Ed Harris is a versatile and highly respected actor known for his intense performances and compelling screen presence. With a career spanning several decades, he has delivered remarkable performances in a wide range of genres. Here are the ten best Ed Harris movies, showcasing his exceptional talent and versatility:
Pollock (2000)
- Role: Jackson Pollock
- Overview: Ed Harris directs and stars in this biographical film about the life of abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock. The movie delves into Pollock’s turbulent life, his struggles with alcoholism, and his groundbreaking art.
- Why It’s Great: Harris’s portrayal of Pollock earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. His commitment to the role, both as an actor and director, brings an authenticity and intensity to the character that is deeply compelling.
The Truman Show (1998)
- Role: Christof
- Overview: In this satirical science fiction film, Harris plays Christof, the creator and director of a reality television show that follows the life of Truman Burbank, who is unaware that his entire life is being broadcast.
- Why It’s Great: Harris’s performance as the manipulative and controlling Christof adds a layer of depth to the film’s exploration of privacy, reality, and free will. His role earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor.
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
- Role: William Parcher
- Overview: This biographical drama tells the story of John Nash, a brilliant but troubled mathematician. Harris plays William Parcher, a mysterious government agent who recruits Nash for a secret assignment.
- Why It’s Great: Harris delivers a memorable performance that adds to the film’s suspense and psychological complexity. His presence enhances the narrative’s exploration of genius, mental illness, and the thin line between reality and delusion.
Apollo 13 (1995)
- Role: Gene Kranz
- Overview: This historical drama recounts the harrowing true story of the Apollo 13 mission, which faced life-threatening complications. Harris plays Gene Kranz, the mission control director who works tirelessly to bring the astronauts home safely.
- Why It’s Great: Harris’s portrayal of Kranz is both commanding and empathetic. His performance captures the tension and heroism of the moment, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The Hours (2002)
- Role: Richard Brown
- Overview: In this drama, Harris plays Richard Brown, a poet suffering from AIDS. The film interweaves his story with those of two other women, exploring themes of depression, creativity, and the passage of time.
- Why It’s Great: Harris’s performance is deeply moving, capturing the anguish and complexity of a man grappling with his mortality. His role contributes significantly to the film’s emotional depth.
The Rock (1996)
- Role: Brigadier General Francis X. Hummel
- Overview: This action thriller centers on a rogue general who seizes control of Alcatraz Island and threatens to launch chemical weapons. Harris plays General Hummel, whose motivations are rooted in a sense of betrayal and justice.
- Why It’s Great: Harris brings nuance to the role of an antagonist with a cause, making Hummel a sympathetic and multi-dimensional character. His performance elevates the film beyond typical action fare.
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
- Role: Dave Moss
- Overview: Based on David Mamet’s play, this drama delves into the cutthroat world of real estate sales. Harris plays Dave Moss, a desperate salesman who conspires to steal valuable leads.
- Why It’s Great: Harris’s portrayal of Moss is intense and raw, capturing the desperation and moral ambiguity of his character. His performance stands out in an ensemble cast of exceptional actors.
The Abyss (1989)
- Role: Virgil “Bud” Brigman
- Overview: In this science fiction film, Harris plays Bud Brigman, the leader of an underwater drilling team who encounters a mysterious alien life form. The team must navigate both natural and supernatural dangers.
- Why It’s Great: Harris’s performance is both heroic and vulnerable, grounding the film’s fantastical elements with emotional authenticity. His dedication to the physically demanding role is evident throughout the film.
History of Violence (2005)
- Role: Carl Fogarty
- Overview: This thriller follows a man who becomes a local hero after thwarting a robbery, only to have his past catch up with him. Harris plays Carl Fogarty, a menacing figure from the protagonist’s former life.
- Why It’s Great: Harris brings a chilling presence to the role of Fogarty, adding tension and unpredictability to the film. His performance enhances the movie’s exploration of identity and the consequences of violence.
Snowpiercer (2013)
- Role: Wilford
- Overview: Set in a dystopian future, this science fiction film depicts a society confined to a perpetually moving train. Harris plays Wilford, the enigmatic creator of the train who rules over its inhabitants.
- Why It’s Great: Harris’s portrayal of Wilford is both charismatic and unsettling. His performance adds depth to the film’s social commentary and its examination of power and control.