Javier Bardem is, without question, one of the greatest actors working today. His career has spanned across many genres, as well as numerous continents. The emotion that he puts into every character that he plays is top-notch, and he has a gift of stealing every scene that he’s in. Even when put into a minor role, like his performance in Collateral, Bardem gives it everything that he has. He can play a villian just as easily as a hero, and his talent has been widely recognised by critics and audiences alike (most recently, in fact, in Aaron Sorkin’s Being the Ricardos). Bardem has been nominated for three Academy Awards throughout his career, and took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the Coen brothers’ No Country For Old Men.
Javier Bardem was born in 1969 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain and comes from a long ancestry of actors and filmmakers. Bardem was surrounded by the film industry from a very young age and made his film debut in Fernando Fernán Gómez’s El Pícaro at just six years old. From there, Bardem took roles in over twenty Spanish films and had his first English speaking role in Álex de la Iglesia’s Perdita Durango. From there, Bardem has become one of the most sought after actors of his generation, creating several memorable roles. Let’s take a look at the best of Bardem’s magnificent career.
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7 Collateral
DreamWorks Pictures
Although Bardem is only in Michael Mann’s Collateral for one scene, he completely embodies the character, as he does with all of his films. Bardem brilliantly plays the role of Felix, a powerful crime boss, who provides hitman, Vincent (Tom Cruise) with the information that he needs to carry out his murders. Bardem gives an intimidating and fear-inducing performance. At any point, we know that Felix could figure out that he is being tricked by Max (Jaime Foxx) and kill him right there. Embodying a role of a murdering crime boss is no easy feat, but Bardem is completely convincing as the character and steals the entire scene.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
6 Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Warner Bros. Pictures
In Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Bardem plays an artist named Juan Antonio who has had a troubling relationship with an abusive wife (Penélope Cruz). As Antonio, Bardem gives a performance filled with romance, charm, and charisma. It is a far more endearing role compared to his villainous performances, and shows you the range that he has as an actor. His performance also gives an honest depiction of a caring man in an abusive relationship. His chemistry with the other actors, particularly Penélope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson, is top-notch.
5 The Sea Inside
Warner Bros.
In Alejandro Amenábar’s The Sea Inside, Bardem plays Ramón Sampedro in a true story of a quadriplegic man who fought a 30 year battle to end his own life. Along the way, Sampedro develops close relationships with two women and inspires them to love life even though he is unable to move. It is difficult for an actor to give such an emotional and endearing performance while confined to a bed, but Bardem does it with ease through his inspiring and honest portrayal of Sampedro. It is a heartbreaking performance that teaches you to love and appreciate life.
4 Before Night Falls
Fine Line Features
Bardem rightfully earned his first Academy Award nomination in Julian Schnabel’s Before Night Falls. The story follows the life of Cuban author, Reinaldo Arenas, who explores friendship, love, and his sexualitly. His performance can be heartbreaking at many times, as we watch a gay man who lives in an unaccepting world. Bardem’s performance is fearless and inspirational, and earned the attention of several Hollywood elites.
3 Skyfall
Sony Pictures Releasing
Taking the role of a villian in a James Bond film is one of the highest achievements for any actor. Bardem plays the role of Raoul Silva in Sam Mendes’ Skyfall. Silva is an evil cyber-terrorist who stands as one of the greatest threats ever to James Bond (Daniel Craig). Bardem completely embodies the persona and physicality of Silva, and at times, is completely unrecognisable. Bardem is down right scary and creepy in every scene that he is in. Through Bardem’s performance, we see a dark past to a character who lacks all empathy.
2 Biutiful
Videocine
Bardem plays Uxbal in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s acclaimed film, Biutiful. Bardem portrays sheer emotion from beginning to end as a terminally-ill father who must find a way to make sure that his children will be provided for when he is gone. At the same time, Uxbal must deal with a complicated relationship with his children’s mother, Marambra (Maricel Álvarez). Bardem is a tour de force in Biutiful and gives an emotional and honest portrayal of a dying man who will do anything to protect his children. The film earned Bardem his third Academy Award nomination.
1 No Country For Old Men
Scott Rudin Productions; Mike Zoss Productions
It should be no surprise that the top pick is Bardem’s brilliant performance in the Coen brother’s No Country For Old Men. Bardem plays the iconic psychopathic killer, Anton Chigurh, a man who basically personifies death. Bardem completely steals every scene that he is in and his performance will go down as one of the most iconic villains in cinema history. At the same time, Bardem is completely unrecognizable due to his terrible haircut, physicality, and terrifying voice. His character is the type of person that you never wish to be alone with. He is a ruthless killer who lacks all empathy, making him almost unhuman. Bardem’s performance was praised by audiences and critics alike and launched him into superstar status. Bardem would go on to win his first Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role
