by Cookie N Screen
Tom Hardy is one of those actors whose reputation precedes them, a reputation of being difficult. It is all probably largely unfounded and unfair. Often, the limelight of fame peers onto your emotions and how you are, so much so that you come off as a bit of a knob, if you don’t entertain the press and audiences. Although he is aware of his own difficulties and how he presents himself, it’s still something clear when walking the red carpet or interview. That being said, he really is a terrific lad who creates some stirring films and ventures out of his comfort zone regularly. This week, he’ll be appearing as a Russian soldier in Child 44 and, in a month’s time, he’ll become a different incarnation of Mad Max in Fury Road.
So what films are his essentials? Let’s have a look.
Tom Hardy is one of those actors whose reputation precedes them, a reputation of being difficult. It is all probably largely unfounded and unfair. Often, the limelight of fame peers onto your emotions and how you are, so much so that you come off as a bit of a knob, if you don’t entertain the press and audiences. Although he is aware of his own difficulties and how he presents himself, it’s still something clear when walking the red carpet or interview. That being said, he really is a terrific lad who creates some stirring films and ventures out of his comfort zone regularly. This week, he’ll be appearing as a Russian soldier in Child 44 and, in a month’s time, he’ll become a different incarnation of Mad Max in Fury Road.
So what films are his essentials? Let’s have a look.
The Dark Knight Rises
So it may not be the best of Batman movie. Nor is it the best of Christopher Nolan’s trilogy. However, there is no denying that Hardy was spectacular as Bane which made us entirely forget about the comic book farce in Batman & Robin. The movie sees Batman face off against a powerhouse with strength and muscles as big as his evil and intellect as his city Gotham is plunged into anarchic chaos. In Bane, though ridiculous as his accent is, the actor manages to develop him into a moralistic man whose fight against “the man” saw him destroy Gotham. He is enthralling here and worked hard to get that buffed up look so famed for breaking Batman’s back halfway through the film. As misguided as the film was, this is still a stellar performance for the actor.
Locke
It’s a difficult task to be the only person in a film. No, I’m serious. Tom Hardy is literally the only person you see in this moving evocative drama. He plays Locke, a man whose life is spiraling down the drain when a woman other than his wife is giving birth to his kid. As he battles with phone calls from his wife, the other woman and his work, who are miffed that he has left in the middle of a big project, Locke is a spectacular film centred on Hardy’s completely incredible performance (albeit with a dodgy Welsh accent). The actor draws you into this man whose past and present collide as he concentrates so hard on doing the right thing after one mistakes. It’s a great watch.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
When any of the stars of this film are called up to our essentials list, it’s almost automatic that we pop this film on the list. After all, it is one of those perfect movies that really grows better with age. It’s a stellar cast led by the triumphant Gary Oldman who really, really should’ve won that Oscar, hmmkay? Anyway, Tom Hardy plays Ricki Tarr, a disgraced secret agent who is relentlessly pursued by both sides of the Cold War thanks to the information he obtained whilst on a mission in Istanbul. Hardy plays Tarr with the perfect amount of charm that is undercut with fear and determination. It’s an excellent cast on the whole, but Hardy stands out - especially the scene when he is talking about falling in love with someone on the other side.
Inception
When Christopher Nolan has his favourites, you can be sure that he will use them again in whatever context. Take Joseph Gordon-Levitt or Anne Hathaway, it seems you can’t be called up to the Nolan ranks without at least doing another movie with him. The same can be said for Hardy who follows in JGL’s footsteps by appearing in both The Dark Knight Rises and Inception. And what do you know? They are total bros in the mind-bending thriller. Playing the English rogue Eames who helps Cobb explore the dreams of a Japanese businessman. The whole ensemble of Inception is terrific though it takes a few watches for the plot to sink in. And Hardy plays Eames very gentlemanly, but with cleverness and snark.
Bronson
The definitive Hardy movie that propelled himself into stardom and made everyone sit up and take notice, collectively saying; “Fuck!” It’s a ferocious performance that sickened and tied knots in your stomach as you wailed at how great it is! And, holy fuck, is it good! Bronson is the true story of Charles Bronson who was dubbed one of Britain’s most violent prisoners, his infamy making him a legend in the UK. The film is as provocative as it is funny, droll as it packs a punch and Hardy delivers such a strong performance that he practically grasps your balls and screams in your face “Yeah, you like that?”
Yes, Hardy, we do. We really really do.
Yes, Hardy, we do. We really really do.
What Do You Think?
Are these the best Tom Hardy movies?
Or does This Mean War?
Let us know in the comments below!
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