Tom Hardy is among the most well-liked actors now on the scene, and for good reason: He’s also among the best. Hardy is renowned for his creativity and uniqueness; whether he’s concealing his face, attempting a new voice, changing the physical aspects of his look, or switching across genres, Hardy takes risks that his peers just do not.
Hardy originally gained notoriety for two suspenseful war films, “Black Hawk Down” and “Band of Brothers.” In huge ensembles, Hardy’s individuality stood out, and through collaborating with up-and-coming directors and participating in important indie classics, he rose to the top of the independent film world. As Hardy’s star power grew, his work with Christopher Nolan increased his popularity with a wider public.
Hardy became the face of his own franchises after taking on the impossible task of playing the Batman villain who replaced Heath Ledger’s Joker in “The Dark Knight Rises.” He played Mel Gibson in “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Thanks to Hardy’s eccentric acting, the “Venom” comic book adaption unexpectedly became popular. He is frequently mentioned as the James Bond actor that fans want to see.
Like any dynamic performer, Hardy is excellent on a variety of platforms. He made a comeback to television and starred in his own action drama, “Taboo,” where he played a memorable role. Additionally, he frequently performed on the London stage. Even yet, he is best recognised for being a movie star who has starred in some of the most well-liked movies of the twenty-first century. Here are his top movies in order.
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Black Hawk Down
Many young actors’ careers were launched by “Black Hawk Down,” a Somalian war epic that featured a sizable ensemble of both seasoned and rising actors. In the movie, Hardy makes his acting debut as Lance Twombly, a soldier who experiences war for the first time after getting trapped behind enemy lines with his buddy Nelson (Ewen Bremmer).
The film “Black Hawk Down” features many heroic deeds, and one of the reasons it is so engrossing is that each plot is compelling. Lance and Nelson’s exploits are more thrilling because they are separated from the other men and must rely on one another to survive. The connection between Hardy and Bremmer is fantastic, and their fraternity feels incredibly authentic.
The two also engage in some lighthearted joking around because Nelson loses his hearing due to a gunshot early in the movie, forcing Lance to yell at him for the duration of the picture. By doing this, Hardy demonstrates his ability to infuse humour while maintaining the seriousness of the matter. Giving each soldier a unique touch like this exemplifies why “Black Hawk Down” is superior to other, comparable movies because it allows us to get to know these guys as people, which makes us care about them.
Bronson
Hardy had a distinguished CV prior to “Bronson,” but his breakthrough leading performance came in this unique biopic by Nicholas Winding Refn. In the title role of Charles Bronson, the notorious English gangster who spent decades in solitary confinement, Hardy displayed his renowned talent for assuming the identities of bizarre yet completely developed characters.
Despite having a mostly conventional upbringing, Bronson’s life turned out to be anything but. Being locked up for the first time at a young age led to Bronson engaging in bare-knuckle combat with cellmates, which earned him a reputation for ferocity. Those who did were typically brutalised by Bronson’s brutality because few dared to cross him. Bronson was held in solitary confinement because of his instability and the danger he posed to other inmates. He became insane while being left to his own devices.
The severity of Bronson’s mental instability causes him to take on several personalities. Hardy employs a variety of personas, giving each one unique and enduring peculiarities. Hardy gives a brave performance in “Bronson,” which is both hilarious in its surrealism and horrifying in its savagery. One of Hardy’s most challenging parts, Bronson is odd, humorous, tragic, and destructive all at once. It’s no surprise that he became well-known quickly as audiences realised his talent.
Dunkirk
With yet another emotive performance as a soldier confronting a highly risky circumstance, Hardy returns to the genre that launched his career. Hardy played an experienced soldier who had already seen his fair share of action this time around rather than a rookie caught up in the chaos of battle. Great British performers round out the cast of “Dunkirk,” but Hardy stands out from them. He faces the unusual burden of carrying one of “Dunkirk’s” three stories totally on his own.
Dogfights break out in the sky over Dunkirk during the last hour of the British evacuation of France. Farrier (Hardy), a spitfire pilot, is tasked with spearheading the attack to defend the ships transiting the English Channel. Even though Farrier’s troops are outnumbered, Hardy commands attention as he creates a survival plan in a performance that is largely voiceless. Despite having little lines, Hardy manages to make Farrier a compelling character through looks and body language. Desensitized to violence, he muses on a mission he believes will fail.
