Behind every genius is a great story ready to be brought to the silver screen. Biopics are becoming a regular occurrence in Hollywood, with script writers increasingly looking at influential figures to base movies on. Biopics tend to be a sure-fire way to make a hit movie – engaging with existing fans of the lead character as well as introducing a whole new audience to the subject matter.
10.) Lincoln
Released earlier this year, Lincoln focuses on the professional and personal life of America’s most revered president. An icon for abolishing the slave trade which led to the end of the civil war, this movie is a must see for history buffs and fans of good winning over bad. This film saw Daniel Day Lewis winning an Oscar for his portrayal as Abraham Lincoln – what’s not to like.
9.) Milk
Sean Penn stars as Harvey Milk, telling the story of Milk’s struggles as an American gay activist who fought for gay rights and became America’s first openly gay elected official. An Oscar winning performance from Penn who bagged the leading man trophy, the movie also stars Josh Brolin as Dan White – Milk’s ongoing nemesis.
8.) The Last King of Scotland
Starring a plethora of acting talent; James McAvoy, For=rest Whitaker and Kerry Washington – this film focuses on the events of the brutal Ugandan dictator Idi Amin’s regime as seen by his personal physician during the 1970s. This film also scooped an Academy Award for Best Performance in a Leading Role which went to Forest Whitaker.
7.) Ghandi
Biography of Mohandas K. Gandhi, the lawyer who became the famed leader of the Indian revolts against the British rule through his philosophy of non-violent protest. A predominantly British cast – directed by national treasure Richard Attenborough, with Ben Kingsley playing the lead role and Edward Fox in support this is a truely stellar line-up. The film’s success critical and commercial success was highlighted at the 1972 Academ Awards where it scooped eight Oscars for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Director and Best Picture to name but a few.
6.) Lawrence of Arabia
Regularly polled as one of the best films of all time, Lwarence of Arabia focuses on the flamboyant and controversial British military figure; T.E. Lawrence and his conflicted loyalties during his World War I service in Arabia. Legendary hell raiser; Peter O’Toole bagged the lead role starring alongside Alec Guiness and Anthony Quinn. This film is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films in the history of cinema.
5.) The Master
Widely considered to be a biopic on Scientology leader Ron L Hubbard, The Master tells the story of a Naval veteran who arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future – until he is tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic leader. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman, be sure to make your judgement on this award worthy film.
4.) The King’s Speech
One of the most celebrated biopic’s of the past decade, The King’s Speech scooped four Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay, Best Motion Picture of the Year and Best Actor in a Leading Role. The story of King George VI of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it.
3.) Ray
This film spans the heartbreaking, inspiring and fascinating life and career of the legendary popular music pianist, Ray Charles. Starring Jamie Foxx in the lead role, he won Best Actor at the 2004 Academy Awards.
2.) Walk the Line
A chronicle of country music legend Johnny Cash’s life, from his early days on an Arkansas cotton farm to his rise to fame with Sun Records in Memphis, where he recorded alongside Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Cash’s story is truly fascinating focusing on his relationship with true love June Carter, his reoccurring drug addiction and strained family relations to name but a few.
1.) Hitchcock
A biopic of legendary British film director Alfred Hitchcock, arguably the most successful director of all time, this film is love story between influential filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and wife Alma Reville during the filming of Psycho in 1959. The movie focusing on Hitchcock’s relationship with his wife whilst juggling working with his leading ladies Janet Leigh and Vera Miles, be sure to grab your copy when the film is released on Blu-ray and DVD from 17 June, 2013.
Hitchcock will be release on DVD and BluRay on Monday, 17th June.
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