Few actors in Hollywood are as beloved as Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Since the 1990’s, Gordon-Levitt has become an icon. Whether it’s doomed lovers, romantic teens or bike riders, Gordon-Levitt has played many strong characters. Given the number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies made by a great actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. 500 Days of Summer
Childhood crushes are lovers that rarely last forever. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in my school seeking marriage. Dressed in gorgeous attire, she was an attractive girl my entire school would admire. As famous as a Hollywood actress, she was always dressed to impress. However, fate caused our doomed relationship to deteriorate. When my family moved to Canada, I was faced with dilemma of saying goodbye to a girl influencing my persona. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured romantic relationships that rarely last forever as powerfully as “500 Days of Summer”. Released in 2009, Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s best movie captured doomed romantic relationships facing tragedy. In the greatest role of his career, Gordon-Levitt embodies a man facing a doomed romantic affair that’s destined to despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable career role. Gordon-Levitt has always had a flair for conveying strong emotions through his expressions, and “500 Days of Summer” showcased his strengths as an actor. Working alongside Zooey Deschanel who is also excellent, Gordon-Levitt creates a strong portrait of a doomed romantic relationship. For instance, the scene in which Tom’s expectations about his love with Summer clash with harsh reality is one of the best moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “500 Days of Summer” Gordon-Levitt’s best movie is its message. The film delivers a strong message about relationships which would resonate with everyone. 20 years following the release of a charming romantic film about lovers facing obstacles that are challenging, it’s a riveting reminder about an actor whose engaging movies are definitely worth celebrating.
2. 50/50
Terminal illness has impacted my family. Several years ago, my family learned that our beloved uncle had been diagnosed with Cancer causing sorrow. I remember that my uncle was always an optimistic person that looked at the world from a positive perspective. He always looked at life from a positive perspective until the day he was diagnosed with a disease that was destructive. As someone treasuring fond memories of an uncle that endured terminal illnesses causing tragedy, I loved “50/50”. Released in 2011, Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s movie did an extraordinary job of depicting terminal illness causing men to face tragedy. In the most emotionally draining role of his career, Gordon-Levitt embodies a man diagnosed with Cancer that’s a heavy burden to bear causing despair. It isn’t easy to capture the serious subject of Cancer from a humorous perspective, but Gordon-Levitt succeeded tremendously. For instance, the scene in which Adam shaves his head after learning devastating news that he has Cancer is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “50/50” a commemorated masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about illness which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of illness causing friendships to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder about an actor whose movies audiences commonly appreciate.
3. Inception
Dreams have always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a mother that was fascinated with dreams causing damage. She would often love sharing dreams with my family which she remembered clearly. Few films I have ever seen have captured the emotion associated with dreams as powerfully as “Inception”. Ever since its release in 2010, Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s movie has stood the test of time as a science-fiction classic. In the most thought-provoking role of his career, Gordon-Levitt embodies a man on a mission to infiltrate dreams causing despair. With “Inception”, Gordon-Levitt showcased skill for being an action hero that he hadn’t shown in his career before. For instance, the hallway fight scene in which Arthur fights guards in a rotating hallway during a scary dream is one of the most memorable moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Inception” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about dreams which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Cobb’s desires to make dreams come true, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great actor that audiences commonly value.
4. The Dark Knight Rises
Batman is a celebrated superhero my brother has always appreciated. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a brother that adored the comic-book hero. A comic-book nerd, he spoke fondly about a superhero that made him feel heard. As someone treasuring fond memories of a brother that loved a superhero full of surprises, I adored “The Dark Knight Rises”. Released in 2012, Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s movie did an amazing job of bringing a beloved comic-book franchise towards a satisfying conclusion. In the most heroic role of his career, Gordon-Levitt embodies a dedicated cop seeking to fight dangerous crime in a doomed city facing despair. Despite being a minor part of the movie with limited screen-time, Gordon-Levitt left a strong impression. For instance, the scene in which Blake motivates Bruce Wayne to come out of retirement through a candid conversation is one of the best moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Dark Knight Rises” a comic-book masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Batman movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a strong message about hope which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking conclusion to a franchise about a caped crusader, it’s a brilliant reminder about an actor whose unforgettable movies audiences commonly treasure.
