Not many actors have earned a fan following as huge as Eddie Marsan. Since his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Marsan has made memorable movies. Whether it’s driving instructors, WWII soldiers or corrupt gangsters, Marsan has portrayed several characters. Given the 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. Happy-Go-Lucky
Driving instructors are people I have always found frightening. At an early age, I formed a complicated bond with a mean driving instructor that would mistreat his students causing emotional damage. He would always make me feel sense of terror whenever I got behind the wheel. Willing to yell, he always made the lives of his young students a living hell. Nevertheless, his wise words of wisdom inspired me to achieve my driver’s license with success. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the dark adversity faced by driving instructors that aren’t happy-go-lucky as powerfully as “Happy-Go-Lucky”. Released in 2008, Eddie Marsan’s best movie captured dark driving instructors facing adversity. In the greatest role of his career, the actor portrayed a cruel driving instructor that mistreats his class students causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Marsan has spent most of his career by playing likeable heroes in British period dramas. With “Happy-Go-Lucky”, however, the took a huge step out of his comfort zone by playing a frustrated driving instructor. Working alongside Sally Hawkins who is also amazing, Marsan created a driving movie that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Scott has a nervous breakdown as he seeks to prepare Poppy for her first ever driving test causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Happy-Go-Lucky” Eddie Marsan’s best movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the sheer importance of optimism in life which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 20 years following the release of a classic film about women in a good mood adopting a positive attitude, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated actor that has made unforgettable movies audiences have valued.
2. Gangs of New York
Gangsters are great figures that fascinated my grandfather. I remember a grandfather that was fascinated with gangsters. He was interested in the stories of gangs that shaped American history. An offer he couldn’t refuse, my grandfather loved watching gangsters that shaped his worldviews. As someone treasuring memories of a grandfather that adored gangs in New York, I loved “Gangs of New York”. Released in 2002, Eddie Marsan’s movie depicted gangs in American history. In the most violent role of his career, Marsan portrayed a businessman that becomes involved in gang 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 Brendan Gleeson who is also amazing, Marsan created a gangster drama that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Killoran becomes aware that gangs are participating in warfare causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Gangs of New York” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a bold message about vengeance which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of hardships gangs in New York faced causing lives to crumble, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor that has produced movies which audiences consider extremely special.
3. Mission: Impossible 3
Mission: Impossible is a spectacular franchise that always earned my father’s appreciation. I remember my father once appreciated a franchise about hunted spies facing danger. A huge fan of Tom Cruise, he appreciated movies that changed his worldviews. He grew up to cherish a franchise about spies with impossible missions to accomplish. In 2006, Eddie Marsan honoured the iconic franchise about spies in his movie “Mission: Impossible 3”. In the most villainous role of his career, Marsan portrayed a henchman seeking to cause Ethan Hunt to face despair. It gave the actor a rare chance to showcase talent for playing villains he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Philip Seymour Hoffman who is also amazing, Marsan honoured a franchise about missions that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Brownway tortures Ethan Hunt for information causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Mission: Impossible 3” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about terrorism which would resonate with everyone. As memorable as missions that Ethan Hunt is determined to accomplish, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a celebrated actor that has always manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences commonly cherish.
4. V for Vendetta
Vigilantes with a vendetta always inspired my grandpa. I remember my grandfather once acknowledged a legendary comic book about dark vigilantes facing disaster. He would appreciate legendary comic books about dark vigilantes carrying vendetta impacting his persona. In 2005, Eddie Marsan honoured the iconic comic-book about vigilantes with a vendetta in his movie “V for Vendetta”. In the most intellectual role of his career, Marsan portrayed a government official seeking to resolve crimes committed by vigilantes causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong leaders in positions of power. Working alongside Hugo Weaving who is also amazing, Marsan honoured a comic-book about vigilantes that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Brian becomes aware of the crimes committed by V causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “V for Vendetta” a commemorated comic-book classic is its message. It delivers a bold message about government corruption which would definitely resonate with everyone. A captivating tribute towards a comic-book about vigilantes with a cruel vendetta, it’s a compelling reminder of an actor with charisma that has produced unforgettable movies throughout his commemorated career that attract audiences to the Cinema.
