Not many actors in Hollywood enthral audiences like Robert Duvall. Since the 1970’s, Duvall has become a beloved American icon. Whether it’s cruel gangsters, political leaders or tormented soldiers, Duvall has portrayed several strong 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 definitely deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Godfather
Gangsters are great figures that have always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that admired dark gangsters causing damage. I remember a grandfather that appreciated gangsters that engaged in criminal behaviour. An offer he simply couldn’t refuse, he enjoyed spending time with gangsters that influenced worldviews. Through love of gangsters, my grandfather inspired me to make my film criticism dreams come true. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the enduring appeal of gangsters that commit murder as powerfully as “The Godfather”. Released in 1972, Robert Duvall’s best movie captured gangsters facing adversity. In the greatest role of his career, Duvall portrayed a cruel gangster that engages in a life of crime causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Duvall has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes in American dramas. With “The Godfather”, however, the actor took a huge step out of his comfort zone by playing a gangster. Working alongside Al Pacino who is also amazing, Duvall created a portrait of the mafia that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Tom Hagen becomes aware that Don Corleone has been murdered causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” Robert Duvall’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about gangs, it tackles relatable themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a strong message about family bonds that would resonate with everyone. Nearly 50 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about gangsters which are given offers that they can’t refuse, it’s a breathtaking reminder about an actor whose movies that have achieved rave reviews deserve headline news.
2. The Godfather: Part II
Fathers are powerful figures that shape children’s futures. As far as I can remember, I’ve always shared a strong bond with my father. An inspiring role model, he motivated me to achieve dreams that I am pursuing. As someone that has grown up to value a father that made my dreams come true, I adored “The Godfather: Part II”. Released in 1974, Robert Duvall’s movie offered a powerful sequel to a classic film about gangsters. In the most authoritative role of his career, Duvall portrayed a manager seeking to control a crime family facing despair. With “The Godfather: Part II”, the actor showcased rare emotional range he hadn’t shown before in the previous movie. Working alongside Al Pacino who is also amazing, Duvall created a crime drama that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Tom Hagen becomes aware of the crimes that Michael has committed causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather: Part II” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Michael’s desire to run a crime empire, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has produced unforgettable movies audiences admire.
3. Apocalypse Now
War movies are a genre of film that my uncle has always loved dearly. I remember an uncle that was fascinated with warfare disaster. He grew up to value war movies capturing the hardships that WWII soldiers went through. As someone treasuring fond memories of an uncle fascinated with how apocalyptic wars began, I loved “Apocalypse Now”. Released in 1979, Robert Duvall’s movie offered an engaging depiction of the Vietnam War. In the most courageous role of his career, Duvall portrayed a military commander seeking to prepare his troops for intense 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 Marlon Brando who is also amazing, Duvall created a portrait of the Vietnam War that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Lieutenant Kilgore delivers a speech seeking to prepare soldiers for warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Apocalypse Now” a great war movie is its message. The film delivers a profound message about war which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after the Vietnam War ended, it’s an bold reminder of a commemorated actor that deserves to be absolutely celebrated.
4. To Kill A Mockingbird
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a legendary piece of literature that always inspired by father. I fondly recall with nostalgia a father that always adored a book about the segregation era. As charismatic as Atticus Finch, he would love discussing an iconic book he considered to be precious. In 1962, Robert Duvall honoured the legendary book about children seeking to be heard in his movie “To Kill A Mockingbird”. In the most mysterious role of his career, Duvall portrayed a neighbour that forms a friendship with a lawyer facing despair. It gave the actor a rare chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Gregory Peck who is also amazing, Duvall honoured a book about racism that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Boo Radley saves Scout from evil men causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about discrimination which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Atticus’ desire to win his courtroom case, it’s a captivating reminder of a celebrated actor that has made compelling movies audiences embrace.
5. Widows
It’s challenging to cope with loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit a crushing low when our housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper became victim of a murder. Following her death, my family was left affected. As someone that witnessed sorrow of widows, I appreciated “Widows”. Released in 2018, Robert Duvall’s movie captured widows committing bank robberies. In the most emotional role of his career, Duvall portrayed a bank advisor that becomes involved in intense robberies causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under intense pressure. Working alongside Viola Davis who is also amazing, Duvall created a crime drama that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Tom becomes aware of the crimes widows have committed causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Widows” a crime classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most heist movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. As precious as robberies planned by teams of hard-working widows, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has always excelled at playing strong heroes.
6. The Apostle
Robert Duvall has often excelled at playing emotional characters facing a downfall. Duvall has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing emotional heroes facing damage. Duvall’s strengths for playing emotional characters under intense pressure is clearly evident in his movie “The Apostle”. Released in 1997, Duvall’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most religious role of his career, Duvall portrayed a small town preacher that experiences despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing heroes under pressure. Working alongside Billy Bob Thorton who is also amazing, Duvall created a religious drama that’s engaging. As strong as Dewey’s devotion to religion, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated actor with dedication that has manufactured great movies that deserve appreciation.
7. The Great Santini
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about war in history, it’s worth discussing The Great Santini. Since its publication in 1976, Pat Conroy’s book has earned recognition. With its timeless themes, strong storytelling and appealing messages, the book earned a massive fan following. In 1979, Robert Duvall honoured the legendary book about war in his movie “The Great Santini”. In the most tragic role of his career, Duvall portrayed a troubled soldier participating in warfare. 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 Blythe Danner who is also amazing, Duvall created a war movie that’s engaging. A powerful portrait of warfare, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has built a career making movies about which audiences care.
8. Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Sometimes, the sign of a great actor comes across when they steal the show in a supporting role. Robert Duvall has always had the rare ability to leave a strong impression in a small role with limited screen-time. Duvall’s strength for playing scene-stealing supporting characters is clearly evident in his movie “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”. Released in 1978, Phillip Kaufman’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most scene-stealing role of his career, Duvall portrayed a priest facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his powerful screen presence in a supporting role. Working alongside Donald Sutherland who is also amazing, Duvall created a horror movie that’s engaging. As scary as doppelgangers that invade, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor making great movies that rarely fade.
9. Network
Journalism is a fascinating profession that has often been depicted in memorable movies. Hollywood has often depicted the lives of journalists that are misunderstood. In 1976, Robert Duvall captured the enduring appeal of journalists running a television network in his movie “Network”. In the most commanding role of his career, Duvall portrayed a news anchor that seeks to prepare telecasts 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 Faye Dunaway who is also amazing, Duvall created a movie about journalism that’s captivating. A powerful portrait of the challenges faced by news anchors in journalism, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made unforgettable movies throughout his impressive career achieving stardom.
10. Wild Horses
Robert Duvall hasn’t always made great movies that enthral. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have often left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Wild Horses” falls into the latter category. Released in 2015, Duvall’s western blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Duvall portrayed a cowboy rancher seeking to prepare sons for warfare. Duvall brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Wild Horses” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Duvall’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Scott’s desire to care for wild horses that are frantic, it’s fantastic reminder of an iconic actor that has manufactured terrific movies throughout his career which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish dreams of becoming a film critic.
The Film Buff 