5. 10 Things I Hate About You
Adolescence is a formative time in life that shaped my identity. I was often anxious about failing classes, being bullied and finding social acceptance from my peers in school. Nevertheless, I can’t deny that my adolescence experience shaped the person that I am today. As someone treasuring memories of adolescence that I value, I loved “10 Things I Hate About You”. Released in 1999, Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s movie offered a powerful portrait of adolescence shaping teenagers’ identities. In the most romantic role of his career, Gordon-Levitt embodies a teenager seeking to pursue an affair with a crush about whom he has grown to care. Gordon-Levitt has always been one of those actors with a sharp sense of humour, and “10 Things I Hate About You” showcased his aptitude for comedy. For instance, the scene in which Cameron negotiates with his classmates about how to win over the affection of Bianca is one of the best moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “10 Things I Hate About” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most high school movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a strong message about teens that would resonate with everyone. An engaging portrait of teens listing 10 things they hate about each other in high school, it’s a remarkable reminder of a great actor that has manufactured timeless movies throughout his impressive career which audiences consider cool.
6. The Walk
When it comes to the most inspiring high-wire artists in history, it’s worth discussing Philippe Petit. In 1974, Petit forever changed the world when he performed a dangerous walk across the World Trade Centre. In 2015, Joseph Gordon-Levitt honoured the high-wire artist that performed the walk in his movie “The Walk”. In the most physically demanding role of his career, Gordon-Levitt portrayed a renowned high-wire artist that performed a risky walk causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a high-wire artist that’s well-known. Working alongside Ben Kingsley who is also amazing, Gordon-Levitt honoured an artist that’s inspiring. A towering tribute to a high-wire artist that performed a walk, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making movies about which people talk.
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7. The Trial of the Chicago 7
Few legal trials in American history are as renowned as the trial of the Chicago 7. During the 1960’s, individuals protesting against the Vietnam War became target of police authorities. The sad trial that ensued exposed injustice of the U.S. legal system. In 2017, Joseph Gordon-Levitt did an amazing job of portraying the legal trial in his movie “The Trial of the Chicago 7”. In the most serious role of his career, Gordon-Levitt embodies a lawyer fighting a court case that’s a burden to bear. It’s a role that gave Gordon-Levitt the chance to showcase his talent for delivering monologues. Working alongside Micheal Keaton who is also outstanding, Gordon-Levitt honoured a courtroom trial that’s frightening. Nearly 60 years after the Chicago 7 legal trial, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a versatile actor whose timeless movies are worthwhile.
8. Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is a legendary president in American history that merits recognition. Lincoln guided the country during the dark time period of slavery. With his bold presence, wisdom and strong leadership, Lincoln became a symbol of hope for America. In 2012, Lincoln’s life story was beautifully brought to the big-screen in Joseph Gordon Levitt’s film “Lincoln”. In the most historic role of his career, Gordon-Levitt embodied the son of a president facing a burden to bear. It’s a role that gave Gordon-Levitt the chance to showcase his flair for playing troubled characters. Despite limited screen-time, Levitt left a strong impression as Lincoln’s son. A profound tribute towards a powerful president, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor with strong commitment towards his craft that has become a great icon in modern-day entertainment.
9. Looper
Time travel is a tricky concept to execute in movies. In order for any film about time travel to be successful, it needs to strike a balance between being entertaining and logical. It’s a complicated balance most movies can’t achieve. However, in 2012 Joseph Gordon-Levitt pulled off the complex subject matter in his film “Looper”. In his most complex role, Gordon-Levitt embodies a hitman stuck in a time loop whose life spirals out of control. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his aptitude for playing courageous action heroes. Working alongside Bruce Willis who is also extraordinary, Gordon-Levitt created a powerful portrait of time travel. As precious as time travel missions which loopers seek to fulfill, it’s a spectacular reminder of an amazing actor whose movies always please audiences seeking an exhilarating thrill.
10. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
Joseph Gordon-Levitt hasn’t always made great movies. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “G.I. Joe the Rise of Cobra” falls into the latter category. Released in 2009, Stephen Sommers’ blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed a scientist engaging in nuclear warfare. Gordon-Levitt brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “G.I. Joe” is a bad movie, it honoured Gordon-Levitt’s legacy. As strong as G.I. Joe’s desire to save the world from catastrophe, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy making unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 