In addition to his countless scene-stealing turns in cinema over the years, Dublin native Brendan Gleeson even had the chance to play former President Donald Trump. His small-screen portrayal of the ex-head of state in The Comey Rule was a hoot to watch, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for the Irish award-winning thespian.
Over the years, Gleeson has been nominated for several Golden Globe and BAFTA Awards and even nabbed a Primetime Emmy back in 2009. Folks will instantly recognize his face from hit films such as Braveheart,A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Gangs of New York, Troy, and, more recently, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs. He starred as detective Bill Hodges in the TV adaptation of Stephen King’s Mr. Mercedes. And speaking of the Gleesons, his son Domhnall is also taking Hollywood by storm. In 2015, for example, Domhnall co-starred in four Oscar-nominated films (Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, Ex Machina, Brooklyn, and The Revenant).
But back to the dad, Brendan. In 2020, he was listed high on The Irish Times’ list of Ireland’s greatest film actors. Below are five reasons why Gleeson should rightfully appear on such prestigious lists. Here’s a closer look at his finest films to date.
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5 The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)
Apple TV+A24
Directed by only one of the two Coen brothers, this epic, monochrome reimagining of Shakespeare’s iconic play stars Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand as the titular couple. But off to the side, Gleeson comes in hot in yet another juicy supporting role, sporting a thick beard as the King. Beautifully shot and acted, it’s no wonder the Academy recognized The Tragedy of Macbeth at the latest Oscars ceremony with a couple nominations.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
4 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
Warner Bros. Pictures
While its predecessor may still take cake in terms of “best movie of the franchise” (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, directed by Oscar winner Alfonso Cuaron), Harry Potter and the Goblet Fire still held its own by introducing perhaps the most memorable characters in the entire film series. Sure, there’s heartthrob Robert Pattinson (The Batman) as Cedric Diggory and Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort, but Gleeson as Mad Eye Moody, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, was the most memorable part of the fourth Potter film, without a doubt.
3 28 Days Later (2002)
20th Century Studios
Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later revitalized the zombie genre with its fresh take on the “infected.” In the terrifying storyline, Cillian Murphy’s Jim wakes from a coma to a desolate Britain after a human-made “rage virus” has swept through the country. Jim stumbles upon Selena (Naomie Harris), who brings him up to speed on what he missed while he was comatose. They eventually meet the lighthearted Hank (Gleeson), whose heartbreaking “he’s been infected” scene is a showcase in performance for Gleeson. We were sad to see his character go, but his scenes were certainly memorable. The movie spawned a sequel 28 weeks later, that didn’t quite live up to the original. However, Murphy has stated he would return for 28 Months Later if it ever happens — only time will tell.
2 The Guard (2011)
Element Pictures
The Guard centers on an Irish village police sergeant who is reluctantly pulled into an FBI agent’s investigation of an international drug-smuggling ring that has hit Ireland’s shores. Gleeson was born to play this Irish cop, who has given up on fighting the power and grown content to kick back and grumble at the stupidity around him — until fish out of water FBI man Don Cheadle hits his backwater county on the trail of a major case. The Guard is a can’t-miss, especially for Gleeson fans who love seeing him in a more leading-man capacity.
1 In Bruges (2008)
Blueprint Pictures
And speaking of leading man — is it at all surprising that Malcolm McDowell’s 2008 masterpiece topped our list? Sure, Farrell won the Golden Globe for this one, but Gleeson is perhaps the true star of this blackest of comedies. For all the cinephiles out there, it was a visual treat watching that one long, extended take of Gleeson in his hotel room chatting on the phone with his evil boss (Ralph Fiennes — a Harry Potter reunion of sorts). In general, Farrell and Gleeson perfectly portray a disgraced killer and his assassin friend who hide out in Bruges, Belgium as they wait out their troubles, with violence, mayhem and hilarious hijinks ultimately ensuing. We simply can’t wait to see them reunite for an McDowell’s upcoming film The Banshees of Inisheer.
“Martin [McDonagh] is a very special writer,” Gleeson once told GQ regarding In Bruges. “You don’t need to be particularly observant to figure that one. It is just a really successful film on so many different layers.”
