As a seasoned cinephile and a die-hard Robert De Niro fan, I’ve followed his career through its ups and downs, marveling at his ability to transform himself from one role to another. De Niro has become an icon in the film industry, with a career spanning decades and a body of work that has left an indelible mark on pop culture. While some of his films may not have been as well-received as others, there’s no denying the impact of his most iconic roles. Here are my top five picks for the best movies of Robert De Niro’s legendary career.
5. Casino
In Martin Scorsese’s Casino, De Niro plays Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a brilliant gambler handpicked by the mob to run their Las Vegas casino operations. Ace has it all – power, wealth, and control over every aspect of the casino. However, his world begins to unravel when he falls for a hustler named Ginger, played by Sharon Stone. This film showcases De Niro’s ability to portray a complex character who is both ruthless and vulnerable, making it a must-watch for any fan.
4. The Deer Hunter
The Deer Hunter is a harrowing exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the horrors of war. De Niro plays Michael, a steelworker who, along with his friends, is drafted to fight in the Vietnam War. The film follows their journey from the small-town life they leave behind to the brutal realities of war and its aftermath. De Niro’s portrayal of a man struggling to hold onto his humanity in the face of unimaginable horror is both powerful and heartbreaking.
3. Raging Bull
In another collaboration with Scorsese, De Niro delivers a tour de force performance as Jake LaMotta, a volatile and self-destructive boxer. Raging Bull is a raw and unflinching look at the dark side of ambition and the price of success. De Niro’s portrayal of LaMotta’s descent into violence and isolation is both mesmerizing and deeply unsettling, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
2. Goodfellas
Goodfellas is arguably one of the greatest gangster films of all time, and De Niro’s performance as Jimmy “The Gent” Conway is a big reason why. Based on the true story of mobster Henry Hill, the film chronicles Hill’s rise and fall within the mafia, with De Niro’s Jimmy serving as both a mentor and a cautionary tale. De Niro’s portrayal of a ruthless yet charismatic criminal is nothing short of iconic.
1. Taxi Driver
My top pick for De Niro’s best film is the unforgettable Taxi Driver. In this psychological thriller, De Niro plays Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York City. As Travis becomes increasingly disillusioned with the world around him, he spirals into madness and violence. De Niro’s haunting portrayal of a man on the edge of sanity is both chilling and captivating, making Taxi Driver a true cinematic masterpiece.
Narrowing down Robert De Niro’s extensive filmography to just five films was no easy task, especially with other notable performances in Cape Fear, King of Comedy, Heat, and Godfather 2. However, these five films showcase the depth and range of De Niro’s talent, solidifying his status as one of the greatest actors of all time.
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