Top Ten Harvey Keitel Movies
Harvey Keitel first caught my attention in Reservoir Dogs and I realized how powerful of an on screen presence that he has. When he is on screen his deep voice and barrel chest make him a force to be reckoned with. As a character actor, he is spot on and is able to time and time again churn out memorable performances. Below is a list of my Top Ten Harvey Keitel Films:
10. ‘National Treasure’
National Treasure may be a mind numbing theater experience but Harvey Keitel is one reason I enjoyed the film. This is in no ways his best work, hence the location on this list, but he is a great addition to any cast and once again proves that he is capable of many different characters.
9. ‘Clockers’
One of my favorite Spike Lee movies is also a great Keitel film. I remember seeing this in theaters and I have only watched this fleetingly while its been on tv. If you have not seen this movie, Keitel is great but so is John Turtrurro.
8. ‘Red Dragon’
Rarely does a sequel or prequel work when a new cast is brought in but Red Dragon is an exception. Not only does Keitel star, so does Edward Norton and Phillip Seymour Hoffman and of course Anthony Hopkins. Great cast and once again a powerful Keitel performance.
7. ‘Cop Land’
I originally watched this in theaters but have not watched it again since. I am in need of a revisit to this gritty film noir world of Cop Land. Even in an all star cast, Keitel shines as usual.
6. ‘City of Industry’
Even though he plays a bad ass in this film like a lot of his movies, this movie also is unique in a lot of ways. If you are looking for a great film about vengeance and are looking for a lesser none Harvey Keitel film that you will love I think you should definitely see City of Industry.
5. “From Dusk Til Dawn’
Keitel’s second time on film with Tarantino is a fun ride through and through. I love his character in the movie, it really shows his versatility as an actor. His metamorphosis in the movie is also one that I love. He starts off being a mild mannered preacher and then turns into a vampire killing behemoth.
4. ‘Pulp Fiction’
Even though his role is very small in Pulp Fiction it is very memorable because of the situation when he arrives. His fast talking, no nonsense demeanor is what captivates me with his role in this film. I would have loved to have seen a film completely about his character. I guess too much of a good thing could be bad though.
3. ‘Taxi Driver’
Keitel’s relationship with Scorcese began with his role in ‘Mean Streats’. Even though that movie is a classic I have a strong affinity towards Taxi Driver. His long hair, wardrobe and his manner of speech made me believe he was a pimp. His role as Sport really stands out as one of his best performances on top of the film being a classic and a must see.
2. ‘Reservoir Dogs’
This is the role was gritty and powerful and really showed a lot of what he is capable of. I love his character and the entire look and feel of this movie. After seeing him in this movie I began to look for him in other movies and knew that if he was in the film it would usually mean its pretty decent. One of my favorite movies of all time, but not my favorite Keitel film.
1. ‘Bad Lieutenant’
Just when you think you have witnessed the most shocking part of the film Bad Lieutenant takes you further. This role may not be his best critically but I think Harvey Keitel shines in this film. His on screen presence is what makes this movie. There is no one else that could portray this character. Case and point, the recent remake with Nicolas Cage. This movie is disturbing but in a way that you cant stop watching.
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