1. Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II (1974): Robert De Niro received an Academy Award for his performance as Vito Corleone, the head of a powerful organized crime family. His powerful, brooding portrayal of the legendary character is one of the greatest performances in the history of cinema, and one of his most iconic roles.
2. Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver (1976): In Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, De Niro starred as Travis Bickle, a disturbed and lonely taxi driver who seeks to clean up the streets of New York City. His intense performance and chilling monologues earned him an Academy Award nomination. Whether we sympathize with Travis or not, De Niro’s performance is one of the most captivating in cinema.
3. Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull (1980): For his performance as Jake LaMotta, the troubled boxer in Martin Scorsese’s Raging Bull, De Niro earned an Academy Award for Best Actor. His raw and visceral portrayal of LaMotta, which included him gaining 60 pounds to accurately portray the boxer in his later years, is one of the most memorable performances of all time.
4. Max Cady in Cape Fear (1991): In this psychological thriller, De Niro stars as Max Cady, a menacing ex-convict who is determined to seek revenge on the lawyer who put him in prison. His chilling performance, which earned him an Academy Award nomination, is one of his best villainous roles.
5. Rupert Pupkin in The King of Comedy (1983): In this dark comedy, De Niro stars as Rupert Pupkin, an aspiring stand-up comic who will do anything to appear on television. His performance as the desperate and delusional dreamer won him critical acclaim, and is one of his most underrated roles.
Robert De Niro is a legendary Hollywood actor who has left an indelible mark on the film industry over the course of his illustrious career spanning nearly five decades. De Niro is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, and a British Film Academy Award. He has also been honored with the Kennedy Center Honors for his outstanding contribution to the movie industry. De Niro began his career in the early 1970s, appearing in films such as ‘Bang the Drum Slowly’ and ‘Mean Streets’. He quickly became one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood and went on to appear in films such as ‘The Godfather Part II’, ‘Taxi Driver’ and ‘Raging Bull’, for which he won an Academy Award. These films cemented De Niro’s position as one of the greatest actors of his generation. De Niro’s influence on the movie industry is undeniable. He has inspired generations of filmmakers and actors, and his uncompromising commitment to his craft has helped set new standards for quality in film. His films have pushed the boundaries of genre, style, and storytelling, and his roles have often explored complex themes and explored the depths of human emotions. De Niro has also been an important figure in the independent film movement. He has produced a number of films, including ‘The King of Comedy’ and ‘Goodfellas’, which helped to redefine the independent film landscape. He has also been a strong advocate for independent films, and has used his status and influence to help bring these films to a wider audience. In conclusion, it is clear that Robert De Niro has had an immense influence on the movie industry. His commitment to his craft, his willingness to explore complex themes, and his advocacy for independent films have all helped to shape the landscape of modern cinema. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire filmmakers and actors for years to come.
