Laurence Olivier, often considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century, made an indelible mark on both stage and screen. His career spanned over five decades, and he became synonymous with Shakespearean performances, as well as iconic roles in classic films. Olivier’s ability to seamlessly transform into different characters, from tragic heroes to menacing villains, was unparalleled. Below are ten must-watch Laurence Olivier films that showcase his immense talent and the breadth of his career.
1. Hamlet (1948)
One of the most celebrated adaptations of Shakespeare, Hamlet is perhaps Olivier’s most iconic film. He not only starred as the titular character but also directed the film, which went on to win four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Olivier.
In this film, Olivier brings Hamlet’s inner turmoil to life, expertly capturing the character’s struggles with morality, revenge, and madness. His soliloquies, particularly “To be, or not to be,” are legendary for their introspective depth and subtle delivery. Olivier’s direction, with its expressionist shadows and dream-like sequences, adds layers of psychological complexity to the story.
Olivier’s portrayal of Hamlet remains one of the definitive performances of the character, blending power with vulnerability. The film is a testament to his ability to make Shakespeare accessible to cinema audiences without losing the nuances of the original play.
2. Rebecca (1940)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Rebecca is a Gothic masterpiece adapted from Daphne du Maurier’s novel. In the film, Olivier plays Maxim de Winter, a brooding aristocrat haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca.
Olivier delivers a masterful performance as a man torn between his love for his new wife (played by Joan Fontaine) and his guilt and anguish over Rebecca’s mysterious death. His emotional restraint and intensity elevate the suspense and mystery surrounding the plot. Hitchcock’s direction, coupled with Olivier’s nuanced performance, ensures that the character of Maxim remains enigmatic and captivating throughout the film.
Rebecca is a suspenseful, beautifully crafted film that benefits from Olivier’s brooding presence, and it remains one of the most beloved classic films of its era.
3. Wuthering Heights (1939)
In Wuthering Heights, Olivier stars as Heathcliff, a dark and tortured character based on Emily Brontë’s tragic novel. His portrayal of the passionate, vengeful Heathcliff earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Olivier brings raw emotion and intensity to the role, capturing both Heathcliff’s undying love for Catherine (played by Merle Oberon) and his relentless quest for revenge. His ability to convey the character’s deep pain and longing, as well as his cruelty, makes Heathcliff a deeply complex and memorable figure.
The film remains a classic adaptation of Brontë’s novel, and Olivier’s performance is a significant reason why. His portrayal of Heathcliff has become iconic, showcasing his talent for playing deeply flawed and tortured characters.
4. Henry V (1944)
Another of Olivier’s celebrated Shakespearean adaptations, Henry V was directed, produced, and starred in by the actor himself. The film is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s play about the young King Henry V of England and his triumphant leadership in the Battle of Agincourt.
Olivier’s Henry V was released during World War II, and the film became a patriotic symbol for Britain. His portrayal of the young king is heroic, charismatic, and inspiring. The famous “St. Crispin’s Day” speech, delivered with power and conviction, remains one of Olivier’s most memorable moments on screen.
The film was a technical achievement for its time, with vibrant color cinematography and innovative production techniques that brought Shakespeare’s historical drama to life in a cinematic way. Henry V earned Olivier an honorary Academy Award for his outstanding achievement in bringing Shakespeare to the screen.
5. Richard III (1955)
In Richard III, Olivier once again took on the roles of actor and director, creating one of the most vivid and powerful portrayals of Shakespeare’s villainous monarch. Olivier’s Richard is a scheming, manipulative character who will stop at nothing to gain the throne.
Olivier’s performance is magnetic, blending charm with malevolence. His soliloquies, delivered directly to the audience, invite viewers into Richard’s cunning mind, making them complicit in his schemes. The film’s bold, theatrical style, with its rich costumes and colorful set designs, complements Olivier’s flamboyant portrayal of the character.
Richard III remains one of the finest Shakespeare adaptations on film, and Olivier’s performance is often considered one of the greatest screen portrayals of a villain in cinematic history.
6. The Entertainer (1960)
In The Entertainer, Olivier plays Archie Rice, a failing music hall performer in post-war Britain. Directed by Tony Richardson and based on the play by John Osborne, the film marked a departure for Olivier from the grand, classical roles he was known for.
