Few actresses in Hollywood are as amazing as Amy Adams. Since the 1990’s, Adams has become one of the greatest actresses in the film industry. Whether its scientists, fierce bartenders or powerful cult leaders, Adams has portrayed several characters. Given the number of movies Adams has made, creating a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for best movies made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Arrival
Alien invasions are terrifying events that have always scared me. At an early age, I developed lifelong fear of aliens invading earth that caused damage. I would often fear the day the Earth would be invaded by aliens causing despair. Few films I’ve ever seen have depicted the arrival of aliens on Earth as powerfully as “Arrival”. Released in 2016, Denis Villeneuve’s science-fiction blockbuster depicted an alien invasion putting the fate of humanity in grave danger. In arguably the greatest role of her career, Adams embodies a scientist investigating the meaning of an alien invasion causing fear. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in her most meaningful role. It’s a role giving the actress an opportunity to showcase strength for conveying emotion through strong expressions. For instance, the scene where the speechless Dr. Louise Banks reacts with terror in her first meeting with the aliens is one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Arrival” Amy Adams’ greatest film is its meaningful message about communication. More than just an alien invasion movie, it’s a beautiful film about the power of communication. It delivers a meaningful message about the importance of communication which would resonate with everyone. An awe-inspiring depiction of an alien arrival causing consequences which are painful, it’s a powerful reminder of an actress that thrives playing multi-faceted characters whose celebrated movies hold a place in hearts of audiences that’s special.
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2. American Hustle
Amy Adams has always been one of those actresses with a powerful screen presence. She always has the ability to communicate strong emotions through her sheer presence without speaking a single word. Adams’ powerful screen presence is clearly evident in her film “American Hustle”. Released in 2013, David O. Russell’s movie told the true story of the ABSCAM scandal. In the most stylish role of her career, Adams embodies a clever con-artist committing crimes without any fear. It’s a colorful role that gives the actress an opportunity to showcase her strong screen presence. For instance, the scene where Sydney commits cons alongside her partner Irving without facing consequences showcases the actress’ powerful screen presence. In a star-studded cast filled with several notable actors, it’s a testament to the strength of Adams’ performance that she stands out. Ultimately, what makes “American Hustle” one of the actress’ greatest films is its meaningful message. The film delivers a strong message about the dangers that come with committing crimes causing long-lasting damage. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with con-artists in American history to appreciate it. Nearly 40 years after the ABSCAM scandal in which commemorated con-artists that got away with committing crimes without a price to pay, it’s a captivating reminder of an actress that hasn’t lost abilities to make timeless movies which deserve to be celebrated today.
3. Her
Technology has always been a pivotal part of my identity. As far as I remember, I’ve been a heavy technology user. In an attempt to feel less alone, I’ve often turned towards using my phone. My addiction to technology is fuelled by a simple desire for human connection I can’t find in reality. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the danger of technology addiction as powerfully as “Her”. Released in 2013, Spike Jonze’s movie found Amy Adams playing a woman with technology addiction. Unlike you’ve ever seen her before, Adams transforms into a technology addict seeking human connection. It’s a different sort of role from the heroic women Adams has played throughout her career. Adams uses her strong voice to capture the curiosity of a woman fascinated with technology. For instance, the scene where Amy has a candid conversation with Theodore about dating an OS system is the most sensitive work the actress has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “Her” one of Adams’ greatest movies is its thoughtful message. The film delivers a poignant message about the dangers posed by technology addiction which would resonate with everyone. As someone that has always suffered from technology addiction, I identified deeply with the film’s message. A dazzling depiction of danger posed by technology addiction, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that thrives when she makes bold career decisions whose memorable movies definitely deserve recognition.
4. The Fighter
When it comes to the best boxers in American history, it’s worth discussing Mickey Ward. A world-renowned boxer, Ward achieved victories in boxing during the 1980’s. Assisted by his brother Dicky Eklund, Mickey embarked on a journey to become a fighter. Through his dedication, Mickey became a renowned wrestler earning recognition. In 2010, Amy Adams did an amazing job of bringing the story of the world-famous boxing champion to the big-screen in her film “The Fighter”. In her most fierce career role, Adams embodies a strong woman that supports a boxer achieving recognition. It’s a strong female character giving the actress an opportunity to showcase her strong voice. Adams has always had an aptitude for using her voice to create strong female characters, and her strength as an actress is clearly evident in “The Fighter”. For instance, the scene where Charlene argues with Micky’s family about what’s right for him showcases the actress’ strength for using her commanding voice. In the end, what makes “The Fighter” stand out is its message. It delivers a strong message which would resonate with everyone bonding with brothers at an early age. 40 years after a pair of fighter brothers achieved victories in the boxing ring, it’s a fantastic reminder of an actress playing complex characters whose movies are worth celebrating.
