Ralph Fiennes’ 10 Best Movies

by

I must say, my dear friend, that I find myself quite captivated by the illustrious journey of this talented man named Ralph Fiennes. From his beginnings as the tormented young Englishman in “The English Patient” to his gripping performances in more recent films like “Skyfall” and “Strange Days,” his work has been nothing short of mesmerizing.

The English actor Ralph Fiennes is highly respected in contemporary cinema. Known for his unforgettable portrayals as Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series and the notoriously evil Nazi commandant Amon Goeth in Schindler’s List by Steven Spielberg, he has shown remarkable adaptability across various film genres during his Hollywood career. His genuine talent and wide range as an actor have consistently impressed viewers, making him a reliable choice for any role.

Since Ralph Fiennes’ latest movie, “Conclave,” is receiving outstanding praise, we’ve decided to revisit his impressive body of work. We encourage you to explore Ralph Fiennes’ top films as anticipation builds for a potential Academy Award-winning performance that could solidify his status as Best Actor.

10
‘Schindler’s List’ (1993)

Schindler’s List transports audiences to Europe during World War II, where Hitler initiates the Nazi holocaust. Oskar Schindler, a Nazi party member, quickly recognizes the horrors of the Third Reich and promptly starts gathering individuals from the Jewish community, who were being held in concentration camps, in an attempt to shield them from impending annihilation.

One of Steven Spielberg’s Best Villains

Fiennes as Amon Göth is the best villain in Spielberg’s filmography, and undoubtedly, one of the actor’s finest performances. Göth’s sadistic nature is perfectly accomplished by a young Fiennes whose only goal was to embody the devil in a Nazi uniform. It was a performance so remarkable that it landed the actor a nomination for Best Supporting Actor (the year of Tommy Lee Jones’ controversial win for The Fugitive).

9
‘The Menu’ (2022)

In “The Menu,” renowned chef Julian Slowik extends an exclusive invitation to a small gathering on a secluded island, promising an extraordinary dining experience. However, the dishes Slowik has prepared are so tantalizingly delicious, they could be fatal.

A Man Who Was Only Passionate About Food

As a cinephile, I must say that one of the most remarkable dark comedies I’ve encountered lately is the one where Fiennes breathes life into an unyielding genius whose single ambition was to impart a crucial lesson to the world. In this film, Slowik is an enigmatic beast, a reflection of the corrosive atmosphere in the culinary world. And he responds with a handful of intriguing acts of retribution that will make you pause before penning a scathing restaurant review.

8
‘Red Dragon’ (2002)

The novel titled Red Dragon narrates an account where a former FBI agent is persuaded to rejoin his job due to his unique ability to assist in capturing a notorious serial killer referred to as the “Tooth Fairy.” This task requires him to engage with a peculiar psychologist and the man who once attempted to prey upon him, Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Standing Against Hannibal Lecter

Red Dragon often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves as it pales in comparison to The Silence of the Lambs, but Ralph Fiennes delivers an outstanding performance as Francis Dolarhyde, or the Tooth Fairy. This role is one of Fiennes’ most underappreciated performances, showcasing a masterful portrayal of a troubled individual who seems unable to resist his urge to kill.

7
‘The Constant Gardener’ (2005)

As an ardent admirer, let me share my thoughts on “The Constant Gardener,” a captivating tale. It follows my character, Justin Quayle, a diplomat who finds himself unraveling a web of secrets after the untimely demise of his beloved wife, Tessa, under seemingly suspicious circumstances. As I delve deeper, I uncover evidence suggesting that Tessa may have been a victim of a sinister conspiracy, one entwined with a highly potent and treacherous drug trial orchestrated by powerful and dangerous forces.

One of Fiennes’ Most Underrated Features

In the film “The Constant Gardener,” Fiennes delivers a commendable performance as a mourning man, although it’s often eclipsed by Rachel Weisz’s Academy Award-winning role. Yet, his portrayal is impeccable and one of Fiennes’ lesser-known masterpieces, showcasing an undervalued adaptation of John le Carré’s novel.