Archie Rice is a complex, tragic character, and Olivier gives a deeply affecting performance as a man who is both desperate for success and resigned to failure. His portrayal of Archie, a man clinging to outdated traditions in a rapidly changing world, is filled with pathos and dark humor. Olivier captures the character’s vulnerability, bitterness, and self-delusion with remarkable subtlety.
The Entertainer was a critical success and earned Olivier another Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film is a poignant exploration of decline, both personal and societal, and Olivier’s performance is one of his most emotionally resonant.
7. Spartacus (1960)
In Stanley Kubrick’s epic Spartacus, Olivier plays the Roman general and politician Crassus, a ruthless and cunning antagonist to Kirk Douglas’s Spartacus. Olivier’s Crassus is a man of immense power and ambition, willing to use any means necessary to suppress the slave revolt led by Spartacus.
Olivier’s portrayal of Crassus is cold, calculating, and authoritative. He brings a sense of gravitas to the role, making Crassus both menacing and intellectually formidable. His famous “snails and oysters” scene, in which he subtly seduces his servant Antoninus (played by Tony Curtis), showcases Olivier’s ability to convey complex, subtextual emotions with precision.
Spartacus is a sweeping historical epic, and Olivier’s performance as Crassus adds layers of depth to the film’s exploration of power, freedom, and rebellion.
8. Marathon Man (1976)
In Marathon Man, Olivier plays Dr. Christian Szell, a former Nazi war criminal who engages in a terrifying game of cat and mouse with Dustin Hoffman’s character, Thomas “Babe” Levy. Directed by John Schlesinger, the film is a tense thriller that delves into themes of trauma, revenge, and survival.
Olivier’s performance as Szell is chilling and unforgettable. His portrayal of the sadistic dentist who tortures Levy in one of the film’s most famous scenes is deeply unsettling. Olivier brings a quiet menace to the character, making him one of the most terrifying villains in film history.
The role earned Olivier an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and his performance in Marathon Man remains one of his most iconic late-career roles.
9. Othello (1965)
Olivier’s portrayal of Othello, the Moorish general consumed by jealousy, is one of his most ambitious Shakespearean roles. Directed by Stuart Burge, the film is a direct adaptation of the National Theatre production in which Olivier starred.
Olivier’s Othello is a powerful and emotional performance, filled with passion, anger, and vulnerability. He captures the character’s descent into madness as he becomes convinced of his wife Desdemona’s infidelity. Olivier’s portrayal of Othello’s tragic flaw—his overwhelming jealousy—is both heart-wrenching and terrifying.
Though the film has sparked controversy due to Olivier’s use of blackface, his performance remains a significant part of his legacy as one of the foremost interpreters of Shakespeare on screen. The film also earned him another Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
10. Sleuth (1972)
In Sleuth, Olivier stars opposite Michael Caine in a film that is a masterclass in acting and suspense. Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and based on the play by Anthony Shaffer, the film revolves around a psychological battle between Olivier’s character, Andrew Wyke, a wealthy crime novelist, and Caine’s Milo Tindle, his wife’s lover.
Olivier’s portrayal of Wyke is both charming and sinister. He plays the role of the manipulative intellectual with a gleeful sense of superiority, engaging in a deadly game of cat and mouse with Tindle. Olivier’s performance is filled with wit, arrogance, and a sense of theatricality that perfectly suits the film’s tone.
Sleuth is a brilliantly constructed film with numerous twists and turns, and Olivier’s performance keeps the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Conclusion
Laurence Olivier’s career is a testament to his versatility and mastery of the craft of acting. From his iconic Shakespearean roles to his portrayal of complex modern characters, Olivier brought a unique intensity and intelligence to every performance. These ten films represent some of his best work and are essential viewing for anyone interested in classic cinema and the art of acting. Whether playing tragic heroes, malevolent villains, or deeply flawed individuals, Olivier’s performances continue to captivate audiences and cement his legacy as one of the greatest actors of all time. His talent and passion for his craft have left a lasting impact on film and theatre, and these ten movies are just a glimpse of the profound legacy Laurence Olivier has left behind. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to his work, these films will undoubtedly give you a deeper appreciation for the artistry and brilliance of one of cinema’s most influential actors.