Not many actors attract audiences to the theatre like Adam Driver. Since the 2000’s, Driver has become one of the world’s greatest actors. Whether it’s men facing marriages, undercover cops or police officers, Driver has played several 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 an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Marriage Story
Divorce is a devastating process causing families to face stress. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face broken marriages that caused emotional damage. Years ago, devastating divorce threw my aunt’s dreams in life out the rear window. In sad incidents, my aunt had heated arguments with husbands causing resentment. Following heartbreaking separation, it was easier said than done for my aunt to move on. Few movies I’ve ever seen have captured painful emotions of marriages that end in tragedies as powerfully as “Marriage Story”. Released in 2019, Adam Driver’s movie did an excellent job of capturing a marriage ending in tragedy. In the greatest role of his career, Driver embodies an artist struggling to cope with a broken marriage beyond repair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in his most sensitive role. Driver has always had a gift for conveying strong emotions through his powerful voice, and his strengths as an actor are evident in “Marriage Story”. For instance, the scene in which Charlie and Nicole have an argument in their apartment is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Marriage Story” Adam Driver’s greatest movie is its message. As someone that has witnessed divorce in my own family, I identified with the film’s message. The film delivers a meaningful message that would resonate with everyone that has witnessed a broken marriage. A devastating depiction of stress faced by couples during the divorce process, it’s a dazzling reminder about a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost abilities to impress audiences whose films deserve tremendous success.
2. BlacKkKlansman
Racism is a sensitive subject matter that doesn’t lend itself to humour. Several years ago, I formed a friendship with a kid in school that had a dark sense of humour. I remember how he would crack jokes about racism in history with a sharp sense of humour. While not everyone in my school appreciated his offensive jokes, I admired a friend that had bravery to discuss dark topics with comedy. As someone treasuring fond memories of a companion with a dark sense of humour, I loved “BlacKkKlansman”. Released in 2018, Adam Driver’s Oscar-winning movie did an excellent job of depicting the serious subject matter of racism with a sense of humour. In the most comical role of his career, Driver embodies a real undercover cop that infiltrated the Klu Klux Klan during the 1970’s. Driver has always been actor with a sharp sense of humour. For instance, the scene in which detective Zimmerman is interrogated by the Klu Klux Klan showcases the actor’s strengths. Ultimately, what makes “BlacKkKlansman” one of Adam Driver’s best movies is its message. Unlike most Spike Lee movies, it tackles universal themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 60 years after a black officer sought to inspect the Klu Klux Klan, it’s a strong reminder of an actor that has earned a fan following for playing characters whose lives don’t go according towards plan.
3. Paterson
Writing is an activity that I’ve always found engaging. As far as I remember, I’ve always wanted to become a writer. During my childhood, I began writing about filmmaking. At an early age, I loved to engage with words written on a page. I inherited love for literature from my grandfather that was a Pakistani author. Fascinated with filmmaking, I expressed opinions on movies through writing. As someone that has always pursued writing with passion, I adored “Paterson”. Released in 2016, Adam Driver’s movie told the story of a poet that loves writing regularly. In the most subtle role of his career, Driver embodies a bus driver that finds joy in poetry shaping his identity. Driver has spent most of his career playing characters with big personalities. With “Paterson”, however, he showcased subtlety. For instance, the final scene in which Paterson has a conversation about love for poetry with a stranger showcases the actor at his best. Ultimately, what makes “Paterson” one of Adam Driver’s greatest movies is its universal appeal. Unlike movies movies about poets, it tackles strong themes everyone relates to. The film delivers a message that would resonate with everyone that loves to engage with words on a page. A powerful portrait of bus drivers pursuing writing, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose movies are worth absolutely consistently celebrating.
4. Silence
Religion has shaped my identity. At an early age, I became drawn to religion with an inspiring message. Praying became a pivotal part of my routine at the age of thirteen. My strong connection to religion has always given my clueless life a greater sense of direction. As someone that has grown to treasure religion shaping my life experience, I loved “Silence”. Released in 2016, Adam Driver’s movie did an impressive job of depicting priests embarking on a journey to spread Catholic beliefs in history. In the most physically demanding role of his career, Driver portrays a religious priest that carries a heavy burden to bear. Driver showcases commitment to playing a priest embarking on a journey of enlightenment. For instance, the scene in which Garupe drowns underwater in an attempt to rescue a woman in danger showcases the actor’s strong commitment to his craft. Ultimately, what makes “Silence” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message which would resonate with everyone impacted by religion at an early age. A spectacular portrait of strong religious priests seeking a state of silence, it’s a sensational reminder of an actor with a larger-than-life presence that thrives making movies that challenge the modern-day audience.
5. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Star wars is a spectacular franchise that shaped my teacher’s identity. I remember bonding with an English teacher that was a huge fan of the Star Wars. A science-fiction geek, he loved to talk about Star Wars in class every week. A force to be reckoned with, he always spoke fondly about a series that shaped his identity. His classroom was decorated with posters of a film series that he appreciated. As someone treasuring a teacher that loved Star Wars, I adored “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”. Released in 2015, Adam Driver’s movie did an excellent job of introducing Star Wars to a modern generation. In the most villainous role of his career, Driver embodies a dark antagonist that evokes fear. It’s a role that gave Driver a rare chance to showcase a menacing side to himself audiences hadn’t seen before. For instance, the scene in which Kylo Ren tortures Rey is the most terrifying acting Driver has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” stand out is its universal appeal. Unlike most Star Wars movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. A terrific tribute to a series created a long time ago in a galaxy far far away, its a strong reminder of an actor whose movies deserve to be celebrated absolutely today.
6. The Report
When it comes to controversial documents in American history, it’s worth discussing the torture report. A top-secret document, the report detailed the CIA’s use of torture during war on terror. Following 9/11, the CIA used various techniques to torture suspects. In 2019, Adam Driver did an excellent job of bringing the true story of the torture report to the big-screen in his film “The Report”. In the most methodical role of his career, Driver embodies an investigative journalist that uncovered the shocking torture report. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase ability for playing intense characters that are under tense pressure. Nearly 40 years following introduction of the CIA’s notorious torture report, it’s a rousing reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to transport audiences whose movies audiences will forever support.
7. The Last Duel
Sexual assault is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often struggled to tell realistic stories about sexual assault. In an industry that has often turned a blind eye to sexual assault that’s cruel, it’s worth discussing “The Last Duel”. Released in 2021, Adam Driver’s movie did an extraordinary job of depicting sexual assault in medieval history. In the most courageous role of his career, Driver embodies a knight that engages in sexual assault causing women to face despair. Driver uses his expressions to create a menacing medieval knight committing assaults with repercussions. A spectacular depiction of sexual assault causing lives of women in medieval history to deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that thrives tackling disturbing subjects in movies audiences commonly appreciate.
8. Logan Lucky
Heists are engaging events that have often made for entertaining movies. Audiences have always loved watching thieves pull off casino robberies in movies. In 2017, Adam Driver captured the enduring appeal of movies about thieves pulling off robberies that are lucky in his movie “Logan Lucky”. In the most athletic role of his career, the actor portrayed a thief seeking to commit a heist causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase aptitude for comedy that audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Daniel Craig who is also amazing, Driver created a commemorated heist movie which is captivating. A hilarious portrait of courageous thieves pulling off frightening heists that are dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a famous actor that has made memorable movies which audiences consider extremely precious.
9. House of Gucci
Gucci is a fantastic fashion company that has built a commemorated legacy. Formed in the 1920’s, Gucci is a fashion company that appeared to have a bright destiny. However, crime scandals destroyed the company forever. The assassination of Italian businessman Maurizio Gucci tarnished the company’s reputation. In 2021, Adam Driver did an excellent job of honouring the legendary fashion company in his film “House of Gucci”. In his most fashionable role, Driver embodies a dedicated Italian businessman that faces assassinations causing his life to spiral out of control. Working alongside Lady Gaga who is also excellent, Driver embodies a world-famous fashion designer with charisma. Nearly 30 years following the tragic downfall of a famous fashion empire, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose films audiences commonly admire.
10. 65
Adam Driver hasn’t always made great movies that audiences treasure. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have often left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “65” falls into the latter category. Released in 2023, Scott Beck’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed a warrior seeking to survive warfare. Driver brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “65” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Driver’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Mills’ desire to survive a dangerous environment, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated actor with strong commitment towards his craft that has made unforgettable movies throughout his career which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of entertainment.
The Film Buff 