Veteran actorJim Broadbenthas been acting in movies since the 70s and his presence alone is enough to inspire confidence in whatever film he appears in. Lincolnshire-born, Broadbent began his career on the stage as many English actors tend to do, before making their way to Hollywood or, more often, the British television industry. After some years on the stage, Broadbent got his first credited screen roles in 1978 withThe Life Story of BaalandThe Shout. After those small performances, the offers kept coming for Broadbent.
There have only been a handful of years without a Jim Broadbent movie and many with multiple performances.Broadbent specializes in kind characters but can go darkwhen he wants. The smile wrinkles on his face can darken, and his softly skeptical voice can become accusatory. He has a wide range for a man who seemingly plays similar characters.Broadbent has won the only Academy Award he’s ever been nominated forand the rest of his filmography, though unremarked by most award ceremonies, is filled with incredible performances.
Little Voice
Cast
Little Voice follows the story of LV, a reserved young woman who finds solace in her late father’s record collection. Her remarkable singing talent, discovered by her mother’s boyfriend, a talent agent, sets the stage for a series of events as she is persuaded to perform at a local nightclub.
Little Voiceis a British musical starring Jane Horrocks, Brenda Blethyn, Michael Caine, Ewan McGregor, and Jim Broadbent. The film follows Laura Hoff (Horrocks), a reclusive girl who people hauntingly call “Little Voice” or “LV” for her shyness and quiet speaking voice. When LV’s miraculous speaking voice is discovered, she’s brought to a club owned by Mr. Boo (Broadbent), a kindly gentleman looking for a new lounge singer. Broadbent is at his most charming here and turns what could be a sinister character into someone warm and inspiring.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, released in 2009, continues the saga of Harry Potter as he faces growing threats from Lord Voldemort. While navigating the complexities of teenage romance, Harry and Dumbledore seek crucial information to thwart Voldemort’s plans, leading to pivotal encounters that alter the dynamics of Hogwarts.
Jim Broadbent entered theHarry Potteruniverse inHarry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, returning forHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. He plays Professor Horace Slughorn, the status-obsessed, but ultimately good, potions professor in Harry’s sixth year. He’s also one ofthe few seemingly admirable Slytherins.One of the secret weapons of the success of theHarry Potterfilms was the casting of talented British actors in key roles, and Broadbent brings all his theatrical skills to only a handful of scenes, making him a memorable late-periodHarry Pottercharacter.
The Damned United
The Damned United, directed by Tom Hooper, chronicles Brian Clough’s tumultuous 44-day tenure as manager of Leeds United in 1974. The film explores Clough’s abrasive methods, his rivalry with predecessor Don Revie, and his dependence on right-hand man Peter Taylor, set against the backdrop of his earlier managerial career.
InThe Damned United, based on the 2006 novel by David Peace, Michael Sheen stars as a fictionalized version of Brian Clough, the ill-fated football manager of the 1974 Leeds United football team. Jim Broadbent co-stars as Sam Longson, the chairman of the Derby football team, which Clough managed before moving on to Leeds United. Anxious about his team’s prospects, Longson still wants to do what is best for his players, even if that means losing. It’s a classic Broadbent performance, andhe capably depicts all the frustration that comes with trying to lead a team with an intractable coach.
Gangs of New York
Gangs of New York, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a historical drama that explores the violent rivalries between immigrant groups in 19th-century New York City. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Amsterdam Vallon, who returns to the Five Points area seeking revenge against Bill the Butcher, played by Daniel Day-Lewis. The film dramatizes the socio-political unrest in America during that era, highlighting issues like gang warfare and ethnic tension.
Gangs of New Yorkis a messy butunderrated Martin Scorsese movieabout the beginnings of New York City, and the formation of gang culture that would come to obsess the director, as shown by his filmography. Featuring an all-star cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Daniel Day-Lewis, and John C. Reilly, Jim Broadbent manages to stand out as Boss Tweed, the corrupt mayor of New York City. Broadbent is smarmy and funny, and his hostile interactions with everyone are some of the high points of the film.
Moulin Rouge!
Moulin Rouge! follows Christian, a young writer in Paris, who falls in love with Satine, the star courtesan of the Moulin Rouge cabaret. As they begin a passionate affair, they must hide their love from the jealous Duke, who is funding Satine’s next show.
