A fine actor and fine man...so many of his films touch me on some level mentally, emotionally...often quite
thought provoking.
His life is an inspiration to me-- an individual following his heart--and thereby ultimately experiencing
true happiness.
In addition to appreciating his large body of film work (see film recommendation list below) and his beautiful
musical compositions (August cd), I have a deep respect for the way he has chosen to live his life...doing what pleases him.
I appreciate and recommend the books: Anthony Hopkins-The Authorized Biography by Quentin Falk
(filled with recollections from Hopkins' life and career), and also the beautiful book Anthony Hopkins' Snowdonia.
The book, Snowdonia, is filled with beautiful photography of the Northern Wales wilderness area and packed with the history
of the land and its people.
As director Brett Ratner so beautifully expressed of Anthony Hopkins,"Not only is he one of the
greatest living actors today, but he is one of the greatest men I have ever met in my life...He taught me not only about acting.
Most of all he taught me about what it is to be a good person."
With a collection of over 60 Anthony Hopkins' films, I have listed some I particularly recommend below. This list
is by no means exhaustive, but are films I decided to list so if you are someone unfamiliar with the eclectic variety
of roles Hopkins has portrayed, I provide these film recommendations:
Instinct -- Beautiful performance with an important powerful message.
One of his films I most appreciate--not only for his fine performance, but for the message.
Shadowlands -- Beautiful. Story of C. S. Lewis' relationship with
his wife Joy; poignant exploration of life--its joy and sorrow.
Meet Joe Black -- Thought provoking, poignant, examination of what is really
important in our lives.
Silence of the Lambs; Hannibal; Red Dragon -- Enjoyed all three of these
films...most of all because of Hopkins' performances.
The Dawning -- Beautiful. Truth and justice must be fought for.
Audrey Rose -- Poignant. Powerful story of a father's love for his daughter.
The Human Stain -- Powerful thought-provoking drama
on the choices we must make on our life journey, the development of our character--our values--and social commentary on the
scourge of political correctness and judgmentality in its various forms.
The Bounty -- Very well made film of mutiny on the seas. Dramatic.
Hopkins gives a superb performance as Lieutenant Bligh - captain of the HMS The Bounty.
Hearts in Atlantis -- Refections on life, with an intriguing extra-sensory
element. Thoughtful, beautiful touching story.
Peter And Paul -- Excellent film in which Hopkins powerfully
depicts Saul/Paul in his courageous dedication and devotion to sharing his beliefs.
QB VII -- A study of the human heart, moving story of a doctor accusd of
being a Nazi collaboator in conducting medical experiments on Jews in a Nazi cocentration camp. Well made drama; 3-vhs
volume set.
The Elephant Man -- Beautiful, based on the true story.
The Trial -- Kafka's story comes to life with its powerful message. Though
Anthony Hopkins has only a 'cameo' appearance...it is a powerful part of this intriguing interesting film.
Eighty Four Charing Cross Road -- Poignant, true story of a long-distance
writing friendship between a writer in New York and a book collector/bookshop proprietor in London.
Surviving Picasso -- Hopkins captures the passion, creativity, and emotionalism
of Picasso.
The Tenth Man -- Excellent drama.
August -- Hopkins stars, directs, and its his beautiful musical compositions,
in this film based on Anton Chekov's Uncle Vanya.
Bram Stoker's Dracula -- Excellent adaptation of Stoker's novel...and very enjoyable.
Amistad-- Steven Spielberg film based
on the true story of enslaved Africans and their fate in their quest for freedom in America. Excellent!
In The Lion's Den with Anthony Hopkins - This informative well researched
PBS documentary was enhanced with Hopkins' own observations and feelings as he travels East Africa observing and learning
of wild lions. A must for anyone intrigued by lions...a must for any "cat person."
Magic -- Suspenseful and captivating performance! When buying the
video (VHS), I recommend making sure you get the original un-cut/ unedited R-rated version.
The Bunker -- Historically accurate & excellent portrayal of Hitler.
I was amazed at Hopkins' ability to portray Hitler so accurately from his mannerisms, personality, and emotions...This is
the best film I have ever seen so precisely portraying Hitler. Hopkins does an outstanding job.
Nixon -- Incredible portrayal by Hopkins.
Mussolini- The Decline and Fall of Il Duce -- Fascinating, informative
drama based on the true story of Benito Mussolini's fall and the struggle for power between Mussolini and his son-in-law and
heir-apparent Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs Galeazzo Ciano portrayed by Hopkins. Events depicted were filmed where
they actually occurred. True story excellently made into film.
War and Peace-- Excellent. 6-video VHS
set.
The Edge -- Excellent character development evolves in this suspenseful
adventure set in the Alaskan wilderness where the truth that the dangers from a corrupt human heart can outweigh or equal
the dangers of the wilderness.
The Lost Children of Berlin -- Hosted by Hopkins, this is a powerful documentary
(by Steven Spielberg) recounting the story of 50 Holocaust survivors who reunite at the elementary school they last knew each
other from. The testimonials are both a powerful remembrance and warning of the evil mankind has done... and can do.
All website material Copyright C. Smith 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008,2009, 2010.