Not many filmmakers in Hollywood are as bold as James Mangold. Since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Mangold has become an American icon. Whether it’s country singers, race car drivers or archaeologists, the director has created 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 a director that deserves to be appreciated.
1. Walk the Line
Johnny Cash is a legendary musician that my grandfather always loved dearly. At an early age, I developed relationships with a grandfather that was a fan of a great musician delivering an inspiring message. Drawn to the ring of fire, Johnny Cash was a great musician that my grandpa grew up to admire. He would always speak fondly about a great musician that created timeless melodies that shaped his identity. In 2005, James Mangold honoured the iconic musician that composed melodies which shine in his movie “Walk the Line”. With the greatest film of his career, Mangold used innovative cinematic techniques to honour the legacy of a musician that composed melodies people love to hear. Mangold has spent most of his career making big-budget blockbusters in the comic-book genre. With “Walk the Line”, however, the director took a huge step out of his comfort zone by making a biopic about a famous singer that’s well-known. Working alongside Joaquin Phoenix who is also outstanding, Mangold honoured a musician that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Johnny Cash first meets June Carter beginning their lifelong romantic affair composing melodies people love to hear is one of the finest moments of the director’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Walk the Line” James Mangold’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about bold musicians, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 50 years after Johnny Cash became a bold musician overcoming alcohol addiction that was dire to cross the ring of fire, it’s a great reminder of a commemorated filmmaker that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences admire.
2. Logan
The Wolverine is a wonderful hero that my brother loved seeing on the big-screen. Years ago, I bonded with a brother admiring the superhero. I would enjoy visiting the theatre to see movies about the comic-book character with a brother I treasure. As someone treasuring a brother that once regarded the Wolverine with affection, I loved “Logan”. Released in 2017, James Mangold’s movie honoured the superhero with sharp claws. With the most emotional film of his career, Mangold used inventive cinematic techniques to capture the journey of an aging superhero facing despair. It gave the director a chance to showcase his talent for making movies about emotional heroes under intense pressure. Mangold used captivating visuals capturing an aging superhero facing obstacles that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Logan becomes aware that his life is in grave danger causing despair is one of the greatest moments of the director’s career. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Hugh Jackman, who manufactured an iconic comic-book hero experiencing downtrodden emotions. Ultimately, what makes “Logan” a comic-book masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message regarding aging which would resonate with everyone. As sharp as the Wolverine’s claws, it’s a wonderful reminder of a commemorated filmmaker that has manufactured memorable movies without any flaws.
3. Ford vs. Ferrari
Race car driving is an activity I’ve never found engaging. At an early age, I became afraid of go karting causing emotional damage. I would experience a sense of terror whenever I had to get behind the wheel. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t understand appeal of an activity in which drivers died. As someone that has never taken interest in race cars facing adversity, I was surprised by how much I loved “Ford vs. Ferrari”. Released in 2019, James Mangold’s movie honoured race car drivers that achieved victories against Ferrari. With the most technically accomplished film of his career, Mangold used innovative cinematic techniques to capture race car drivers engaging in competitions causing despair. It gave the director a rare chance to showcase his talent for staging racing scenes he hadn’t shown before in his career. Mangold used captivating practical effects to stage racing scenes that are entertaining. For instance, the scene in which Shelby becomes aware that Ken has been killed in a car accident causing despair is one of the finest moments of the director’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Ford vs. Ferrari” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be fans of Formula 1 to appreciate it. As precious as cars made by Ford, it’s a riveting reminder of a director has made unforgettable movies audiences adored.
4. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Indiana Jones is a legendary character that always inspired my grandma. I remember memories of a grandmother that was once a huge fan of the whip-smart character. Obsessed with the Lost Ark, she always praised a hero leaving a lasting mark. In 2023, James Mangold honoured Indiana Jones’ enduring legacy in his movie “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”. With the most action-packed film of his career, Mangold paid tribute towards an iconic archaeologist facing despair. It gave the director a chance to showcase his talent for making big-budget blockbusters about heroes saving the world from danger. Mangold used captivating visuals to capture hardships an archaeologist on a treacherous journey is facing. For instance, the scene in which Indiana Jones becomes aware that his daughter is in grave danger causing despair is one of the finest moments of the director’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Indiana Jones movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about archaeology which would resonate with everyone. As precious as Indiana Jones’ dial, it’s a riveting reminder of a director with style that has manufactured movies throughout his impressive career which are worthwhile.
