Generally speaking, whenever I think of a leading man in Hollywood, the number one name I’d come up was Will Smith. Even after he lost that widely televised match of ‘Rock, Paper, Slap’ to Chris Rock and all of America at the Oscars earlier this year, I’d probably still put him on that list. Along with the likes of Leo, George, Brad, and a couple-a Toms.
But you know another name just as deserving of having residence on said list, Colin Farrell. There, I said it. And just like when it comes to my charming magnetic personality, I refuse to apologize. Colin Farrell is a hell of an actor, a fellow Irish fella and one of the greatest actors working today. What proof of said accusation you ask? Well, for starters, under the direction of frequent collaborator Martin McDonagh and alongside Brendan Gleeson in the fantastic “The Banshees of Inisherin,” Mr. Farrell is receiving some of the best reviews of his career.
With all the excitement surrounding this film, we at The Movie Buff thought why not take a walk down memory lane and take a look at five of Colin Farrell’s greatest performances. Spoiler warning: This is for film performances only. Otherwise, it would just be a stream of conscious rant of quotes from his “True Detective” Season 2 character, Ray Velcoro. Maybe that time will come, but for now, here are 5 Great Colin Farrell Performances.
‘In Bruges’ (2008)
Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson in “In Bruges.” (Photo: Focus Features).
Teaming with Director Martin McDonagh and fellow actor Brendan Gleeson for the first time, “In Bruges” is everything you can ask for in a black comedy. The laughs only truly hit when juxtaposed with the horrors of being a hitman. “The Banshees of Inisherin” very much feels like a spiritual successor, much in the vein of Edgar Wright’s ‘Cornetto Trilogy.’ A lot of the humor with “In Bruges” comes at a high price; but Farrell’s undeniable charm carries the film through its numerous hills and valleys of uncomfortable tension.
‘Horrible Bosses’ (2011)
Colin Farrell in “Horrible Bosses.” (Photo: New Line Cinema).
Talk about a transformative performance. “Horrible Bosses” is one of the greatest comedies since the turn of the Century. Playing the entitled, arrogant, and downright disgusting Bobby Pellitt, Colin Farrell is a drug politically incorrect man-child with a complete lack of regard for anyone or anything that comes in his path. And I gotta tell ya, I love it! Nearly unrecognizable under a fat suit and a comb-over wig, Farrell is as hilarious as he is offensive and delivers a legit ton of hilarious lines. At a time where his career could have gone a couple different ways, he chose to look inward and turn the joke on himself. He essentially eschews his pretty-boy persona and provides one of the best—and downright most hilarious—performances of his career.
‘Seven Psychopaths’ (2012)
Colin Farrell in “Seven Psychopaths.” (Photo: CBS Films).
Another black comedy, another turn with director Martin McDonagh and another wonderfully dark and hilarious film. “Seven Psychopaths” is an absolute trip. The characters are so off the wall that it’s though Farrell’s grounded Marty Faranan that the audience is guided through this circus of homicidal maniacs. In a film with Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, and my lord and savior almighty, Christopher Walken, having the standout performance is no easy feat. But that is exactly what we get from Colin Farrell here.
‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ (2017)
Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell in “The Killing of a Sacred Deer.” (Photo: A24).
So let me just start this off by saying, I have no idea what this movie is about, no clue what the characters are doing or their motivations for doing so. “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” is so unsettling and strange and uncomfortable that I would be doing everyone reading this an injustice if I didn’t include it. Go stream it. Watch it. Be confused. Be unsettled. But I guarantee you will be 100% entertained and intrigued. Or completely disgusted. Maybe you will be completely disgusted. And if you are, that’s on you. You’re an adult. Make your own decisions.
‘The Batman’ (2022)
Colin Farrell is unrecognizable as ‘The Penguin’ in “The Batman.” (Photo: Warner Bros.).
Sweetheart, relax. Of course I was going to touch upon his insanely fantastic take as Oswald Cobblepot in Matt Reeves awesome “The Batman.” The Penguin is no easy role to take on. Not with the shadow of Danny DeVito in a pre-Warthog era, completely mesmerizing and grossing out the masses with his portrayal in Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns.”
But in a film full of excellent portrayals of classic comic book characters, Farrell owned the friggin’ show. One part Robert De Niro, One part Jeffery Tambor from “Tales From the Crypt,” Colin Farrell again goes the distance in terms of look with a truly magnificent and unrecognizable take on the classic character. As the DECU is in shambles right now, the one thing we should all be hopeful for is that we get the promised HBO Max show based around Farrell’s character. We need that. For Christmas. Get it on your list the Jolly Fat Man and make it happen!
Do you have a Colin Farrell performance that we forgot? Let us know in the comments below, or hit us up on social media on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
2 Comments
One of my fav underappreciated performances by him was when he played the alcoholic dad in Saving Mr Banks. Very brief screen time but left a lasting impression .
Colin Farrell’s acting prowess shines in a diverse range of roles, from “Minority Report” to “The Banshees of Inisherin.” His talent is a true asset to the world of cinema.