By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Sygma via Getty Images
Academy Award winner Robert Duvall passed away at the age of 95. Duvall had one of the most legendary careers in Hollywood. His consistency and raw talent earned him a place among the greatest in cinema history.
Duvall had an impeccable run throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Duvall had great roles in the 90s and 2000s, but his peak years came way before that. In honor of Duvall’s legacy, we break down the five best performances and movies of his career.
5) The Great Santini (1979)
Duvall portrays the character of Bull Meechum, a fighter pilot. Meechum thinks he’s very great, and he has a take-no-prisoners attitude, not shy away from any fight. Because he was very competitive, it affected his relationship with his family.
4) Apocalypse Now (1979)
One of the greatest war films of all time. Duvall and Francis Ford Coppola work so well together as Director and actor. Duvall was surrounded by a cast that included Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Dennis Hopper, Harrison Ford, Laurence Fishburne, etc.
Duvall portrayed as Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore. Duvall’s famous line in the movie is: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning. It smells like victory.”
3) The Godfather (1972)
Duvall played Tom Hagen in the supporting role. Hagen has a calm, calculated personality. He acts as an advisor to Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino.
One of the best lines in the movie, from Hagen, is: “Not now, but ten years from now.”
2) The Godfather II (1974)
One of the best scenes and most memorable scenes of the movie is when Michael makes Tok the Don in the sequel. The sequel is arguably better than the first Godfather movie. Great acting, great writing, and Robert De Niro’s addition make it even better.
1) Tender Mercies (1983)
The role that earned Duvall an Oscar. Duvall plays a country singer, Mac Sledge, who has nowhere to turn when he wakes up in a motel. He doesn’t have enough money. Therefore, a task is given to Rosa Lee, played by Tess Harper.
What made this western drama so great was its third act. Sledge must decide whether to return to his singing life or forge a brand-new one. Tender Mercies taught you life lessons, and Duvall’s performance was mesmerizing. It’s a very thought-provoking film and felt real. You sense the pureness and honesty through the characters.
Honorable Mentions:
– Lonesome Dove (1989)
– Days of Thunder (1990)
– Network (1976)
– The Apostle (1997)
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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