Baz Luhrmann’sMoulin Rouge!is a somewhat divisive film, with some viewing it as a triumphant post-modern musical and others finding fault with its excesses and flamboyance. The film follows Christian (Ewan McGregor), a Scottish poet who falls in love with the star of the Moulin Rouge, a cabaret actress and courtesan, Satine (Nicole Kidman). Jim Broadbent co-stars as Harold Zidler, the owner of the Moulin Rouge. Unscrupulous and conniving, Broadbent still plays the character with a kind heart, and lets it peak out enough to give an extra dimension to the character.
Nicholas Nickleby
Nicholas Nickleby (2002) is a period drama film that follows the journey of Nicholas, a young man who must navigate numerous challenges and injustices to support his family after the death of his father. Set in 19th century England, the film captures the struggles and resilience of its characters, drawing on themes of compassion and determination against adversity.
Nicholas Nicklebyis one of many adaptations of the famous Charles Dickens novel,The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, this one starringCharlie Hunnam in one of his most memorable roles. Jim Broadbent co-stars as Wackford Squeers, a sinister and abusive man who runs his boarding school like a prison.Broadbent rarely dips into these types of nasty roles, but when he does, he shows just how much range he hasas an actor. It’s a funny performance, with his charm still in full effect, but he spins it into something abrasive for a delightfully sinful performance.
The Iron Lady
The Iron Lady is a biographical drama based on British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, portrayed by Meryl Streep. The film explores Thatcher’s rise to power, her policies, and her legacy, as well as her struggles with dementia in her later years.
WhileMeryl Streep is rightfully the main takeawayfromThe Iron Ladywith her uncanny performance as the titular PM, Margaret Thatcher, Jim Broadbent gives a fantastic show as her husband, Denis Thatcher. The film tracks Margaret’s life from her younger years to the waning ones when she began experiencing symptoms of dementia. Denis is mostly in the film as a spirit, but Broadbent is as much a part of the story as anyone with his sad, but somehow still cheerful performance. It’s Streep at the top of her game, but Broadbent is there with her every step of the way.
Hot Fuzz
The second film in Edgar Wright’s Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, Hot Fuzz stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as two policemen who investigate a seemingly idyllic community in the English countryside. After London hotshot policeman Nicholas Angel is transferred to the sleepy town of Sandford, he finds himself partnered with bumbling local officer Danny Butterman (Nick Frost). However, the pair soon discover that Sandford is not all it appears to be, uncovering shocking secrets that will shake the town to its very core.
The second film inEdgar Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy,Hot Fuzzstars Simon Pegg as Police Sergeant Nicholas Angel, who has recently been “promoted” from London to a backwater English village where everything seems perfectly lawful. Underneath the idyllic smiles and shrubbery is a murderous conspiracy that Angel uncovers. Jim Broadbent co-stars as Police Inspector Frank Butterman, the head of the local department. His silly, careless attitude belies some secrets and when Broadbent makes his turn, the actor shows how he can play formidable as much as he can play harmless.
The Sense of an Ending
The Sense of an Ending follows a man who is confronted by his past when he receives a mysterious legacy. This prompts him to re-evaluate his life and the implications of his past actions. The film explores themes of memory, regret, and self-discovery.
The Sense of an Endingis a mystery drama based on the book of the same name by Julian Barnes. Jim Broadbent stars as Anthony “Tony” Webster, an elderly owner of a camera shop who receives the diary of a girlfriend from his youth. So begins a journey into the past whereideas of memory and reality are juxtaposed to show how difficult it can be to uncover the “truth”. While the film may be a bit too light, Broadbent’s performance is anything but. It’s his portrayal of Tony that keepsThe Sense of an Endingfrom flittering away.
Another Year
Another Year follows a content couple nearing retirement, who spend their year engaging with friends and family. These visitors, contrastingly discontent with their own lives, navigate personal struggles through interactions with the couple, creating a narrative that delves into the complexities of human relationships.
Another Yeardepicts the year in the life of an elderly married couple, Tom (Jim Broadbent) and Gerri Hepple (Ruth Sheen). Unlike their friends, the Hepples have remained firmly in love since they were young. Over the course of a year, the Hepple’s experience the different forms of love and regret their friends and family go through, all while they remain bonded. It’s a softly sweet film that does not hide the sadder parts of loneliness and life. Broadbent fully realizes Tom, making him seem like a real person, even when he’s just silently listening.