5. The Master
Amy Adams has built a successful career by playing characters that are likeable. With her sweet looks, attractive appearance and charming personality, Adams has always thrived playing woman with likeable qualities. In a career filled with characters of a likeable nature, it’s worth discussing “The Master”. Released in 2012, Paul Thomas Anderson’s psychological thriller found the actress playing a villainous character. In the most villainous role of her career, Adams embodies a strong female leader of a controversial religious cult. It’s a role giving the actress an opportunity to demonstrate a menacing side to herself audiences haven’t seen before. Adams effectively uses her solemn expressions to capture the authoritative presence of a cult leader in a positive of power. For instance, the sequences in which Peggy exerts control over her husband forced to engage in sexual activity is one of the greatest scenes of the actress’ entire career. Ultimately, “The Master” stands out because it’s unlike any movie Amy Adams has made throughout her career. A masterful depiction of a commemorated religious cult causing consequences that are dangerous, it’s a powerful reminder of an adventurous actress that thrives when she’s given opportunities to play courageous characters in timeless movies audiences consider to be precious.
6. Julie and Julia
A lifelong love for cooking runs in my family. I grew up to treasure a mother that sought to become a baker. Nobody could bake cakes like my mother did without mistakes. Creating delicious desserts using her recipe book, she believed anyone could cook. As someone reminiscing memories of a mother that loved cooking with nostalgia, I loved “Julie and Julia”. Released in 2009, Amy Adams’ movie celebrated the real-life chef Julie Powell. In the most delicious role of her career, Amy Adams embodies an adventurous chef with a love for making dishes that are precious. Working alongside Meryl Streep who is excellent, Adams embodies love for cooking. A captivating tribute to a chef with a love to cook, it’s a compelling reminder of an actress that thrives playing complex characters whose movies deserve to be treasured in a book.
7. Vice
When it comes to the most controversial vice presidents in American history, it’s worth discussing Dick Cheney. Elected under the George Bush administration, Cheney was a powerful politician whose drastic decisions didn’t please everyone. Some supported his policies, while others criticized his involvement in the war against terrorism. In 2018, Amy Adams did an excellent job bringing the true story of the vice-president to the big-screen in her film “Vice”. In her first ever biographical role, Adams embodies the wife of a president with a goal. It’s a role giving the actress an opportunity to create a strong female character through her voice. 30 years after the election of a controversial vice-president, it’s a captivating reminder of an actress with commitment to playing characters whose movies have stood the test of time as beloved entertainment.
8. Doubt
Religion is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often struggled to tell compelling stories about religion. Filmmakers find it challenging to make movies about religion because they risk offending viewers. In an industry where religion is an issue that’s rarely talked about, “Doubt” is a film that stands out. Released in 2008, Amy Adams’ movie did an extraordinary job of depicting the lives of religious priests facing doubt. In the bravest role of her career, Adams transforms into a devout nun facing despair. Adams uses her expressions to capture a religious nun facing doubt about her actions. A disturbing depiction of the dangers faced by nuns that are devout, it’s a dazzling reminder of an actress that thrives making movies about issues that are rarely talked about which are worth watching without a doubt.
9. Catch Me if You Can
Few con-artists committing crimes that landed them in jail are as notorious as Frank Abagnale. During the 1960’s, Abagnale was a clever conman that engaged in felonies. Abagnale participated in criminal activities until the day he was caught by FBI authorities. In 2002, Amy Adams did an excellent job of bringing the life of the notorious con-artist to the big-screen in her film “Catch Me if You Can”. In her first major breakthrough role, Adams embodies a lovestruck woman that struggles to keep her emotions under control. Despite the fact that this was her first major role, Adams left a lasting impression. 40 years after an iconic con-artist committed felonies with consequences which were tragic, it’s a fantastic reminder of an actress that thrives at playing energetic heroines whose movies always leave audiences ecstatic.
10. Enchanted
Over the past decade, the musical genre has faced declines in quality. Like singers losing sounds of music, musicals no longer leave audiences enthusiastic. With cartoonish characters, loud musical numbers and poor storytelling, most musicals are a chore to sit through. As someone that has never been a fan of a genre that’s deteriorated, I was surprised how much I loved “Enchanted”. Released in 2007, Amy Adams’ musical brought fresh life into a bygone genre. In his first musical role, Amy Adams showcased skills for acting, singing and dancing. Not only did she embody a princess’ personality, but she showcased aptitude for composing melodies. An extraordinary tribute towards Disney princesses leaving children enchanted, it’s a magical reminder about a celebrated actress whose amazing movies will never cease to leave me captivated.
The Film Buff 