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Robert De Niro is one of today’s most acclaimed film actors. Whether you are a daily film-goer or only occasionally peep out from a game of online roulette, you’ll known the name as De Niro is one of the biggest stars in movie history.
He was born on August 17, 1943, in New York City and then grew up in Manhattan’s Little Italy district.
The young De Niro showed an early interest in acting and attended drama schools. His breakthrough came with a role in ‘Mean Streets’ directed by Martin Scorsese in 1973.
De Niro’s best films
His prolific career now spans decades. Everyone has their favorite De Niro movie.
These are the his best movies according to ratings given by film experts:
Taxi Driver (1976)
In this Martin Scorsese film, De Niro plays an unstable Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York.
De Niro’s portrayal is intense, scary and rather believable. He has a sense of simmering rage that eventually descends into madness.
De Niro’s meticulous preparation included driving taxis around New York. The performance earned him an Academy Award nomination.
Raging Bull (1980)
On paper it’s a biographical sports drama, again directed by Martin Scorsese. But in the lead role De Niro delivers an amazing performance as a troubled boxer with self-destructive tendencies.
De Niro’s preparation included gaining weight for the boxer’s later years. The performance earned him his second Academy Award for Best Actor.
Goodfellas (1990)
Another Scorsese blockbuster, Goodfellas is a mafia crime drama based on a true story. De Niro plays a seasoned and ruthless gangster who exudes charisma and menace.
His character commands the screen with authority and danger. De Niro’s performance adds to the film’s exploration of betrayal and the appeal of the criminal underworld.
Casino (1995)
Teaming up with Martin Scorsese again, Casino saw De Niro star in another is a crime epic.
This time it features the world of Las Vegas casinos and organized crime. De Niro portrays an ambitious casino executive with ties to the mob.
De Niro’s performance is full of subtlety, capturing his character’s intelligence, shrewdness and eventual downfall. His chemistry with co-star Joe Pesci helps make Casino a classic portrayal of power and greed.
The Deer Hunter (1978)
This epic war drama was directed by Michael Cimino. In it, De Niro stars as a Pennsylvania steelworker who enlists in the Vietnam War with his friends.
The Deer Hunter explores the psychological toll of war. De Niro’s haunting performance shows the journey from idealistic young man to traumatized veteran.
His role is understated yet powerful, conveying his inner struggles that contribute to the film’s theme of the search for meaning in the face of extreme adversity.
A Bronx Tale (1993)
This crime drama was directed by and starred De Niro. He plays a hardworking and principled father who tries to steer his son away from the allure of organized crime.
His understated performance is acclaimed as moving and authentic. The film as a whole explores themes of family and personal identity.
De Niro’s directorial debut received critical acclaim for its touching and thought-provoking performances, direction, and screenplay.
Heat (1995)
This time directed by Michael Mann, De Niro is pitted against Al Pacino in a gripping crime drama.
He plays a career criminal leading a team of professional thieves. He is driven by his code of honor and pursuit of perfection through meticulous planning.
De Niro’s chemistry with Pacino makes Heat a compelling story of loyalty, obsession and the thin line between cops and criminals.
De Niro’s career
De Niro’s career is one of the most acclaimed in showbusiness. It is consistently marked by his talent, versatility and obvious dedication to his craft.
He won his first Academy Award for The Godfather Part II (1974) and throughout the 1970s and 1980s, collaborated with director Martin Scorsese on iconic films earning him multiple Oscar nominations.
De Niro’s career has often involved transformative performances where he undergoes physical changes to fully embody his characters.
He’s known for his ability to disappear into his movie roles, whether it’s portraying a troubled Vietnam War veteran in The Deer Hunter or a calculating mobster in Casino.
In addition to his work as an actor, De Niro has had success in the world of directing and producing. He co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival in 2002 to promote independent cinema and support new filmmakers.
Over the years, De Niro has continued to deliver compelling performances, cementing his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
His contributions to cinema have earned him numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe and the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement. He’s still making films now – so expect more awards to be added to that list soon.