1. I, Tonya, 2017
I, Tonya stars Margot Robbie as Tonya Harding, and tells the true story of the disgraced figure skater and follows the events that led up to the 1994 attack on her competitor Nancy Kerrigan. It examines Tonya’s involvement as well as her troubled upbringing with her mother and abusive relationship with husband Jeff Gillooly, portrayed by Sebastian Stan, while putting a dark comedic spin on a horrific situation. It shows there are many contradicting stories from each person involved about what really happened so the movie tells a few sides of different stories in a mockumentary style. It features a brilliant performance by Margot Robbie, which she received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
2. The Elephant Man, 1980
The Elephant Man is a drama directed by David Lynch and starring John Hurt as John Merrick, a man with severe deformities who therefore isn’t accepted well by society because of his appearance, receiving the name ‘The Elephant Man’ and being labelled a freak. Then he meets Doctor Frederick Treeves portrayed by Anthony Hopkins who helps him become an accepted member of 19th century London society. It’s based on the true story of Joseph Merrick and documents his short life through a heart-breaking series of events and phenomenal acting performances.
3. The Wolf of Wall Street, 2013
The Wolf of Wall Street features an extraordinary performance by Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort and is based on Belfort’s memoir detailing his rise as an extremely wealthy stockbroker on Wall Street through illegal methods and fraud. Directed by Martin Scorsese, it shows how Jordan Belfort's impressive Empire came crashing down through the FBI investigations, his conviction and subsequent success as a motivational speaker, detailing his astonishing life.
4. Catch Me If You Can, 2002
Catch Me If You Can is a biographical comedy film directed by Steven Spielberg. It’s based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr. who was a con artist posing as many different professions including a pilot and a doctor, and successfully manages to steal millions. Although it is claimed to be heavily exaggerated, it features a great cast including Leonardo DiCaprio (again) starring as Frank Abagnale Jr., whilst Tom Hanks stars as the FBI agent whose attempts to catch him fail multiple times.
5. Raging Bull, 1980
Another Scorsese film on the list is Raging Bull which features a career defining performance by Robert De Niro as middleweight boxer Jake LaMotta whose memoir is the basis for the film. It follows Jake LaMotta’s life as he rises to champion as well as his downfall with his anger issues and destructive behaviour destroying his personal relationships. Joe Pesci also stars as Joey LaMotta, Jake’s brother, receiving praise at the Academy Awards with De Niro winning Best Actor.
Comments