Few actors in Hollywood have lit a bright spark into movies like Brad Pitt. Following his stardom during the 1990’s, Pitt has become an icon in the film industry. Whether it’s detectives investigating gruesome murders, baseball managers or curious men aging backwards, Pitt has proven that he can portray various characters. Given the number of movies Pitt has made throughout his career, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Fight Club
The first rule of fight club is you do not talk about fight club. However, it’s hard for me not to discuss a great movie that has often affected me deeply. As someone that suffers with bad mental health issues, I have always identified deeply with “Fight Club”. Since release in 1999, David Fincher’s film has stood the test of time as a cult classic that has never lost its abilities to shine. In arguably the greatest role of his career, Brad Pitt captures the painful burden of mental health that dark men bear. As Tyler Durden, Pitt created one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history. With his stylish clothes, quotable dialogue and bold screen presence, Pitt truly owns every single scene that he is in. It’s a larger-than-life character that allows the actor to showcase his natural charisma. Working alongside Edward Norton who is also amazing, Pitt creates a portrait of mental health that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Durden delivers the iconic speech about the big rules of fight club has become the most iconic moment of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Fight Club” Brad Pitt’s greatest movie is its bold message. The film delivers a bold message that would resonate with everyone that has faced grim mental health issues at an early age. Nearly 30 years after the release of a groundbreaking film about tormented men in fight clubs that experience painful plight, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated star with a bright presence that has manufactured bold movies throughout his career which haven’t lost their abilities to always excite.
2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Aging is a painful process that can cause seniors to face stress. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a great grandfather with great wisdom that I grew up to treasure. An inspiring role model, he passed on to me a lifelong love for filmmaking. However, aging brought our short bond to a sudden closure. After reaching an age of retirement, my grandpa lost all of his interest in entertainment. Few films that I have ever seen have captured the curious process of aging that causes dark destruction as powerfully as “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”. Released in 2008, David Fincher’s film found Brad Pitt playing an extraordinary man born with the abilities to age backwards. In the strangest role of his career, Pitt does a great job of capturing consequences faced by a man aging backwards. As Benjamin Button, Pitt is given an opportunity to showcase his talents for conveying strong emotions through minimal dialogue. Ultimately, what makes “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” stand out is its universal appeal. Unlike most David Fincher movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A bold portrait of the curious case of aging people face, it’s a dark reminder of an actor whose timeless movies holding a special place in hearts audiences embrace.
3. Moneyball
Baseball is a fascinating game that I was once fond of playing. I recall heartwarming childhood memories of my love for playing baseball. During my childhood, I would always enjoy playing the game with the kids in my neighbourhood. I participated in my school’s baseball championships working with a team to build relationships. As someone cherishing baseball, I loved Brad Pitt’s movie “Moneyball”. Bennett Miller’s movie found the movie-star playing a baseball manager whose career is in danger. In his first ever sports role, Pitt captures the strong dedication of a baseball manager that’s driven to achieve his goal. It’s a role that allows the actor to showcase his skills of leadership. For instance, the scene in which Pitt pitches ideas to a board room filled with cynical investors showcases his skills at playing a leader. Ultimately, what makes “Moneyball” special is its message. More than a film about baseball, it’s a movie about dreams. It emphasizes importance of dreams no matter how unattainable they may seem. A magnificent tribute to a magical game, it’s a marvellous reminder of a movie-star making unforgettable movies deserving fame.
4. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Few filmmakers that achieved fame years ago are as celebrated as Quentin Tarantino. Ever since 1995’s “Pulp Fiction”, Tarantino has made unforgettable movies earning recognition. With their bloody violence, foul language and powerful themes, Tarantino’s movies have gained a huge fan following. I love all the movies that Tarantino has made. However, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” may be my favourite. Released in 2019, Tarantino’s Oscar-winning movie gave Brad Pitt an opportunity to showcase his charisma on the big-screen. In the role for which he finally won his long overdue Oscar, Pitt captures the charismatic nature of a stunt double that loves putting his life in danger. It’s a fun role that allows Pitt to tap into his own personal experiences as an actor facing struggles achieving recognition in Hollywood. Pitt showcases a comedic side to his acting that audiences have rarely seen before. For instance, the scene where Cliff Booth faces the Manson hippies in a drug-fuelled state is the most hilarious acting he has ever done. It’s a phenomenal performance that pays tribute to forgotten stunt performers in Hollywood. A touching tribute to the timeless city of L.A., it’s a tremendous reminder of a terrific movie-star that thrives when he’s given chances to portray complex characters whose movies deserve to be appreciated absolutely today.