5. Vera Drake
Abortion is a sensitive issue that causes women to face tension. Several years ago, my aunt held strong views against abortion causing women to face sorrow. She would always express strong views against a painful process which placed women under intense stress. As someone treasuring an aunt that opposed abortions causing heartache, I adored “Vera Drake”. Released in 2004, Eddie Marsan’s movie captured the life of an abortionist facing tragedy. In the most compassionate role of his career, Marsan portrayed a concerned husband seeking to care for a woman having abortions causing despair. 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 Imelda Staunton who is also amazing, For instance, the scene in which Reg becomes aware of abortions that Vera has engaged in causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Vera Drake” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about abortion targeted towards women, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of abortion causing the lives of women to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that audiences commonly appreciate.
6. The World’s End
Eddie Marsan has often excelled at playing emotional characters facing adversity. Marsan has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing heroes facing emotional damage. Marsan’s strength for playing heroes facing a tragic end is clearly evident in his movie “The World’s End”. Released in 2013, Edgar Wright’s comedy showcased the actor at his best. In the most comical role of his career, Marsan portrayed a businessman facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase comedic timing he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Simon Pegg who is also amazing, Marsan created a doomsday comedy that’s captivating. A hilarious depiction of doomsday disasters which are dangerous, it’s a fantastic reminder of a famous actor making movies audiences consider to be commonly extremely precious.
7. Vice
When it comes to the most controversial vice presidents in American history, it’s worth discussing Dick Cheney. Elected under the Bush administration, Cheney was a politician that didn’t please everyone. In 2018, Eddie Marsan honoured the iconic vice-president in his movie “Vice”. In the most political role of his career, Marsan portrayed a renowned advisor that sought to prepare a nation for warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a political figure that’s well-known. Working alongside Christian Bale who is also amazing, Marsan honoured a vice-president that’s compelling. 30 years after the election of a controversial vice-president, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor with commitment to playing strong characters whose movies have stood the test of time as beloved cinematic entertainment.
8. Snow White and the Huntsman
Snow White is a legendary character that has built a legacy which is bright. Since her creation in the 1940’s, Snow White has appeared in many movies. In 2012, Eddie Marsan honoured the iconic princess deserving recognition in his movie “Snow White and the Huntsman”. In the most fantastical role of his career, Marsan portrayed a dwarf that has a romantic affair with Snow White causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a literary dwarf that’s well-known. Working alongside Kristen Stewart who is also amazing, Marsan honoured a commemorated character that’s inspiring. A spectacular tribute towards Snow White, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a bright actor that has produced great movies throughout his commemorated career which have always earned the spotlight.
9. Fair Play
Jealousy is a common emotion that employees face in the workplace. I recall how envy caused my bond with female co-workers to fall apart. As someone haunted by memories of workplace jealousy leading my life astray, I was blown away by “Fair Play”. Released in 2023, Eddie Marsan’s movie captured the impact of jealousy on workplace employees. In the most authoritative role of his career, Marsan portrayed the CEO of a company where jealous employees face 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 Alden Ehrenreich who is also amazing, Marsan created a financial drama that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of jealousy in the workplace, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor making memorable movies audiences commonly embrace.
10. Jack the Giant Slayer
Eddie Marsan hasn’t always made great movies audiences love dearly. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Jack the Giant Slayer” falls into the latter category. Released in 2013, Bryan Singer’s fantasy blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed a medieval warrior seeking to prevent giant warfare. Marsan brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Jack the Giant Slayer” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Marsan’s enduring legacy. As powerful as Jack’s desire to prevent giant destruction, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated actor with strong dedication that has made unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 