5. A Complete Unknown
Bob Dylan is a legendary musician that always earned my friend’s appreciation. Born with abilities to entertain, he left people singing in the rain. I remember he was a huge fan of a legendary singer that he grew up to treasure. Fond of Bob Dylan’s music, he would always love discussing a singer he found iconic. In 2024, James Mangold honoured the well-known singer in a league of his own in his movie “A Complete Unknown”. With the most melodious film of his career, Mangold used innovative cinematic techniques to honour a singer that composed melodies people love to hear. It gave the director a rare chance to showcase talent for staging musical concert scenes he hadn’t shown before in his career. For instance, the scene in which Bob Dylan seeks to prepare for a big concert is one of the finest moments of the director’s career. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Timothee Chalamet, who embodied a singer that’s beloved today. Ultimately, what makes “A Complete Unknown” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Bob Dylan’s music to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about importance of chasing one’s dreams which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Bob Dylan’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of an iconic director that has made memorable movies captivating public.
6. 3:10 to Yuma
Over the past decade, the western genre has declined in popularity. With their cartoonish characters, over-the-top action and lacklustre storytelling, I find westerns to be a chore to sit through. As someone that’s not a fan of the western genre, I was surprised by how much I loved “3:10 to Yuma”. Released in 2007, James Mangold’s movie revived the western genre. With the most gritty film of his career, Mangold used inventive cinematic techniques to capture outlaws in a western land facing despair. It gave the director a chance to showcase his talent for making movies about emotional heroes under intense pressure. Working alongside Russell Crowe who is also amazing, Mangold created a western that’s engaging. As precious as the Yuma train, it’s a riveting reminder of a director that has made movies which commonly entertain.
7. The Wolverine
Few comic-book characters have been seen on the big-screen as commonly as the Wolverine. With his sharp claws, strong personality and powerful presence, the Wolverine has earned a huge audience. In 2013, James Mangold honoured the iconic hero in his movie “The Wolverine”. With the most serious film of his career, Mangold used inventive action sequences to honour a superhero about whom people care. It gave the director a chance to showcase his talent for creating a successful blockbuster about an iconic comic-book character. Working alongside Hugh Jackman who is also outstanding, Mangold honoured a hero that’s compelling. As sharp as claws of Wolverine, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated director making engaging movies throughout his impressive career that deserve to be seen on the cinematic big-screen.
8. Girl, Interrupted
When it comes to the most celebrated books ever written about mental health, it’s worth discussing Girl, Interrupted. Since its publication in 1993, Susanna Kaysen’s book has become a literary classic. In 1999, James Mangold honoured the book about women whose lives are interrupted in her movie “Girl, Interrupted”. With the most provocative film of his career, Mangold did an extraordinary job of adapting a beloved book about women facing despair. It gave the director a chance to step out of his comfort zone by making his first ever female-led movie. Working alongside Winona Ryder who is also outstanding, Mangold honoured a book that’s compelling. A beautiful adaptation of a celebrated book about women whose lives are interrupted, it’s a riveting reminder of a director that has made movies which deserve to be appreciated.
9. Cop Land
Police officers have always fascinated my brother. I remember a brother that had dreams of becoming a police officer. As someone treasuring a brother that adored cops with strong command, I admired “Cop Land”. Released in 1997, James Mangold’s movie captured corrupt cops in a doomed city. With the most violent film of his career, Mangold used inventive cinematic techniques to capture cops in a small town facing despair. It gave the director a chance to showcase his talent for making engaging movies about disturbed characters under intense pressure. Working alongside Sylvester Stallone who is also outstanding, Mangold created a cop movie that’s captivating. As strong as Figgis’ desire to become a police officer, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated director that manufactured timeless movies which audiences treasure.
10. Knight and Day
James Mangold hasn’t always made great movies that are bold. While most movies the director has made are appreciated, a few have often left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Knight and Day” falls into the latter category. Released in 2010, Mangold’s worst movie captured a commemorated fugitive couple facing adversity. Mangold showcased his usual technical skill behind the camera, creating a commemorated action comedy that’s entertaining. Although “Knight and Day” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Mangold’s commemorated legacy. As strong as bonds between fugitives over a day, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated director that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his impressive career which I will forever treasure for paving the way for my lifelong love of cinematic filmmaking today.
The Film Buff 