In the process, the movie skewers media spin and the insanity of modern politics.
He’s helped by a game supporting cast who add depth to the grotesque political circus.
Highlights include a scene-stealingAlan Rickmanand a hilarious appearance byJames Spaderas a bizarre newscaster.
Image via Tri-Star Pictures
Robbins’s performance anchors all this, tethering the fantastical elements to genuine emotional stakes.
The fun, crackling dialogue is an added bonus.
On the other end of the cinematic spectrum is the neo-noir thrillerArlington Road.
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As Faraday digs deeper, he uncovers a web of domestic terrorism and paranoia.
Robbins plays Lang with unnerving subtlety, blending charm and menace in equal measure.
Bridges andJoan Cusackare also terrific, their nuanced performances significantly elevating the material.
Even confined to a hospital bed, he carries a rugged warmth and a determined, almost playful energy.
The two characters become change catalysts for one another.
5’Jacob’s Ladder' (1990)
Directed by Adrian Lyne
“Dream on.”
The originalJacob’s Ladderis a brilliant psychological horror, miles above its tepid 2019 remake.
Here, Robbins is Jacob Singer, a Vietnam War vet plagued by hallucinations and fragmented memories.
you could’t help but feel every ounce of his confusion and dread.
“Short Cutsis a sprawling masterpiece fromRobert Altman, the greatest orchestrator of ensemble casts.
The movie weaves together multiple storylines, all loosely connected, to create a mosaic of suburban malaise.
The stars include the likes ofJulianne Moore,Robert Downey Jr., andFrances McDormand.
He’s a contradictory figure; charming and repellent, funny and infuriating.
It’s strong work.
Even among a vast cast of heavy hitters, Robbins manages to leave a lasting impression.
He and the director clearly had great creative synergy.
Robbins' work with Altman onShort Cutsis great, but his star turn inThe Playeris on another level entirely.
“Mystic Riveris a drama soaked in tragedy, ranking amongClint Eastwood’s very best work as a director.
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Robbins has one of the major roles as Dave Boyle, a man forever scarred by a childhood abduction.
Every line he speaks, every nervous glance, feels weighty and real.
It’s a challenging role, but he more than rises to the challenge.
It won him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar (Penn took home Best Actor).
While it’s obviously heavy going,Mystic Riverremains a brooding, skillfully executed piece.
It’s aged well and is still movingly deep and sorrowful.
The originalStephen Kingnovella is good, butFrank Darabontand the cast transform it intoa legitimate masterpiece.
There aren’t many male friendships like this in cinema.
NEXT:10 Essential Cary Grant Movies, Ranked
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Over the course of several years, two convicts form a friendship, seeking consolation and, eventually, redemption through basic compassion.
