10 Greatest Films Starring Actors over 75

Hollywood pursues a young demographic, and that means great parts for older actors are harder to find. I’d like to use this week’s post to highlight some great performances from actors over seventy-five.

10. The Hunger Games (2012) — Donald Sutherland (born 17 July, 1935) — This is really for all four Hunger Games films. Between the ages of seventy-six and eighty, Sutherland gave a delightfully evil performance as the dastardly President Snow.

“Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effective. A lot of hope is dangerous. A spark is fine, as long as it’s contained.” — President Snow

9. The Judge (2014) — Robert Duvall (born 5 January, 1931) was eighty-three when he went toe to toe with Robert Downey Jr. The script has some weaknesses, but these two men together make the film well worth watching. For more Robert Duvall — 10 Greatest Films of Robert Duvall

“Let me tell you something, okay? I put a roof over your head, money in your pocket, clothes on your back… food in your mouth! Who paid for that college education? I never showed up to kiss your ass, but your mother? She’s a house wife! Why couldn’t you swallow your God damned pride and just come home to her? You tell me why!” — Judge Palmer

8. Mr. Holmes (2015) — Sir Ian McKellan (born 25 May, 1939) was seventy-six when he played Sherlock Holmes at two ages about 63 and 93. Becoming a senior citizen did wonders for Sir Ian’s career — he’s become a star of two giant franchises (Lord of the Ringsand The X-Men) a television series (Vicious) and appeared in about two dozen movies.

“Because when you’re a detective, and a man comes to see you, it’s usually about his wife.” — Sherlock Holmes

7. On Golden Pond (1981) — Henry Fonda (born 16 May, 1905) was 76 when he starred in this movie, for which Hepburn and Henry Fonda both received Oscars. It’s a story of relationships — an elderly couple, a father and daughter, a man and his future son-in-law. For more Henry Fonda — 10 Greatest Films of Henry Fonda

“You want to know why I came back so fast? I got to the end of our lane. I couldn’t remember where the old town road was. I went a little ways in the woods. There was nothing familiar. Not one damn tree. Scared me half to death. That’s why I came running back here to you. So I could see your pretty face and I could feel safe and that I was still me.” — Norman Thayer Jr.

6. The Straight Story (1999) — Richard Farnsworth (born 1 September, 1920) was seventy-nine when he starred in this film that tells the true story of Alvin Straight, a seventy-seven year old man who when his older brother had a stroke, set off on a 250 mile journey on his riding mower, to visit the brother.

“There’s no one knows your life better than a brother that’s near your age. He knows who you are and what you are better than anyone on earth. My brother and I said some unforgivable things the last time we met, but, I’m trying to put that behind me… and this trip is a hard swallow of my pride. I just hope I’m not too late… a brother’s a brother.” — Alvin Straight

5. Youth (2015) — Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel could be named here. Caine (born 14 March, 1933) plays a retired musical composer and conductor on vacation at a Swiss resort, with his daughter (played by Rachel Weisz) and lifelong friend (played by Keitel) in this quirky Italian film. For more Michael Caine — 10 Greatest Films of Michael Caine

“Well, he once said intellectuals had no taste. And from that moment on, I did everything I could not to become an intellectual. And I succeeded.” — Fred Ballinger

4. Nebraska (2013) — Bruce Dern (born 4 June, 1936) was seventy-seven when he starred in Alexander Payne’s lovely small movie about a father and son becoming reacquainted. The film also provided good work for fellow septuagenarians June Squibb and Stacy Keach.

“I like to screw, and your mother’s a Catholic, so you figure it out.” — Woody Grant

3. Gran Torino (2008) — Clint Eastwood (born 31 May, 1930) was 78 when he starred in and directed this examination of an elderly man coming to terms with decades old guilt, his own prejudices, and his own mortality.

It also looks at the near hopeless situation of youth in gang controlled decaying neighbourhoods — and as typical with Eastwood’s films, it does it at a relaxed and confidant pace.

Gran Torino opens with the funeral of Walt Kowalksi’s (Eastwood) wife. Walt Kowalski is a retired autoworker, living in a home he’s owned for decades, in a neighbourhood that has seen better days. Walt fought in the Korean war and had to do things, there, that have haunted him for more than 50 years. He was never able to fully bond with his two sons. Retired, he has little to do but maintain his immaculate lawn, wash and wax his 1972 Ford Gran Torino, and drink beer on the porch with his dog.

Next door to Walt is a Hmong family, with two teenage kids, Thao (Bee Vang) and Sue (Ahney Her). Thao is shy and a good kid but he is being harrassed/recruited by a local gang. Gran Torino is the story of Walt getting to know this family and finding a role for himself as their protector. The execution of the film is near flawless. The only weakness is in the inexperience of the young Hmong actors. There are no such scenes with Clint Eastwood. This is one of his finest performances. The man ain’t done yet. For more Clint Eastwood — 10 Greatest Films Directed by Clint Eastwood

“Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone.” — Walt Kowalski

2. The Last Station (2009) — Christopher Plummer (born 13 December 1929) was 79 when he played the legendary Russian writer. He’s aided by a note perfect performance from Helen Mirren.

“It doesn’t matter. If my heart stopped beating, I’d still go riding today.” — Leo Tolstoy

1. All is Lost (2013) — Robert Redford (born 18 August, 1936) was seventy-seven when he starred in this action packed one man show. One man, alone in a boat, experiencing a devastating storm. Hardly any dialogue. Robert Redford has to communicate his character’s experience purely through his physicality. This is an astounding movie to watch and an amazing physical performance from a 77-year old actor. For more Robert Redford — 10 Greatest Films of Robert Redford

“13th of July, 4:50 pm. I’m sorry. I know that means little at this point, but I am. I tried, I think you would all agree that I tried. To be true, to be strong, to be kind, to love, to be right. But I wasn’t. And I know you knew this. In each of your ways. And I am sorry. All is lost here, except for soul and body, that is, what’s left of them, and a half day’s ration. It’s inexcusable really, I know that now. How it could have taken this long to admit that I’m not sure, but it did. I fought till the end. I’m not sure what that is worth, but know that I did. I have always hoped for more for you all. I will miss you. I’m sorry.” — Our Man

What would make your list?