March 21 marks the birthday of the outstanding actor Gary Oldman. He gained popularity after playing leading roles in the films “Sid and Nancy” and “Prick Up Your Ears.” At that time, film critics called Oldman the best young actor of our time. Oldman cemented his popularity by starring in two cult franchises.
Oldman’s name is strongly associated with Commissioner Gordon from Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy and Sirius Black from the Harry Potter series of films, based on the bestselling book of the same name.
Gary Oldman married four times. In 1987, he married actress Lesley Manville. This union did not last even three years. The reason for the breakup was Uma Thurman, with whom Gary fell in love.
In 1990, Oldman and Thurman got married, and two years later they separated. Five years after breaking up with Thurman, the actor married Dona Fiorentino.
His fourth and final wife was jazz singer Alexandra Edenborough. They got married in 2008 and are still together.
Sid and Nancy (1986)
The path to Hollywood for the actor was paved by his work in the film “Sid and Nancy.” In 1986, Gary Oldman played the role of the infamous Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious.
For this role, Oldman lost a lot of weight and even had to be hospitalized. His efforts were positively assessed by former Sex Pistols vocalist John Lydon. In his memoirs, he called Oldman “a damn good actor.”
Interestingly, Gary Oldman agreed to play the role of Sid Vicious only the third time. Director Alex Cox had to offer the actor a high fee.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (1990)
The film tells about the events described in Shakespeare’s Hamlet through the eyes of two characters – the simple-minded and rude Rosencrantz and the reflective Guildenstern. At the Venice Film Festival in 1990, the film received the Golden Lion. And Oldman himself was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award in the Best Actor category.
Prick Up Your Ears (1987)
The film tells the story of the life and tragic death of Joe Orton, a homosexual playwright. His short but brilliant career gave the world the brilliant farces “Prey,” “Entertaining Mr. Sloane” and “What the Butler Saw.”
The writer was born in Leicester and died at the age of 34 in 1967. His lover Kenneth Halliwell fractured his skull with a hammer. And then he swallowed two handfuls of Nembutal to commit suicide.
For his role in this film by Stephen Frears, Gary Oldman was nominated for a BAFTA Award in the Best Actor category.
Leon (1994)
In “Leon” by Luc Besson, Oldman’s characteristic role was most clearly manifested. He demonstrated his skill in playing the roles of sadists, villains, repulsive characters, but at the same time terribly charismatic. His hero Norman is a drug addict, a sadist and also a corrupt policeman.
Oldman’s sadist turned out to be so realistic that his Norman was included in the list of “The 100 Best Movie Villains of All Time.”
The Dark Knight (2008)
The fantasy action film The Dark Knight is the second part of director Christopher Nolan’s trilogy about the superhero Batman. He plans to end his secret life, realizing that the city really needs prosecutor Harvey Dent.
At this time, another threat looms over Gotham in the form of a criminal nicknamed the Joker. The lives of Wayne and Dent change dramatically, because the new enemy is very cunning and smart. He is able to release the dark insides of both heroes.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
The film takes place in London at the end of the 19th century. Jonathan Harker, a lawyer by training, and his beautiful bride Mina are happy, they love each other and want to be together.
However, Jonathan must visit Count Dracula, who lives in Transylvania. Jonathan’s client plans to purchase real estate in the capital of Foggy Albion, and wants to entrust this matter to his lawyer. It’s just a pity that Dracula’s true face is hidden from Jonat.
The film was repeatedly nominated for various awards and has many awards, including three Oscars for best costumes, best sound editing and best makeup.
JFK (1991)
In 1988, Oliver Stone offered Oldman the role of Lee Harvey Oswald, the alleged assassin of President John F. Kennedy, in his famous film John F. Kennedy. Shots fired in Dallas.”
The film was highly praised by critics. This is confirmed by eight Oscar nominations, including two wins.
According to the story, when US President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, the whole world was shocked. Meanwhile, Vice President Lyndon Johnson takes the oath of office on the plane, and the police arrest Lee Harvey Oswald, a former Marine, and charge him with the murder of the President. However, New Orleans District Attorney Jim Harrison doubts the veracity of the official version and begins his own investigation.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
A retired British intelligence officer is behind the scenes involved in the capture of a Russian spy in the heart of England. The day before, many raised the question that there was a mole in intelligence, but the authorities brushed aside the undermining general suspicions.
For his role in this film, Gary Oldman was awarded the Empire Awards for Best Actor and nominated for an Oscar.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
The ALZ-113 virus, or as it is otherwise called “Monkey Flu,” has captured almost the entire Earth, thereby destroying almost all life. There is no electricity in the cities and there is complete chaos. Those who survived after such a severe infection are trying to survive in “primitive” conditions.
Darkest Hour (2017)
Having tried on dozens of roles and played many colorful characters, Gary Oldman received his first big awards only towards the end of his fifties.
In Joe Wright’s biopic, he played Winston Churchill during the outbreak of World War II. Due to the incredible amount of makeup, Oldman was practically unrecognizable. He was exactly like the British prime minister and, as a result, received all three major awards of the season – Golden Globe, Oscar and BAFTA.