Robert De Niro, synonymous with incredible acting, is celebrating his 81st birthday.Scheduled Tribes Birthday. In his remarkable six-decade career, De Niro has given us some of the most memorable performances in film history. From his early days in small-budget films to becoming a Hollywood icon, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
With a career spanning over 60 years, it’s no surprise that De Niro has built an impressive filmography. His roles in crime dramas, comedies, and many other films prove that he is a versatile actor. Here’s a look at ten of his best films that showcase his remarkable talent.
10. Brazil (1985)
In Brazil, Robert De Niro steps away from his usual gangster roles and into a dystopian science-fiction world. The film is directed by Terry Gilliam and despite playing a supporting role, De Niro stands out for his portrayal. The film is set in a dark, oppressive future where the government controls everything. They control it through bureaucracy and constant surveillance. De Niro plays Harry Tuttle, a rogue heating engineer who challenges the system.
9. King of Comedy (1982)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, The King of Comedy stars De Niro as Rupert Pupkin. He is an aspiring comedian with some ambitions. Although the film received mixed reviews upon release, De Niro’s portrayal of Pupkin is heartwarming and unforgettable. He makes the character extremely charming and strangely sympathetic. Pupkin is obsessed with becoming a famous comedian and is willing to go to any lengths to achieve it.
8. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America is an epic crime film starring De Niro as David Noodles Aaronson. The film is known for its grand story, which lasts nearly four hours. It’s a long movie, but it’s well worth watching. De Niro’s acting is a key part of why the film is so powerful.
7. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
In this recent epic from Martin Scorsese, De Niro plays William Hale. He is a cunning man involved in the murders of members of the Osage Nation. Set in the 1920s, this film tells the true story of the Osage Nation murders. There, members of the wealthy Native American tribe were targeted and killed for their oil-rich land. At the age of 80, De Niro once again proves that his talent and dedication remain the same.
6. Casino (1995)
De Niro plays Ace Rothstein in another Scorsese classic film, Casino. Set in the glitzy world of 1970s Las Vegas, De Niro portrays the rise and fall of a mafia in a tale of greed and power. In Casino, De Niro delivers a masterful performance that is both powerful and subtle.
5. Heat (1995)
Robert De Niro stars as Neil McCauley in Michael Mann’s 1995 crime thriller Heat. He plays a master thief with a strict code of conduct. McCauley is a career criminal who leads a gang of skilled thieves in Los Angeles. One of the most iconic moments in the film is the diner scene where McCauley and Hannah meet face-to-face for the first time.
4. Raging Bull (1980)
Robert De Niro gave one of the most powerful performances of his career in Raging Bull, directed by Martin Scorsese. He played Jake LaMotta, a real-life boxer whose life is filled with fierce battles and devastating disappointments. De Niro showed LaMotta to be a man driven by his anger and insecurities which later lead to his downfall.
What makes De Niro’s performance so remarkable is that he underwent a complete transformation for the role. He trained for months to achieve the physique of a professional boxer, even getting into the ring for real fights.
3. Taxi Driver (1976)
Taxi Driver stars Robert De Niro in one of his most memorable performances as Travis Bickle. Bickle is a troubled Vietnam War veteran who feels alienated from the world around him. The film takes us inside Bickle’s mind. We see his struggles and frustrations as he tries to make sense of his life in a chaotic city.
2. Goodfellas (1990)
Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas is a classic gangster film known for its fast-paced and entertaining story. The film stars Robert De Niro as Jimmy Conway, an important figure in the mafia world. Conway is involved in major robberies and is central to the film’s thrilling story.
1. The Godfather Part II (1974)
One of Robert De Niro’s most famous roles is in The Godfather Part II (1974). In this film, De Niro plays a young Vito Corleone. This is the same character that was originally brought to life by Marlon Brando in the first Godfather film. Set in the early 20th centuryth This film of the century traces Vito’s journey from a humble immigrant to a powerful crime lord.
De Niro’s role in The Godfather Part II earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
All of these films are a great example of why De Niro is considered one of the best actors of all time. Be sure to let us know what your favorite De Niro film is.
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