8 Best Robert De Niro Performances!
Robert De Niro needs no introductory paragraph.
A legendary actor who has inspired a generation of actors through his acting prowess, DeNiro reached the epitome of acting through many strong and raw performances.
Here I note down the 8 of my favorite movie performances by the legend!
8. Cape Fear (1991)
The psychological thriller is about a convicted rapist (Robert De Niro), released from prison after serving a fourteen-year sentence, who stalks the family of the lawyer who originally defended him.
Frightening film with use of many close-up shots. The best thing-definitely the mad-cap performance by Robert De Niro. He has played psychotic roles in some films but this one gives you the chills.
7. The Deer Hunter (1978)
One of DeNiro’s best and under-rated movies. If you look at his role in this movie, it’s exceptional.
In Taxi Driver, his character is basically a psychotic, lonely man. In Godfather Part II, he plays a man climbing up the ranks of mob life. In this movie, his character Mike Vronsky goes though a severe amount emotional and physical distress. He plays two different characters in this movie, Mike before the war, and Mike after the war.
Underrated performance and must watch for war-movie fans!
6. The King Of Comedy (1982)
This Martin Scorsese gem is about an aspiring comic Rupert Pupkin who attempts to achieve success in show business by stalking his idol, a late night talk-show host who craves his own privacy.
This movies is surely under-rated and lesser known, but this is by far one of the best black comedies ever made! Overall, the film is a combination of disturbing, entertaining, and unforgettable.
DeNiro is impeccable as always, and his hold on comedy shows his sensational range.
5. Mean Streets (1973)
Starring Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro, the movie tells the story of a small-time hood who aspires to work his way up the ranks of a local mob.
This movie is known to many as the one which made Scorsese! His first foray into crime and brutality, the movie also marks the start of one of the greatest director/actor collaborations ever!
De Niro did this movie early in his career, but didn’t he match the acting prowess of the legend Harvey Keitel!
4. Goodfellas (1990)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, Goodfellas tells the story of Henry Hill and his life through the teen years into the years of mafia, covering his relationship with wife Karen Hill and his Mob partners Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVitto in the Italian-American crime syndicate.
Goodfellas has to be one of the best films I’ve ever seen–a true modern classic that will be remembered for what it is: One of the greatest tales told on-screen. The 2nd best gangster film ever made imo, after Godfather-2.
Though DeNiro is not there in the movie, he leaves a strong mark in a limited role too! Funny, cheesy and dark at the same time!
3. The Godfather : Part II
In the second part of this legendary trilogy, the early life and career of Vito Corleone in 1920s New York City is portrayed, while his son, Michael, expands and tightens his grip on the family crime syndicate.
As a movie, this is flawless in my opinion! The best sequel of all time, without a doubt!
Robert De Niro gave a perfect subtle performance as Vito Corleone. His portrayal was both powerful and breathtaking.
When you think De Niro you may not think subtle and smooth, but that is exactly what he was in here. The depth in his portrayal was able to justify the Vito Corleone that Marlon Brando portrayed in the first.
2. Raging Bull (1980)
Considered one of the darkest movies done by the deadly duo of Scorsese and De Niro, Raging Bull is the story of an emotionally self-destructive boxer’s journey through life, as the violence and temper that leads him to the top in the ring destroys his life outside it.
One of the darkest films ever made, I watched this movie multiple times just for Robert De Niro’s performance. The angst, the fury and the darkness is superbly portrayed by the maverick actor!
1.Taxi Driver (1976)
One of the most acclaimed movies of all time, this is one film which has cult following!
The psychological thriller is about a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who works as a night-time taxi driver in New York City where the perceived decadence and sleaze feeds his urge for violent action, while attempting to save a pre-adolescent prostitute in the process.
Why this is Scorsese’s best work?! Cause everything about this movie is still relevant, almost 44 years after it was released! How successfully the movie predicted the insane attacks over the years in various schools/shrines around the world which occurred after the film came out!
This masterpiece on urban alienation will live on for centuries! And yes, DeNiro as well as Jodie Foster were just a class apart!
DeNiro will always be remembered for the recitation of the chilling lines in front of that mirror – “Are you talking to me?!”.