As his plane runs out of fuel and is forced to land in hostile territory, Farrier personifies the premise that survival is the only true victory in war in “Dunkirk.” Because “Dunkirk” is so contemplative and devoid of bombastic emotional moments, it stands out among World War II films. That notion relies heavily on Hardy.
Inception
Christopher Nolan and Hardy’s first joint project paved the way for a successful and long-lasting relationship. After all, Nolan’s storylines can be intricate, especially ones with big concepts like “Inception,” and endearing characters are one way the director keeps viewers interested in tales that require a lot of focus. A strong emotional thread runs through the middle of “Inception,” as Dominic Cobb, the dream thief played by Leonardo DiCaprio, attempts to pull off an impossibly difficult heist in order to get back to his kids. But Hardy’s addition of humour prevents the movie from devolving into melodrama.
In order to help the squad create new identities as they reach different levels of the dream, Cobb recruits Hardy’s character Eames, an imposter. Fischer (Cillian Murphy), who will decide whether to dismantle his father’s corporation, is the team’s objective, and Eames plays a crucial role in helping them fool him. Eames, who joins the team after the fact, is dubious of Cobb’s ability to carry out the difficult process known as “inception.” He routinely engages in combat with Cobb’s seasoned team and particularly likes to tease Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt).
Even in the thick of the hectic action, Hardy manages to lighten the mood, and his banter with Gordon-Levitt is frequently entertaining. It’s understandable why Hardy has been mentioned as a prospective 007. He plays Eames as a classic gentleman in the style of Cary Grant or Steve McQueen, and he has a lot of charisma. He plays a significant role in developing the world of “Inception” and greatly contributes to its enjoyment.
Lawless
One of the most underappreciated crime movies of the last ten years is “Lawless.” This suspenseful tale set during Prohibition chronicles the activities of three brothers who run a bootlegging operation in Virginia in the 1920s. Forrest Bondurant (Hardy), the middle child, frequently puts himself in danger to protect his family, providing a counterpoint to the dominant Howard (Jason Clarke) and naive Jack (Shia Labeouf). Forrest displays his commitment at tremendous personal cost, as soon as their acts attract the attention of ruthless Special Deputy Charley Rakes (Guy Pearce). He is severely tortured and has his throat slit, leaving him with a hoarse voice for the remainder of the movie.
Forrest serves as an effective mediator between his brothers, and Hardy’s compassion for his brothers makes Forrest sympathetic. Additionally, Forrest shows Maggie (Jessica Chastain), a local dancer, warmth and romanticism, bringing out the romantic side of Hardy. Forrest is still a danger to anyone who jeopardises the family company, though. In “Lawless,” there are several gunfights, and Hardy wins the majority of them; watching him use vintage revolvers is simply plain cool.
The time in which “Lawless” is situated is meticulously recreated, and Hardy makes his Southern accent and mannerisms seem genuine. Lawless may appeal to Hardy fans who appreciated his remarkable performance on the historical crime drama “Peaky Blinders.”
Layer Cake
The film “Layer Cake” is best remembered for serving as the debut for both writer-director Matthew Vaughn and Daniel Craig, who plays the lead. With “Layer Cake,” Vaughn established himself as a director with a unique, fast-paced aesthetic. After landing his first significant leading role, Craig was cast as James Bond. Hardy, who gives a standout performance as drug dealer Clarkie, is only one of many who helped “Layer Cake” become an instant classic.
The plot of “Layer Cake” centres on the exploits of career criminal XXXX (Craig), whose intended retirement from the smuggling trade is thwarted when he gets involved in a plot involving a mafia boss’ daughter and several missing shipments. Clarkie shares XXXX’s desire to leave the violent world. However, Clarkie’s failure to do so is darkly humorously portrayed.
Even though Hardy only has a small amount of screen time, he is engaging, contributing to the distinctive balance between action and humour that characterises Vaughn’s aesthetic. Hardy maintains his magnetism throughout while keeping up with the fast-paced gunfights and the witty conversation. Although Hardy never looks overpowered by Craig, who is a charismatic actress, their chemistry heightens the already tense atmosphere of “Layer Cake.”
