We were delighted last week to hear that Gary Oldman had received his first ever Oscar nomination for Best Actor in his role as M16 agent George Smiley in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. So to round up the week, we’re focusing on the best movies which showcase his brilliant acting talents. If you’re stuck for something to watch this weekend why not try out one of the following?
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Released on Blu-ray earlier this week, the movie that saw Oldman scoop his first academy nomination is Tomas Alfredson’s Cold War thriller. Joined by the supreme acting talents of Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Benedict Cumberbatch and Mark Strong, Oldman leads the acclaimed adaptation based on John le Carré’s spy novel. MI6 agent Smiley (Oldman) investigates intelligence that suggests there is a mole at the centre of the service’s London headquarters and soon finds himself drawn into a web of betrayal and deceit in an effort to unmask the double agent who has fooled him, and his colleagues, for decades. Extras on the Blu-ray include in-depth audio commentaries with Oldman and Alfredson, plus interviews with le Carré and the movie’s screenwriter Peter Straughan. A variety of featurettes give audiences special insights from the stellar cast and Oldman fondly recalls bringing to life one of literature’s most intriguing characters. The ins and outs of Cold War operations, photo galleries and a look at the UK premiere complete the pack.
Leon
Jean Reno stars as a ruthless hit man Leon who forms a close friendship with his orphaned neighbour Matilda (Natalie Portman). Featuring an outstanding portrayal by Oldman as sadistic cop Stansfield, this touching film combines action and remarkable emotion culminating in one of his finest performances to date. The BD includes a retrospective look back at the movie from the cast and crew alongside interesting information regarding the film’s storyline and production. Featurettes on the characters including documentary Jean Reno: The Road to Leon take a close look at each of the main actor’s performances and evolutions throughout the movie.
The Dark Knight / Batman Begins box set
And finally, we couldn’t omit a nod to Oldman’s brilliant turn as Jim Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s re-imagining of the caped crusader’s clashes in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. With a cast comprising of a who’s who of Hollywood such as Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhaal and the late Heath Ledger, these BDs boast action, romance and special effects that are sure to impress. Ledger even scooped an academy award of his own, picking a posthumous Oscar for his role as the Joker in The Dark Knight. Comprising of a feast of extras, the set includes documentaries Gotham Uncovered, Batman Unmasked and Batman Tech, which takes viewers on a 360 degree look at the set design, props, weaponry, stunts and special effects. Multiple interviews with cast and crew on the performances, script and Ledger’s contribution, alongside poster art and production stills, complete the pack.
So what do you think of our choices? Hit the comments to tell us about your favourite Gary Oldman movies, or tell us what else you’ll be looking forward to watching on Blu-ray this weekend.
