. I remember my brother once acknowledged the caped crusader. Fond of Bruce Wayne, he loved watching movies about a superhero with abilities to entertain. He would always enjoy watching movies about a dark superhero that shaped his identity. In 2021, Jeffrey Wright honoured the iconic superhero earning a huge fan following in his movie “The Batman”. In the darkest role of his career, Wright portrayed a dedicated detective working alongside Batman to resolve crimes causing despair. Wright has always had an aptitude for playing strong leaders in positions of power, and “The Batman” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Robert Pattinson who is also amazing, Wright honoured a superhero that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Gordon attempts to calm down Batman in the police station when he throws a temper tantrum causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Batman” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Batman movies that are targeted solely towards comic-book fans, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. A captivating tribute towards the caped crusader, it’s a compelling reminder of an actor that has made great movies that audiences treasure.
3. Casino Royale
James Bond is a spectacular spy that always impressed my father. I remember my father was once a huge fan of the iconic espionage character. Fond of James Bond, he would always love discussing a spy with whom he formed a lifelong bond. He would love to discuss why he was obsessed with an iconic spy falling from the sky with no time to die. In 2006, Jeffrey Wright honoured the iconic spy with abilities to enthral in his movie “Casino Royale”. In the most stylish role of his career, Wright portrayed a dedicated agent seeking to assist Bond with facing 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 Daniel Craig who is also outstanding, Wright honoured an iconic spy that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Felix is first introduced helping James Bond prepare for a mission is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Casino Royale” the best James Bond movie is its humanity. Unlike most Bond movies, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. The film turned James Bond into a relatable person anyone can identify with. A commemorated beginning of a franchise about a spy, it’s a breathtaking reminder about why Jeffrey Wright remains one of the world’s best actors whose movies satisfy.
4. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
The Hunger Games is a fantastic book series that my cousin has grown to treasure. I remember forming strong bonds with a cousin that loved a series about teenagers fighting in competitions under pressure. A huge fan of Katniss Everdeen, he often spoke fondly about a book series that became a part of his routine. In 2013, Jeffrey Wright honoured the iconic book series readers admire in his movie “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”. In the most anxious role of his career, Wright portrayed a resourceful warrior seeking to survive a tense competition causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional characters under intense pressure. Working alongside Jennifer Lawrence who is also amazing, Wright honoured a book series that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Beetee becomes aware that his life is in grave danger causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” a commemorated adaptation is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book series to appreciate it. A beautiful adaptation of a celebrated book about poverty-stricken teenagers in a bloodthirsty game, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured movies which have achieved fame.
5. Source Code
Time travel is a subject matter that always fascinated my teacher. I remember my high school teacher was fascinated with the concept of time travel putting lives in danger. He would always enjoy watching movies about agents on time travel missions facing adversities. As someone treasuring memories of a teacher that adored time travel with a code, I appreciated “Source Code”. Released in 2011, Jeffrey Wright’s movie captured men on time travel missions causing tragedy. In the most thought-provoking role of his career, Wright portrayed an FBI agent tasked with saving a doomed train facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing leaders in power. Working alongside Jake Gyllenhaal who is also amazing, Wright created a time travel thriller that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Dr. Rutledge becomes aware that the train is in danger causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Source Code” a sci-fi classic is its encompassing appeal. Unlike most movies about time travel, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about government corruption which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of time travel causing trains to deteriorate, it’s a terrific reminder of an actor making movies which audiences appreciate.
6. Basquiat
When it comes to the greatest artists in American history, it’s worth discussing Jean-Michel Basquiat. With its gorgeous visuals, stunning storytelling and strong themes, Basquiat’s art earned a huge following. An inspiring painter, Basquiat built a legacy which is lasting. In 1996, Jeffrey Wright honoured the renowned artist in his movie “Basquiat”. In the most transformative role of his career, Wright portrayed a renowned expressionistic artist that faced despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing an American artist that’s well-known. Working alongside David Bowie who is also amazing, Wright honoured an American painter that’s inspiring. A powerful tribute to a painter creating art, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor making great movies that hold a place in every movie-goers’ heart.
7. Broken Flowers
Jeffrey Wright has always excelled at playing emotional characters with obstacles to fight. Wright has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing emotional characters facing damage. Wright’s strengths for playing anxious characters under pressure is clearly evident in his movie “Broken Flowers”. Released in 2005, Jim Jarmusch’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most conflicted role of his career, Wright portrayed a troubled writer experiencing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing characters under pressure. Working alongside Bill Murray who is also amazing, Wright created a drama that’s engaging. As strong as Don’s desire to find stories to write, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies achieving the spotlight.
8. The French Dispatch
Few filmmakers in Hollywood have earned the appreciation of Wes Anderson. With their quirky characters, sharp sense of humour and compelling storytelling, Anderson’s movies have earned a huge fan following. In 2021, Anderson showcased his strengths as a filmmaker when he cast Jeffrey Wright in his movie “The French Dispatch”. In the most quirky role of his career, Wright portrayed a renowned food journalist facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his sharp sense of humour. Working alongside Frances McDormand who is also amazing, Wright created a comedy that’s captivating. As precious as stories the Dispatch seeks to publish, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has managed to accomplish impressive feats through manufacturing great movies which audiences cherish.
9. The Ides of March
Stories about political scandals often make for engaging movies. Audiences have always loved watching movies about characters facing scandals that are painful. In 2011, Jeffrey Wright captured the enduring appeal of scandals that cause people to march in his movie “The Ides of March”. In the most political role of his career, Wright portrayed a senator seeking to prepare for a big election 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 George Clooney who is also amazing, Wright created a political drama that’s captivating. A powerful portrait of political scandals in America, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor with charisma that has manufactured commemorated movies which always attract audiences to the Cinema.
10. The Invasion
Jeffrey Wright hasn’t always made great movies which are bright. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Invasion” falls into the latter category. Released in 2007, Oliver Hirschbiegel’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Wright portrayed an esteemed scientist investigating an alien virus causing despair. Wright brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Invasion” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Wright’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Dr. Stephen’s desire to prevent an alien virus, it’s a riveting reminder of a courageous actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking that’s precious.
The Film Buff 