Brad Pitt is one of the most confident actors of this day and he’s well known for a long list of memorable parts, like the extreme killer in Killing them Softly, the hardened eccentric living on the edge of society in Fight Club, and the frustrated father in Tree of Life. He’s a brilliant actor, he takes on the role of different characters exceptionally well, and that’s why he’s continually cast in more top-notch films. Below are seven of Pitt’s top acting performances, and fittingly enough one of them is in the film Se7en.
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Thelma and Louise – 1991
Brad Pitt plays a smooth talking robber in his brief role as J.D. in Thelma and Louise. Sure he eventually robs Thelma after getting her to fall in love with him, but up until that point he’s highly charismatic, and manages to steal the show even though his part is relatively small. This movie started it all for Pitt and is an excellent showcase of his acting skill.
Ocean’s Eleven – 2001
Brad Pitt plays the super-cool nonchalant robber in Ocean’s Eleven supremely well. The whole movie is based around love and male bonding, but it’s tied into a very elaborate set of casino robberies that Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his right hand man (Brad Pitt) orchestrate just so that they have some time to hang out.
The movie’s packed with action, but it’s Pitt’s performance, and Clooney’s that keep the movie cool and exciting to watch from start to finish. Interestingly, soon after Ocean’s Eleven was released online casinos started to become increasingly popular. The movie did appeal to a younger demographic and even influenced casino providers to begin naming tournaments and some of their games after the movie.
Killing them Softly – 2012
Pitt comes across as a cool and decisive killer in this gritty film. It shows off an edgier side of the actor and goes up against some of his softer roles in stark contrast such as the boy in a River Runs Through it, or the charming robber in Thelma and Louise.
Tree of Life – 2011
Many would argue that this wasn’t the best of movies, but it’s impossible to argue that Pitt’s character, the father of the main character in the movie, wasn’t complex, impressive and compelling. Pitt manages to show the undying love for his child during the movie, while also coming across as a stern dictator. He shows that love is complicated, raising children is difficult and that life isn’t always fair. It’s impressive and worth a watch just for his acting.
Moneyball – 2011
If there’s one thing for certain with Brad Pitt’s characters, they’re almost always charismatic, confident and self-assured. That’s still the case with his managerial position in Moneyball, but it’s more evolved than that. He shows cracks in the confidence, he shows off those self-doubts that everyone has, and that’s what brings his part to life the most.
Fight Club – 1999
Of course Fight Club had to be mentioned among iconic Brad Pitt performances. It’s one of the best still to this day. Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) is the ultimate badass in the movie. He doesn’t care about society, he doesn’t care about social norms. He’s living life exactly the way he wants outside of laws and everything else, because we only have one life to live and there’s no point throwing it away. He’s still quoted from the movie today and it’s one of his most convincing and charismatic roles ever.
Se7en – 1995
Pitt takes on the role of a white knight cop trying to solve serious puzzle-crimes. The movie is a serious thriller with plenty of action, but Pitt creates a believable character in the film, showing off confidence, but in a believable way. He’s confident enough to stand out as a cop character while many other actors just seem generic in the role. It’s still one of his best to this day, even though the film was released in 1995.
Give a few of the movies a watch if you haven’t seen them and you’ll be impressed with each of Pitt’s performances. The films weren’t always a huge success, but there’s something inspiring about the way that Brad Pitt portrays each of the different characters.