Legend
Even while it would have been entertaining to watch Hardy muck around in the world of swords and sorcery, this isn’t the fantasy movie from 1985 with Tom Cruise. The Kray twins, two infamous gangsters who ruled London in the 1960s, are the subject of the 2015 historical crime thriller “Legend,” which depicts their chaotic true story. Hardy portrays both siblings with one of his most outstanding performances to date, depicting the complex relationship between the polished career criminal Reggie and his eccentric brother Ronald.
Hardy’s twin parts could have easily been a publicity stunt, but the actor does an outstanding job of differentiating the two drastically different personas. It’s one thing for a performer to portray twins, but when the two Kray brothers engage in a tense fistfight, Hardy truly has to fight with himself. The movie “Legend” isn’t subtle, and Hardy plays up the theatricality of the plot. Both Ronald’s violent outbursts and Reggie’s interactions with his wife Frances Shea (Emily Browning) are overtly amorous.
The clarity of writer-director Brian Helgeland is also advantageous to “Legend.” Helgeland has authored such classics as “L.A. Confidential,” “Mystic River,” “Man on Fire,” and the 2009 remake of “The Taking of Pelham 123,” demonstrating his obvious expertise in crime fiction. Helgeland effectively depicts the ways that numerous crimin al organisations compete for dominance. Additionally, he doesn’t mind injecting some humour. The Krays’ antics occasionally become so ridiculous that you can only sit back and laugh.
Locke
It’s difficult to say which of Hardy’s films has been the most difficult thus far. He usually accepts parts that other performers would be hesitant to take on. Hardy is known for physically altering his body, donning heavy makeup, and speaking in peculiar tones, but he didn’t need to do any of those things for “Locke.” Instead, he was portrayed as a regular working man who spent the entire movie behind the wheel. However, “Locke” contains Hardy’s most exposed performance to date.
After a long day at work, construction supervisor Ivan Locke is heading home. His wife (Oliva Colman) and son (Tom Holland) phone him and ask him to return home. Locke eventually acknowledges that he won’t be returning any time soon. Instead, he will see the birth of his child with a different woman, disclosing his adultery to his family in the most horrible way possible. Throughout his gruelling journey, Locke continues to get calls, which stresses him out and causes him to wonder what his life will be like once he stops driving.
As the only face shown in a dialogue-heavy performance, Hardy must hold the audience’s interest, but he succeeds to the point where “Locke” never lets up on the tension. A leading man who is adaptable and creative is required for a movie that employs such an inventive storytelling style. Hardy was the ideal candidate for the position once more.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Even though “Mad Max: Fury Road” is today regarded as one of the best action films ever made, it wasn’t always going to be a hit. “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome,” the first movie in the franchise, had been released thirty years prior. It had spent years in development hell, and there were numerous issues with the production. Fans were hesitant to see a new actor take on the role of Max Rockatansky, and some worried that after ten years of “Happy Feet” movies, director Tim Miller would no longer be able to deliver a fulfilling sequel.
The doubters were wrong, as Hardy and Miller showed. “Mad Max: Fury Road” is a ground-breaking masterpiece that gave rise to some of the most inventive action scenes ever created by fusing genuine stunts, realistic effects, and oddball character designs into a singular, imaginative piece of art. The stunning depiction of the post-apocalyptic hellscape places Hardy’s reluctant anti-hero in the middle of the mayhem.
The success of “Fury Road” depends just as much on Hardy as it does on Charlize Theron’s portrayal of the feminist heroine Imperator Furiosa. Max is a product of his environment, and as a result of the harsh reality, he has become resentful and self-centered. Max is handed along by Immortan Joe’s (Hugh Keays-Byrne) henchmen, but Max decides to be a hero and helps Furiosa on her quest to rescue Joe’s captives. This is a classic because of Hardy’s direct and physically taxing performance.
