Not many actresses attract audiences to the theatre like Helena Bonham Carter. Since the 1990’s, Carter has become a feminist icon. Whether it’s royal figures, evil witches or star-crossed lovers, Carter has portrayed several characters. Given the sheer number of movies she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies of an actress that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Fight Club
Anxiety has shaped my personality. I recall facing intense pressure to succeed in school that changed my life forever. This anxiety first began in school facing the painful pressure to succeed in class that was cruel. Unable to cope with pressure posed by studies, I faced nervous breakdowns impacting my mental health adversely. I felt humiliated experiencing attacks in front of teachers which I respected. Few films I’ve seen have depicted mental illness that causes people to form clubs as powerfully as “Fight Club”. The first rule of fight club is you don’t talk about fight club. However, it’s impossible for me not to discuss a movie that has affected me deeply. Ever since its release in 1999, Helena Bonham Carter’s movie has stood the test of time as a classic. In the greatest role of her career, Carter embodies a mentally ill woman that falls in love with a disturbed man facing a burden to bear. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most bold role. Carter has had an aptitude for conveying emotions by body language, and “Fight Club” showcased her strengths as an actress. For instance, the scene in which Marla Singer is first introduced smoking a cigarette is one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. ultimately, what makes “Fight Club” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a thought-provoking message about mental illness which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a classic film about men forming sad fight clubs to battle mental illnesses that are frightening, it’s a bold reminder about an actress whose commemorated movies are worth absolutely celebrating.
2. Enola Holmes
Sherlock Holmes is a legendary literary character that my father has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a father that loved the detective with courage. He would always appreciate seeing crimes that the detective sought to investigate. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father that loved Sherlock Holmes, I adored “Enola Holmes”. Released in 2020, Helena Bonham Carter’s movie offered a fresh feminist adaptation of the world-famous detective. In the most feminist role of her career, Carter embodies a fierce woman raising a daughter that loves solving crimes that are a burden to bear. With “Enola Holmes”, Carter took a step out of her comfort zone by playing an ordinary woman. For instance, the scene in which Enola Holmes finally finds her missing mother demonstrated the actress at her best. Ultimately, what makes “Enola Holmes” a great Sherlock Holmes adaptation is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the detective, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about identity which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic feminist adaptation of a detective, it’s a commemorated reminder about an actress whose movies are tremendously effective.
3. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter is a magical series that shaped my identity. As far as I remember, I’ve grown to treasure J.R. Rowling’s literature. The story of the misunderstood boy who lived has been part of my childhood. I fell in love with a book series about wizards casting spells with stories to tell. I’m a huge fan of the Harry Potter books and adore the film adaptations. However, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” definitely stands out the most. Released in 2007, Helena Bonham Carter’s movie did an exceptional job of adapting the fifth Harry Potter book. In the most villainous role of her career, Carter embodies an evil witch causing wizards to face fear. Carter has always excelled at playing unhinged characters, and “The Order of the Phoenix” showcased her strengths. For instance, the scene in which Bellatrix Lestrange teases Harry after killing Sirius Black in the Ministry of Magic showcased the actress at her best. Ultimately, what makes “The Order of the Phoenix” a great Harry Potter movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the magical franchise, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about teamwork which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a book about wizards casting a magical spell, it’s an inspiring reminder about a great actress with stories to commonly effectively tell.
4. The King’s Speech
Queen Elizabeth is a majestic member of the royal family my grandmother loved dearly. I remember my grandmother often spoke fondly about a queen he came to treasure. Through her love for Queen Elizabeth, my grandma gave me an appreciation for the royal family I have grown to value. As someone treasuring a father that loved to teach me about the royal family, I adored “The King’s Speech”. Released in 2010, Helena Bonham Carter’s Oscar-winning movie offered an engaging depiction of King George VI’s rise in the royal family. In the most majestic role of her career, Carter embodies a woman taking care of a king facing disability causing despair. Carter has always excelled conveying emotions through her voice, and “The King’s Speech” showcased her strengths. For instance, the scene in which Queen Elizabeth consoles the king after he breaks down crying is one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The King’s Speech” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the royal family’s history to appreciate it. The film delivers a strong message about disabilities which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular portrait of impediments leading a king to deteriorate, it’s a remarkable reminder about a commemorated actress whose movies audiences commonly appreciate.
