Who doesn’t love a good biopic? They’re great ways to learn about important events and people, who might’ve been swept under the rug by time. Hollywood has some stellar biopics in its filmography, that never let down its audiences. Here’s a list of modern-day biopics that are surely going to have a big impact on viewers.
The Imitation Game
We don’t talk about this movie enough. The Imitation game is not only cerebral, but also equally emotional. The film is on Alan Turing, the cryptanalyst who broke the intensely difficult German Coding machine, Enigma in World War 2. Turing’s work is known to have contributed to the making of the first computer, and is credited to be the father of modern AI. Turing was also tried under gross indecency, as being homosexual was crime in the UK during the 40s. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a career-defining and heartbreaking performance, playing the stone-cold, dedicated, and grossly under acknowledged genius of Turing.
The Theory of Everything (2014)
We know who Stephen Hawking is and his works, but few know about the journey that got him there. Directed by James Marsh, it stars the enormously talented Eddie Redmayne as Hawking, who seeps into the character in every way. Hawking works on a theory of the Big Bang, and how it will fare in the future. The film, however, is centered on his personal life, which is not talked about as much. The dynamic between Hawking and his wife Jane, is an endearing part of the movie. It gives us a deeper insight into his pained life with ALS, crippling him in unimaginable ways.
I, Tonya (2017)
Margot Robbie establishes herself as one of Hollywood’s best in I, Tonya. It is every critic’s favorite, and excels at almost everything. As the title suggests, the film is about the life of American figure skater Tonya Harding, who is unfortunately known more for sabotaging conspiracy than her feats in the sport. The film is presented in a documentary format, but purposely presents only Harding’s side of the story. The decision is upon the viewer to either see her as the victim, or doubt her accounts. I, Tonya covers Harding’s life up until the controversy, and the trial that happens afterwards. The film ended up earning Robbie best actress nominations at almost all award shows that year, including the Oscars.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Nothing goes wrong when there’s Taraji P. Henson in a film. Hidden Figures brings to light the largely uncredited work of female African American mathematicians at NASA, during America’s space runs. Henson plays Katherine Johnson, who gets admitted into a high-level program that devises space plans. Her talent and skill is undermined by her colleagues, the sole reasons being her race and sex. Many might know the film from an iconic clip of Johnson scathingly screaming at her supervisor (Kevin Costner) why she had to take so many breaks. Johnson is also joined by Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) in this beautiful movie on how racism affects talented gems of people in the country.
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Everyone is curious about a con artist’s methods and practices, and no film is better for this knowledge than Catch Me If You Can. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as the charming Frank Abagnale Jr., who scams people and often, an airline company. Carl Henratty (Tom Hanks), the cop on his chase, is sent in spirals in the pursuit. It’s amusing to see Dicaprio work his charm on the screen, and also as Abagnale Jr. on his victims. Another enthralling aspect is the constant tension of will he or won’t he get caught, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.