6
‘Conclave’ (2024)

2024’s mystery drama titled “Conclave” centers around Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, who heads the group tasked with selecting a new pope. However, as he delves deeper into the histories of the potential popes, he uncovers information that is far from appealing.

The One That Could Land Him the Win

Since the movie is quite fresh off the presses, we’re keeping the climax under wraps. However, you should know that Fiennes’ performance as the religious figure is one of his finest acts in recent memory. It’s premature to make any announcements, but it looks like Fiennes has a strong chance to shine in the upcoming award season.

5
‘Quiz Show’ (1994)

The television series Quiz Show portrays the actual events surrounding Charles Van Doren, a contestant who gains fame after defeating Herb Stempel, a seemingly more knowledgeable player in an unforeseen turn of events. However, a Congressional investigator soon uncovers a sinister truth: the network is manipulating games for financial gain.

An Incredible True Story

Among Fiennes’ outstanding films, one that stands out yet remains relatively unknown to many is the gripping drama by Robert Redford, titled after the 1950s game show scandals. Although it received near-unanimous acclaim from critics (earning a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes), its theatrical performance fell short of expectations.

4
‘The English Patient’ (1996)

The English Patient narrates a tale about a British nurse tending to a man disfigured beyond recognition, who can’t remember his identity. As the story unfolds, she uncovers his past, revealing the captivating true account of László Almásy, an influential figure from mid-20th century history.

No One Can Deny the Value of This One

Despite the fact that not many claim to have seen it or openly admit their appreciation, “The English Patient” is an exceptional movie featuring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche. Often debated as a somewhat contentious Best Picture Oscar winner of the ’90s due to growing disapproval over time, we strongly recommend giving this captivating drama another chance.

You can stream The English Patient on Paramount+.

3
‘Skyfall’ (2012)

In the movie Skyfall, James Bond, a secret agent for MI6, confronts a merciless antagonist who appears to have extensive knowledge about M, the head of the service that Bond is fiercely devoted to. There’s a possibility that Gareth Mallory could take her place, as she’s been accused of not acting in the best interests of the agency. However, being dismissed from MI6 isn’t her only predicament.

Bond’s Best Modern Film

Skyfall stands out as the superior James Bond movie in recent years, even surpassing timeless classics like Goldfinger. Although Fiennes doesn’t have a leading role, he plays a crucial part in an outstanding supporting cast that makes Skyfall one of the most captivating installments within the Bond series. The ending is emotionally poignant and leaves you unprepared for its impact.

2
‘The Reader’ (2008)

In simpler terms, the narrative revolves around a German attorney named Michael Berg who looks back on his past as a young lad when he had feelings for an older woman named Hanna. Later in life, Michael encounters Hanna again during her trial for alleged Nazi crimes; however, she harbors a concealed truth that could potentially exonerate her.

The One That Received Hate

The film titled “The Reader” is both captivating and often misinterpreted. In this movie, Fiennes and Kate Winslet share the screen, with Winslet earning an Academy Award for her outstanding acting in the production. Unfortunately, the film drew criticism for alleged Holocaust revisionism and presenting a questionable romantic relationship. However, it is truly a remarkable piece of cinematography.

1
‘Strange Days’ (1995)

In the fictional setting of Strange Days, an advanced technology allows for memories to be recorded and relived by others. The protagonist, played by Fiennes, is Lenny Nero, a former law enforcement officer turned memory dealer who embarks on an investigation that uncovers a wide-ranging conspiracy involving his ex-girlfriend and the Los Angeles Police Department.

An Excellent Cyberpunk Film

I challenge anyone to discover a science fiction movie as overlooked as “Strange Days”. Kathryn Bigelow masterfully crafts a chilling, future-set thriller that boasts top-notch performances and a thought-provoking narrative. Regrettably, the film failed to captivate audiences at the box office, leaving a deep impact on Bigelow’s career throughout the 90s.

Read More

2024-12-11 02:02