5. A Room With a View
Parental pressure can often causes romance to face disaster. Recently, my brother’s romantic relationship with a girl ended because of parent adversity. My parents didn’t get along well with the parents of the girl he loved dearly. Parental expectations caused my brother’s romantic relationship to deteriorate. As someone that has witnessed hardships lovers with opposing parents go through, I adored “A Room With a View”. Released in 1985, Helena Bonham Carter’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book In the most romantic role of her career, Carter embodies a free-spirited woman whose affair is threatened by her mother’s disapproval. It’s the role that established Carter as an actress with a bright future. Carter excels at playing characters in love, and her strengths are evident in “A Room With a View”. For instance, the scene in which Lucy and George kiss in the poppy field is one of the best moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “A Room With a View” a great adaptation is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the iconic book to appreciate it. A beautiful adaptation of a book about rooms with a view, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actress that has manufactured movies which audiences value.
6. Cinderella
When it comes to the greatest movies ever made in the animated genre, it’s worth discussing Cinderella. Since its release in 1950, Walt Disney’s iconic movie has become a beloved classic. In 2015, Helena Bonham Carter reimagined the classic animated film for a modern era in her movie “Cinderella”. In the most fantastical role of her career, Carter portrayed a majestic fairy godmother seeking to prepare for a ballroom dance causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing strong leaders in positions of power. Working alongside Lily James who is also amazing, Carter honoured an animated movie that’s inspiring. A captivating tribute towards Cinderella, it’s a riveting reminder of a great actress with charisma that has manufactured great movies which attract audiences to the Cinema.
7. Les Miserables
It isn’t easy to adapt a beloved Broadway musical on the big-screen today. What works in stage musicals doesn’t always work in films. In order to make a successful adaptation, filmmakers must pay attention to the storytelling, music and characters of the show. However, in 2012 Helena Bonham Carter pulled it off successfully when she made her film “Les Miserables”. In the most musical role of her career, Carter embodies a mistress seeking to perform memorable melodies that people love to hear. It’s a challenging role that required the actress to perform live singing but she succeeded immensely. It’s a role that gave Carter a chance to showcase her musical talents. A breathtaking adaptation of a beloved Broadway play, it’s a brilliant reminder about a commemorated actress whose memorable movies are worth celebrating absolutely today.
8. Ocean’s 8
Few films about heists have earned recognition of “Ocean’s 11”. Since its release in 2001, George Clooney’s movie has become a heist classic. While the series earned a following, it was criticized for giving women limited opportunities to shine. In 2018, Helena Bonham Carter did a fantastic job of bringing feminism into the masculine franchise audiences appreciate in her film “Ocean’s 8”. In her most stylish role, Carter embodies an intelligent thief seeking to pull off a robbery that’s impossible to accomplish. In a star-studded cast, Carter leaves lasting impressions through her charismatic presence. As precious as diamond jewelry female thieves plan to steal, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actress with lasting appeal that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout her commemorated career about which audiences strongly feel.
9. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Elm Street
Few filmmakers in Hollywood have achieved the appreciation of Tim Burton. Throughout his illustrious career, Burton has collaborated several times with Helena Bonham Carter on movies. Each film has proven memorable, but their best collaboration is “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”. Released in 2007, Tim Burton’s Oscar-winning movie found the actress playing the wife of a demonic barber with a maniacal personality. In the most theatrical role of her career, Carter portrays a woman pursuing an affair with a barber that evokes fear. It’s a larger-than-life role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her talent for singing, dancing and performing melodies. As strong as Sweeney Todd’s desire to become a barber that’s demonic, it’s a fantastic reminder about a commemorated actress building a legacy which is undeniably iconic.
10. The Lone Ranger
Helena Bonham Carter hasn’t always made great movies that audiences treasure. While most movies the actress has made are appreciated, a few have often left audiences disappointed. Released in 2013, Gore Verbinski’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Carter portrayed an evil mistress of a small town engaging in warfare causing despair. Carter brought her usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Lone Ranger” is a bad movie, it honoured Carter’s enduring legacy. As powerful as western prairies the Lone Ranger loves to explore, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actress that hasn’t lost abilities to soar through manufacturing movies which I will forever treasure opening the door for my lifelong love of filmmaking I deeply adore.
The Film Buff 