Despite his success in and association with the sci-fi and epic genres, director Ridley Scott has also found success with adaptations of true stories, making films such as Black Hawk Down, American Gangster, and All the Money in the World. His upcoming movie, House of Gucci, will assemble an A-list cast to tell the true story of the murder of Italian businessman Maurizio Gucci.
The film is filled with familiar faces, talented young actors, and veteran Oscar winners. Before they star in the upcoming film, the cast of House of Gucci has already appeared in some memorable movies that are worth watching.
Adam Driver In Annette (2021)
Released earlier this year, Annette is a musical romantic drama about the relationship between a stand-up comedian and an opera singer and the changes that occur within their lives and relationship as they have a child together. Adam Driver plays stand-up comedian Henry McHenry.
The movie is a wild and surreal emotional journey. Annette uses unconventional storytelling, wild musical numbers, and even a puppet baby to produce a truly unique viewing experience. While it may not be one of the best movie musicals of all time, it is a one-of-a-kind film that is bolstered by strong leading performances and great music.
Lady Gaga In Sin City: A Dame To Kill For (2014)
The comic book sequel Sin City: A Dame to Kill For is a crime film that follows an ensemble of characters as they navigate through the seedy criminal underbelly of the city. In the section of the film titled "The Long Bad Night (Part II)," Lady Gaga has a small role as a kindhearted waitress named Bertha.
While the film was not as well-received as the original, A Dame to Kill For still boasts some beautiful cinematography and an outstanding cast. Despite only appearing briefly, Lady Gaga has a strong screen presence and proved that she had the talent to transition from pop star to actress.
Jeremy Irons In Race (2016)
Based on the incredible true story, Race is a sports drama that depicts Jesse Owens' dominance in the 1936 Olympics, which were held in Nazi Germany. Jeremy Irons plays International Olympic Committee member Avery Brundage, who makes the mistake of trying to introduce Jesse Owens to Adolf Hitler.
Race benefits greatly from the power of its source material. Watching the legendary athlete collect one gold medal after another and shatter the Nazi ideology on race, all while Hitler watches powerlessly is an inspiring and deeply satisfying viewing experience.
Jared Leto In The Little Things (2021)
Released earlier this year in theaters and on HBO Max, The Little Things is a throwback crime thriller that follows a pair of detectives as they become increasingly obsessed with solving a string of murders. Jared Leto plays person of interest Albert Sparma.
While the movie is far from groundbreaking and feels dated, The Little Things benefits greatly from a thought-provoking ending and some performances, particularly from Denzel Washington and Jared Leto. Jared Leto was even nominated for a Golden Globe for his chilling supporting work.
Salma Hayek In Beatriz At Dinner (2017)
Beatriz at Dinner is a comedic drama about a Mexican holistic healer who gets stuck at a wealthy client's dinner party, where she quickly discovers how her view of the world differs significantly from that of the rich party guests. Salma Hayek plays the titular Beatriz in the film.
Despite being mostly dialogue-driven, the film features some of the most intense dinner table scenes in movies as Beatriz's ideology clashes with the wealthy elite. A well-written script, timely social commentary, and strong leading performances make this understated film worth watching.
Al Pacino In Insomnia (2002)
2002's Insomnia is a psychological thriller about a Los Angeles detective who investigates a murder in Alaska during a period of perpetual daylight, making it difficult for him to sleep. Al Pacino plays the lead role of Detective Will Dormer.
Insomnia is one of director Christopher Nolan's best films but does not get the same attention as some of his other movies. Al Pacino and Robin Williams are excellent and their scenes together are especially captivating. Tense, expertly directed, and well-acted, the movie is an underrated gem that is worth watching.
Jack Huston in Ben-Hur (2016)
The 1959 adaption of the novel Ben-Hur is considered among the greatest films of all time, making any other adaptions or reimaginings an ambitious undertaking. The 2016 adaptation tells a similar story, following Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman who is falsely accused of treason and thrown into slavery and sets out to get revenge.
The movie ultimately cannot compare to the 1959 classic, but it does introduce and develop some interesting concepts as it reimagines the story. When taken on its own, the movie does offer some interesting moments and gives Jack Huston the opportunity to star as the titular character.
Adam Driver In Marriage Story (2019)
The Netflix movie Marriage Story is a drama that follows a theater director and an actress as they drift apart and decide to get divorced, which leads to fighting and drama despite their best attempts to remain civil. Adam Driver plays theater director Charlie Barber.
The movie is an empathetic, heartbreaking, and surprisingly funny look at the end of a relationship. Outstanding performances elevate the film and give audiences a reason to care about both Charlie and his wife Nicole. It is a grounded and compelling film that captures the heartbreak and complicated emotions of breaking up, making Marriage Story one of the best original movies from a streaming service to date.
Jared Leto In Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
A long-awaited follow-up to the beloved classic, Blade Runner 2049 is a sci-fi noir film that follows a replicant blade runner who unwittingly gets caught up in a massive conspiracy that could lead to an all-out war between humans and replicants. Jared Leto plays Niander Wallace, an eccentric businessman who is determined to perfect replicant reproduction so he can expand interplanetary colonization.
Like the original, the film is an incredible piece of filmmaking that uses its futuristic setting to raise universal questions about human nature. Gorgeous cinematography, a deliberate slow-burn plot that subverts expectations, and thought-provoking themes all make Blade Runner 2049 one of the best sci-fi films in recent history.
Lady Gaga In A Star Is Born (2018)
2018's A Star is Born is the most recent retelling of the iconic story. The romantic drama follows a loving but tortured relationship between an alcoholic musician and an up-and-coming singer. Lady Gaga stars as singer Ally Maine.
The film is a nuanced and well-written look at the dynamic between the two main characters as they try to mix their personal and professional lives. A Star is Born is a major turning point in Lady Gaga's acting career, cementing her as a legitimate leading actress while also showcasing her incredible singing ability. She earned a well-deserved Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and won an Oscar for Best Song for her hit "Shallow."