1. Ray 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 158220, ID: 0350258 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Jamie Foxx’s portrayal of Ray Charles in ‘Ray’ is a testament to the actor’s dedication. Foxx, in order to authentically portray the blind musician, agreed to have prosthetic eyelids glued over his eyes for 14 days. This commitment to the role not only showcases Foxx’s incredible skill but also his respect for the character he was portraying. The movie itself is a compelling biopic, capturing Charles’s musical genius and personal struggles.
2. The Danish Girl 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 200160, ID: 0810819 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Eddie Redmayne’s performance in ‘The Danish Girl’ is a poignant depiction of Lili Elbe, one of the first-known recipients of sex reassignment surgery. While there’s no specific skill Redmayne had to learn, his transformation into Lili required immense emotional depth and understanding. The film beautifully captures this journey, making it a significant piece in cinema that discusses transgender experiences.
3. Dallas Buyers Club 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 523018, ID: 0790636 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 In ‘Dallas Buyers Club’, Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto deliver performances that are models of both emotional and physical commitment. Both actors lost significant weight to portray the ravages of AIDS on their characters. The film, based on the true story of Ron Woodroof, is a raw and gritty depiction of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s.
4. The Fighter 2010，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 391175, ID: 0964517 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 While there’s no specific mention of the skills learned by the actors in ‘The Fighter’, the film is a powerful drama that showcases the world of boxing. The performances, particularly by Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, are lauded for their authenticity. The film is a testament to the actors’ dedication to their roles, even if the specific skills they learned aren’t highlighted.
5. The King’s Speech 2010，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 711129, ID: 1504320 Photo by popkult.blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Colin Firth’s performance in ‘The King’s Speech’ as King George VI, a monarch with a stammer, is a masterclass in acting. While there’s no specific mention of the skills Firth had to learn, his portrayal of a king struggling with speech impediment is deeply moving. The film is a heartening story of overcoming personal obstacles to fulfill one’s duty.
6. The Grand Budapest Hotel 2014，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 894883, ID: 2278388 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Grand Budapest Hotel is a visually stunning film that transports viewers to another time and place. The film’s charm lies in its meticulous design and the performance of Ralph Fiennes as M. Gustave. What’s remarkable is the dedication of the actors, especially Jeff Goldblum, who prepared for his role by re-watching the film and reading subtitles. This film is a testament to the incredible skills actors learn for their roles, making it a captivating watch.
7. The Revenant 2015，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 883196, ID: 1663202 Photo by activehistory.ca, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Revenant is a film that showcases the sheer dedication of actors to their craft. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a performance of ferocious commitment, effectively transporting us to another time and place. His dedication extended to learning the Arikara Indigenous language for his role. This film is a testament to the lengths actors go to bring authenticity to their characters, making it a compelling watch.
8. The Walk 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 136271, ID: 3488710 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s portrayal of Philippe Petit in ‘The Walk’ is a testament to the actor’s dedication. He learned to tightrope walk, training with Petit himself. The film is a visual treat, with Gordon-Levitt’s performance adding to its charm.
9. Gorillas in the Mist: The Story of Dian Fossey 1988，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 29504, ID: 0095243 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 In ‘Gorillas in the Mist’, Sigourney Weaver plays Dian Fossey, a woman who devoted her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas. While the film doesn’t explicitly mention any special skills Weaver learned, her portrayal of Fossey’s passion and dedication is deeply moving.
10. I, Tonya 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 245356, ID: 5580036 Photo by newsfilter.gr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘I, Tonya’ is a darkly comedic tale that sees Margot Robbie transforming into Tonya Harding. Robbie learned to skate for the role, showcasing her commitment to authenticity. The film is a shrewd commentary on the instant gratification of tabloid television and the ugly business of high-stakes competition.
11. Black Swan 2010，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 832738, ID: 0947798 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 In ‘Black Swan’, Natalie Portman delivers a phenomenal performance as Nina Sayers, a ballet dancer who descends into madness. The film is a gripping exploration of the pursuit of artistic perfection and the psychological toll it takes. Portman’s dedication to her role is evident in her intense ballet training, which she undertook for several hours a day, sustaining multiple injuries in the process. This commitment to authenticity makes her performance all the more compelling.
12. The Theory of Everything 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 485297, ID: 2980516 Photo by geekblast.com.br, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘The Theory of Everything’ is a poignant biographical drama about renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. The film beautifully captures Hawking’s brilliance and resilience, despite his battle with motor neuron disease. Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of Hawking is remarkable, not only for his accurate depiction of the physical deterioration associated with the disease but also for his ability to convey Hawking’s enduring intellectual acuity.
13. La La Land 2016，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 682866, ID: 3783958 Photo by hackingchristianity.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘La La Land’ is a vibrant musical that explores the joys and heartbreaks of pursuing one’s dreams. The film stands out for its emphasis on music and movement, with Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone delivering captivating performances. Gosling, in particular, impresses with his piano skills, which he learned specifically for his role, demonstrating a deep commitment to his craft.
14. Whiplash 2014，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 1006345, ID: 2582802 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Whiplash’ is a riveting drama that delves into the relentless pursuit of perfection and the price one pays for greatness. The film’s protagonist, a young jazz drummer named Andrew, is portrayed by Miles Teller, who brings a raw intensity to his performance. His portrayal of Andrew’s obsession with perfection and the emotional turmoil he experiences is deeply impactful.
15. The Pianist 2002，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 924163, ID: 0253474 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘The Pianist’ is a harrowing account of survival during the Holocaust, told through the eyes of Polish Jewish musician Wladyslaw Szpilman. Adrien Brody’s portrayal of Szpilman is deeply moving, and his ability to play classical piano, a skill he learned for the film, adds a layer of authenticity that makes his performance even more compelling.
See the Wild Skills Actors Learned for These Famous Movies