5. Se7en
Serial killers are fascinating figures that have made for memorable movies. Ever since Hannibal Lecter stunned police into silence, movies about serial killers have attracted a huge audience. Witnessing detectives solving murders has often made for movies that are entertaining. Few films ever made about serial killers have achieved the appreciation of “Se7en”. Released in 1995, David Fincher’s magnificent masterpiece captured the enduring appeal of serial killers that get away with committing gruesome murders. In the most emotional role of his career, Pitt embodies a detective driven to achieve his goal of catching a serial killer that’s out of control. It’s an emotionally draining role requiring the actor to convey strong emotions but he pulls it off tremendously. The ending scene in which detective Mills questions what’s in the box is the greatest piece of acting the movie-star has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “Se7en” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about serial killers, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. As frightening as murders that detectives investigate, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated movie-star that thrives playing conflicted characters facing emotions that are worth absolutely celebrating.
6. 12 Years a Slave
Slavery is a subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has avoided telling a time in history that’s misunderstood. Making a movie about slavery often requires filmmakers to balance entertainment and educational value. In 2013, Brad Pitt pulled it off successfully when he made the film “12 Years a Slave”. Steven McQueen’s masterpiece told a true story of a slave in history. In his most important role, Pitt brings humanity to a slave trader with a goal. He captures compassion of a trader making it his mission to rescue slaves from destruction. Working alongside Michael Fassbender who is also amazing, Pitt created a portrait of slavery that’s compelling. A powerful tribute towards a slave that achieved survival, it’s a phenomenal reminder of an actor that shines given chances to play subtle characters in movies memorable.
7. 12 Monkeys
Brad Pitt has built a reputation for playing heroes that are physically fit. With his attractive looks, charm and larger-than-life presence, the actor has always excelled playing characters that are heroic. In a career filled with heroic heroic characters viewers care about, “Twelve Monkeys” is a film that stands out. Released in 1995, Terry Gilliam’s movie found the actor playing his first ever villainous character. In the most risky role of his career, Pitt embodies a psychotic patient at a mental institution that evokes fear. It’s a role that marked a turning point for the actor where he went from being a romantic heartthrob to a dramatic star. A powerful portrait of individuals in mental institutions driven insane, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to entertain when given chances to portray characters facing pain.
8. Ocean’s Eleven
When it comes to the greatest movies ever made about heist robberies, it’s worth discussing “Ocean’s 11”. Released in 2001, the film earned a legendary reputation for its depiction of heists. In a star-studded cast filled with several notable actors, Brad Pitt stood out the most. In the most stylish role of his career, Pitt embodies a compelling con-artist accomplishing a robbery. It’s a fun role allowing the actor to showcase ability for playing characters with charismatic personalities. It’s a testament to the strength of Pitt’s performance that he stands out in a star-studded ensemble filled with famous actors. Nearly 30 years following the release of a celebrated film about casino heists that thieves have committed, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to captivate audiences playing conflicted characters that are commonly appreciated.
9. Inglorious Basterds
The Holocaust is a sensitive subject matter that doesn’t lend itself to humour. Ever since Hitler’s downfall, there’s proven to be nothing funny about a genocide that’s painful to recall. It’s not easy to infuse humour into a subject as serious as the Holocaust. However, in 2009 Brad Pitt pulled it off successfully in his glorious film “Inglorious Basterds”. Quentin Tarantino’s magnificent satire found the actor playing a lieutenant famous for scalping German soldiers. In the most courageous role of his career, Pitt embodies an inglorious lieutenant driven to murder German soldiers that are dangerous. It’s a fascinating character allowing the actor to showcase his sharp comic timing. An glorious portrait of an inglorious genocide tragedy, it’s a powerful reminder of a movie-star making courageous films about dangerous war veterans considered precious.
10. The Counselor
Brad Pitt hasn’t always made great movies audiences treasure. While most movies the actor has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Counselor” falls into the latter category. Released in 2013, Ridley Scott’s crime thriller was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Pitt portrayed a drug lord engaging in a frightening life of crime causing despair. Pitt brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Counselor” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Pitt’s legacy. As precious as drugs the counselor seeks to sell, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated actor with compelling stories to tell making movies that have cast a spell which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking in which I commonly excel.
The Film Buff 