On the back of his latest portrayal in The Drop, proving himself yet again as one of the greatest actors of his generation, I remember my top five Tom Hardy performances. Click the images to see the trailers!
5. Locke
In Stephen Knight’s car drama Locke, there is only one actor on-screen throughout the whole film. When that actor is Tom Hardy though, it doesn’t matter. He went on to work with Knight again in BBC gangster series Peaky Blinders as the terrifyingly brilliant Alfie Solomons.
My review: Locke
4. The Take
Based on a novel by crime writer Martina Cole, the Sky series helped spring-board Tom Hardy to the maniacal film roles he has become known for. This was the first time I witnessed his work and I instantly became a fan.
3. The Dark Knight Rises
In a mainstream turn, Tom Hardy took the part of Bane in his stride. His crazed eyes and unique voice as the Batman villain probably makes this his most iconic performance to date.
2. The Drop
In The Drop, directed by Michaël R. Roskam, he plays bartender Bob Saginowski in a subtle, measured performance. Alongside the late great James Gandolfini, the film showcases the art of acting at the highest level.
1. Bronson
Tom Hardy has had his fair share of psychopathic characters to get his teeth into but none more nuttier than notorious prisoner Charles Bronson. Directed by the auteur filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn, the film is a whirlwind and Hardy is at the core.
Notable omissions include Inception, Lawless and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Tom Hardy is soon to star in a Mad Max reboot, a Kray twins biopic where he will play not one but both brothers, and is also in talks to play Elton John. Diverse!
Cinema Perspective 