“Acting is a cheap way to do things that you would never dare to do yourself.”
As of today- August 17th, 2018, one of the most prominent method actors the film industry has ever seen turns 75. Robert De Niro decided to nurture his artistic abilities at the age of 16 and since then has gone on to become a force to reckon with.
Co-founder of The Tribeca Festival that encourages up and coming filmmakers and offers a platform for independent movies, De Niro is the Midas touch to any movie. We like to believe that we watch his movies with the same passion that he invests in acting them. Here is a list of Robert De Niro’s 10 best movies you can start off with to celebrate ol’Bobby’s birthday!
Mean Streets (1973)
This story, set in New York’s Little Italy follows the life of Charlie, (Harvey Keitel) up and coming gangster and Johnny Boy ( Robert De Niro) who is your proverbial layabout, always in need of a bailout. Most of the movie takes place in the dark which exaggerates the danger and casual chaos that is inherent in the ‘mafia world’. Any and all drama and intensity to the movie is afforded by Johnny boy’s suicidal tendencies and menacing confidence enacted beautifully by De Niro.
The Godfather II (1974)
The second installment of the Godfather trilogy is gripping and intense. Robert De Niro is in just a portion of the movie, where he plays The Godfather in his yesteryears. Robert De Niro takes us through the circumstances and incidents that turn young Vito Corleone into the infamous mafia boss. Vito transforms from the optimistic husband trying to make ends meet to a strategic leader who conducts business with fear whilst being sentimental to a fault. The urge to root for Vito Corleone despite his modus operandi and violence is a testimony to De Niro’s ability to humanise a character in a way that builds a connect and fondness with the audience.
Taxi Driver (1976)
Set in 70’s New York, the movie follows the downward spiral of a Vietnam war veteran who is appalled by the corruption and degenerative lifestyle that is steadily growing in the city’s shadows. The war has left our protagonist, Travis Bickle angry, anxious and oblivious to social cues which is evident when he treats his date to a sleazy night at a porn theatre. Taxi Driver is a movie about a crazed individual’s attempt to remedy the social disarray around him in hope of finding the light at the end of the tunnel. De Niro’s portrayal is nothing short of electric and riveting in this Scorsese classic. Be warned of the graphic imagery and steady flow of expletives.
The Deer Hunter (1978)
The first half has De Niro enjoying a wedding and some hunting pursuits with his friends, to head off soon to Vietnam as army recruits. We see how warfare leaves the soldiers reeling from the harrowing experience all their life. De Niro is at the helm with stalwarts like Christopher Walken and Meryl Streep in this war drama who all deliver stellar performances. The movie truth be told, is quite disturbing yet holds a melancholic undertone that makes it heartwarming. The disintegration of the human psyche post-war is captured by the characters with a vulnerability so raw that transcends the celluloid. A tear-jerker on all accounts.
Raging Bull (1980)
De Niro brings to life onscreen, a story based on the life of professional Italian American professional boxer, Giacobbe “Jake” LaMotta. The movie showcases one of De Niro’s finest performances till date. The fight scenes in the movie are bloody and savage but they are simple embellishments. The crux of the narrative focuses on LaMotta’s insecurities and fury triggered by his inner demons that are displayed in sheer black and white brilliance by De Niro.
The King of Comedy (1982)
This movie is a testimony to the wide gamut of acting potential Robert De Niro has to his credentials. However, it was a box office failure and the brunt of quite a few harsh reviews. It is a dark comedy where Rupert Pupkin ( Robert De Niro) relentlessly tries to secure a night spot on a famous TV personality’s talk show. A deluded Mr Pupkin oversteps and is ghosted by the TV host and his entire staff to which our deranged comedian responds with a kidnapping of the host! With a peculiar storyline, this alternative comedy worked only because De Niro plays the gawkish stickler to a precision that is simply brilliant. Expect to be intrigued because this one is a ride!
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
The movie is about a group of friends who are as thick as thieves in all its literal sense. The account rocks between the past and the present of the gangsters’ individual lives and how they interplay with each other. The non- linear storyline adds to the mystery of the movie. Robert De Niro renders a performance that is authentic and heartwarming. The movie deals with betrayal and how it can steer relationships astray. De Niro is at his peak in his depiction of the human sentiment while maintaining the authority and cold demeanour required by the character. Watch it to enjoy some classic Niroesque turmoil and good storytelling.
Cape Fear (1991)
Robert De Niro plays a felon convicted of rape charges who feels wronged by his lawyer. On his release, he decides to seek out revenge on his lawyer by intimidating not just him but his whole family. He stalks and taunts everyone in the family from the lawyer to his daughter but is ingenious in covering his trail to ensure no police reports can be filed. A psychological crime thriller, Robert De Niro is chilling in his portrayal of the calculated zealot Max Cady. Cape Fear is a work of art that encapsulates the mind of a criminal with a nail-biting intensity. I repeat this is not for the light-hearted…….
Heat (1995)
Heat is what happens when your run-of-the-mill police and robber story stars powerhouses. The movie has Robert De Niro as a thief with a meticulous eye for detail and Al Pacino as a cop with a strong sense of justice. To add to the thrill, the storyline brings the two characters together for a nonchalant discussion at a diner that has gone down as one of the most iconic scenes in cinema. Although the narrative may be predictable and not too grand, De Niro’s acting chops make the movie an imperative for any bucket list looking to enjoy some hair rising acting.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
He played a singularly obsessive father who indulged in sports betting and was a staunch Philadelphia Eagles patriot. Albeit the supporting actor, Robert De Niro shines in his role as an ageing father trying to bridge the communication gap with his son and being the occasional gambler, albeit with large stakes. The drama is garnished by snippets of tight humour, a lot of which is delivered by De Niro always on point with his comedic timing and style.
So grab your popcorn, plug in your chargers and get the weekend binge started!