Marie Antoinette
One of Sofia Coppola’s best works overall, “Marie Antoinette” is a masterpiece. The bizarre historical drama follows the reign of the titular Queen of France (Kirsten Dunst), who is forced into an unhappy union with the future king, Louis XVI (Jason Schwartzman), in order to appease her family’s political ties. The historical fiction film “Marie Antoinette” can be a pleasant change of pace if you typically find these subjects to be tedious. The Cure, Bow Wow Wow, Adam and the Ants, New Order, and the Strokes are just a few of the new wave bands that Coppola uses throughout the movie. This has the potential to be confusing. Coppola nevertheless portrays the sheer depravity of the French upper class through the unconventional musical selections.
In terms of bringing the nuanced lead character to life, Dunst excels. Coppola makes it abundantly evident that the pre-existing political state is to blame for the suffering of the average person, even though she occasionally exhibits the most abhorrent behaviour. In addition to Danny Huston, Asia Argento, Steve Coogan, Rip Torn, Rose Byrne, Molly Shannon, and Jamie Dornan, Coppola surrounds the ensemble with an outstanding supporting cast.
It is even more impressive that Hardy is one of the standouts given the strong ensemble. He makes a brief cameo as the aristocrat Raumont and dons an amazing wig. With the intention of adding humour to the already bizarre and outlandish tale, Raumont engages in an odd guessing game with the guests at a royal party and makes wild assumptions about the Queen’s love life.
Star Trek: Nemesis
Even though “Star Trek: Nemesis” from 2002 is one of the worst “Star Trek” movies, Hardy still steals the show. Sadly, the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” actors was never given the movie franchise they merited. The four “Star Trek: Generations” movies from 1994 were all overcrowded television movies because they were released in theatres not long after the television series had ended. With “Star Trek: Insurrection,” a complicated mystery with an outmoded Fountain of Youth metaphor, the series reached a low point in 1998.
“Insurrection” was only boring, but “Nemesis” is totally insane. A younger clone of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Shinzon (Hardy), the commander of the Reman rebels, poses a threat to the “Next Generation” crew, which is followed in the movie as they deal with this (Patrick Stewart). Picard is forced to reconsider his past as a result of this encounter, and the crew is uneasy about Shinzon. How are they expected to react to a bad guy who resembles the hero they’ve admired for so long?
Stewart is a naturally refined performer, and Hardy gives Shinzon a charmingly sinister elegance. Shinzon makes fun of Picard and plays on his odd personality. Though Hardy is undoubtedly the most fascinating character in the movie, “Star Trek: Nemesis” lacks the brilliance and endurance of the best Star Trek. Hardy has delivered outstanding performances in true masterpieces, but in “Star Trek: Nemesis,” he demonstrated that he was able to save a movie that, without him, would have been impossible to watch.
The Dark Knight Rises
When Hardy was chosen to play Bane in “The Dark Knight Rises,” he accepted an unimaginable challenge. He was not only a cherished series’ final adversary, but also the first significant Batman antagonist since Heath Ledger’s Joker, who is frequently recognised as one of the best villains in movie history. Hardy gave a scary performance that let “The Dark Knight Rises” close Nolan’s Batman trilogy on a positive note while living up to those nearly unattainable expectations.
After Ra’s Al Ghul (Liam Neeson) dies, Bane takes control of the League of Shadows and is entrusted with completing their takeover of Gotham City. Bane is excited about the prospect of going up against Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), and he devises a sophisticated plan to divide and conquer Gotham’s citizens. After trapping Batman and injuring him, he takes Batman across the ocean to the underground jail where Bane was grown. With Gotham’s top guard paralysed, Bane takes control as he blows up a football stadium and releases the city’s imprisoned criminals.
Batman faces a psychological and physical challenge from Bane. While Bane’s terrible torture demonstrates Hardy’s physical supremacy over him, Bane’s choice to let Wayne suffer rather than simply killing him is what makes him so heinous. Hardy more than met the demand for a terrifying antagonist in Bale’s final voyage as Batman.
The Revenant
Hardy was regarded as one of the best actors of his time but hadn’t garnered an Academy Award nomination until he was nominated for best supporting actor in “The Revenant.” Perhaps Leonardo DiCaprio’s main performance in Alejandro Gonzles Inarritu’s painstakingly created masterpiece, for which he finally received an Oscar for pushing his body to its limits, will be most remembered. A really memorable villain is necessary for a tale this vast, and Tom Hardy delivers one of the most abhorrent villains in recent movie history.
