Top 10 Performances Of Historical/Political Figures

With the recent release of J. Edgar, I thought it might be a good time to go back and reflect on performances on Historical/Political figures and see which ones really stood out. The list is just my opinion, and be sure to comment with your own picks!

10.) Ralph Fiennes as Amon Goeth (Schindler’s List)

For me this was the most powerful performance in the film, just amazing.

9.) Ben Kingsley as Gandhi (Gandhi)

An amazing performance and one that has stuck with me since I first saw the film.

8.) Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth I (Elizabeth)

This was the film and performance that got her on the map, powerful and memorable.

7.) Kenneth Branagh as Reinhard Heydrich (Conspiracy)

The man is a brilliant actor and he brought this man and film to life.

6.) Denzel Washington as Malcolm X (Malcolm X)

Denzel is personally one of my favourite actors, the man can do anything. This is truly one of his greatest performances.

5.) Bruce Greenwood as JFK (Thirteen Days)

An underrated gem of a film, and chameleon Bruce disappears into one of the most recognizable and beloved Presidents the US has ever had.

4.) Ian Mune as Winston Churchill (Ike: Countdown To D-Day)

This memorable TV film featured some great performances but Ian Mune nailed it as Winston.

3.) Michael Sheen as Tony Blair (The Deal, The Queen, The Special Relationship)

A role that this man has played on three separate occasions, truly exceptional and he does the role fantastic each time, never letting up.

2.) Frank Langella as Richard Nixon (Frost/Nixon)

This might be Frank Langella’s greatest role and an absolutely amazing one.

1.) Bruno Ganz as Adolf Hitler (Downfall)

All I have to say about this is WOW, nothing else like it.