Hugh Glass (DiCaprio) is one of a group of trappers who journey through the Dakota winter woodlands in the 1820s. Glass’ men decide to leave him behind after a terrible bear assault brutalises him. He is then marked for death. After witnessing the cowardly murder of his son by John Fitzgerald (Hardy), Glass regains his strength and sets out on a harrowing trek into the wilderness to exact retribution. Fitzgerald hides his evil activities by saying that both his father and son passed away peacefully.
Hardy does a great job portraying an evil man who is the motivation behind DiCaprio’s search. Fitzgerald is an abominably vicious opponent, despite Glass’ assertion that he is nothing more than a coward. In the bone-shattering finale, which pits the two foes against one another, DiCaprio and Hardy are given the opportunity to fight without mercy and leave chivalry behind. Hardy gave a performance that merited his first Oscar nomination, but he really ought to have had many more by now.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Even though numerous movies have been inspired by spy novelist John le Carre’s writings, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” (2011) is one of the best. A talented ensemble plays the convoluted Cold War plot, with Gary Oldman portraying master intelligence operative George Smiley, who is summoned out of retirement to find a traitor. The deadly assassin Ricki Tarr (Hardy), who is accused of an intelligence breach, is one of Smiley’s supporters in the investigation.
There are many characters in the novel, but Tarr stands out. Hardy vanishes into the role of a field agent who is so preoccupied with his work that he is unable to comprehend what a typical existence entails. Oldman gives one of his best performances ever in “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” but Hardy keeps up with him anytime the two are on screen together.
In addition, Hardy gives Tarr a compassionate side when he decides to assist a battered lady even though it is not necessary for the task, adding some heart to a character whose identity is mostly defined by violence.
Venom
Anywhere if Hardy’s performance as Eddie Brock isn’t even close to being his best, it is one of his most stunning. Without him, the movie would not have succeeded. It’s difficult to help but draw comparisons between “Venom” and countless other comic book movies that have done anti-hero origin stories better. Nevertheless, Hardy’s quirky humorous portrayal of the character somehow makes the movie entertaining.
When Hardy was chosen to play Eddie Brock, he was up against it. Topher Grace had already portrayed the same role in “Spider-Man 3,” a dreadful movie. Grace portrayed Brock as an unlikable snob, whereas Hardy highlighted his commitment to journalism. If Hardy’s Brock believes a greedy company is engaging in bad deeds, he isn’t hesitant to get his hands dirty. Without Peter Parker, it shouldn’t have been able to make a “Venom” movie, but Hardy made Brock into a compelling star for a new franchise.
The interaction between Brock and the symbiote is without a doubt the best aspect of “Venom.” Hardy transforms their bond into an eccentric buddy cop story. The 2021 follow-up, “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” further emphasises the humour by turning the symbiote and Eddie’s relationship into a love story. There are enough gritty, sombre superhero films out. It’s enjoyable to watch a movie that isn’t too serious.
Warrior
Although presented as a motivational sports tale, “Warrior” deviates significantly from the norm. It’s a heartbreaking examination of a family that must face their past transgressions and can only come together through conflict. Gavin O’Connor, the writer-director, made a lovely, sincere movie about estrangement and dealing with suppressed emotions, and his plot demanded actors who could sell intimate drama while facing difficult physical hurdles. The entire cast performs admirably, but Hardy stands out.
Tommy Conlon (Hardy) and Brendan Conlon (Joel Edgerton), two brothers, haven’t seen each other since they were little since their alcoholic father Paddy (Nick Nolte) beat them both and forced them to leave the house at a young age. Since then, both brothers have followed mixed martial arts in their free time and become into powerful fighters. Brendan enters a competition only unwillingly because he has a day job as a teacher and learns that his brother is also taking part. Following a heroic deed during the war, Tommy developed severe PTSD and has since resumed fighting professionally under the guidance of his father, who unexpectedly reappeared in his life with the intention of making atonement.
As the brothers compete against one another in the last match, the movie intensifies. It’s fascinating to see Tommy and Brendan excel on their own, so it’s difficult to choose a side when they face off. For various reasons, both characters are dependent on winning. Hardy and Edgerton are both likeable, and “Warrior” gives their argument a heartbreaking ending.
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