Introduction
Burt Lancaster. The name conjures up images of athletic prowess, a dazzling grin, and a commanding presence. More than just a pretty face and sculpted physique, Lancaster possessed an undeniable acting talent, a keen eye for compelling stories, and a dedication to his craft that cemented his place as one of Hollywood’s most enduring and versatile stars. From swashbuckling adventures to gritty dramas, Lancaster captivated audiences for decades, leaving behind a filmography brimming with iconic performances. This article delves into nine films that stand as testaments to his extraordinary skill, demonstrating the breadth of his range and solidifying his legacy as a true titan of the silver screen. We explore what makes these films not just good, but close to perfect, a potent cocktail of stellar performances, impeccable direction, unforgettable screenplays, and a lasting impact on cinema. Choosing only nine is a daunting task, inevitably leading to omissions, but the films highlighted represent, in this writer’s opinion, the pinnacle of Lancaster’s achievements.
From Here to Eternity: A Defining Moment
Released in nineteen fifty-three, From Here to Eternity is a landmark war drama set against the backdrop of Pearl Harbor in the days leading up to the devastating attack. Lancaster plays Sergeant Milton Warden, a tough, independent, and principled non-commissioned officer caught in a web of military politics and forbidden love. His performance is magnetic, showcasing both his physical strength and his nuanced emotional depth. He navigates the complexities of Warden’s character with effortless grace, conveying a sense of quiet authority and inner turmoil.
What elevates From Here to Eternity to near perfection is its unflinching portrayal of military life, its complex characters, and its masterful direction by Fred Zinnemann. The screenplay, adapted from James Jones’ novel, is sharp and insightful, exploring themes of duty, honor, and the corrosive effects of power. The supporting cast, including Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr, Donna Reed, and Frank Sinatra, is equally brilliant. However, Lancaster’s presence is undeniably central to the film’s power. His iconic beach scene with Deborah Kerr remains one of the most sensual and memorable moments in cinematic history. He embodies the spirit of the film and delivers a performance that transcends mere acting; it becomes a true embodiment of the character. From Here to Eternity garnered numerous awards and nominations, cementing Lancaster’s status as a leading man and remains a powerful and moving experience to this day.
Sweet Smell of Success: The Dark Side of Ambition
Four years later, in nineteen fifty-seven, Lancaster took on a role that was a far cry from the heroic figures he had previously portrayed. In Sweet Smell of Success, he embodies J.J. Hunsecker, a ruthless and powerful newspaper columnist who wields his influence with chilling indifference. This film exposes the darker side of ambition and the corrupting nature of power. Lancaster’s performance is mesmerizing; he portrays Hunsecker as a man consumed by ego and devoid of empathy.
The film’s brilliance lies in its biting satire of the media industry and its unflinching depiction of moral decay. Ernest Lehman and Clifford Odets’ screenplay is sharp, cynical, and filled with quotable dialogue. Tony Curtis, as Sidney Falco, a desperate press agent trying to curry favor with Hunsecker, delivers a career-defining performance. However, it is Lancaster’s chilling portrayal of Hunsecker that truly anchors the film. He commands every scene, radiating an aura of icy menace. Sweet Smell of Success, directed with stylish flair by Alexander Mackendrick, remains a relevant and disturbing commentary on the abuse of power and the corrosive effects of unchecked ambition. This is Burt Lancaster at his most compellingly villainous.
Gunfight at the O.K. Corral: A Western Classic
Also released in nineteen fifty-seven, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral is a classic Western that pits Lancaster as Wyatt Earp against Kirk Douglas as Doc Holliday, the unlikely friendship blossoms against the backdrop of the lawless Old West. The story of justice and friendship has become a staple and is often referenced in media to this day.
Lancaster shines as Earp, the strong-willed and dedicated lawman determined to bring order to a chaotic town. He embodies the spirit of the American West, delivering a performance that is both heroic and human. The on-screen chemistry between Lancaster and Douglas is palpable, adding depth and complexity to their characters. Gunfight at the O.K. Corral is not only a gripping action film but also a poignant exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the sacrifices made in the name of justice.
Separate Tables: A Study in Isolation
One year later in nineteen fifty-eight, Separate Tables offers a more intimate and emotionally resonant performance from Lancaster. This ensemble drama explores the lives of several lonely individuals residing in a quiet English seaside hotel. Lancaster plays John Malcolm, a troubled man struggling with his past and his identity.
He delivers a nuanced and sensitive performance, revealing the vulnerability beneath Malcolm’s outwardly gruff exterior. Separate Tables is a powerful exploration of loneliness, connection, and the human need for acceptance. It’s an emotional and captivating performance that will stay with you long after the film is over.
Elmer Gantry: Charisma and Corruption
In nineteen sixty, Lancaster delivered another memorable performance in Elmer Gantry. He plays the titular character, a charismatic and morally bankrupt traveling salesman who reinvents himself as a fiery evangelist. Lancaster won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Gantry, showcasing his ability to embody both the charm and the hypocrisy of the character.
Elmer Gantry is a sharp and satirical examination of religious fervor and the dangers of blind faith. Lancaster’s performance is electrifying, capturing the energy and magnetism of a man who knows how to manipulate an audience. The film is a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on American society and the enduring allure of charismatic leaders.
Judgement at Nuremberg: Facing the Atrocities
Released one year later in nineteen sixty-one, Judgment at Nuremberg is a powerful courtroom drama that tackles the weighty subject of the Nazi war crimes trials. Lancaster plays Ernst Janning, a respected German judge accused of complicity in the atrocities of the Third Reich. His performance is restrained and complex, conveying the inner turmoil of a man grappling with his past.
Judgment at Nuremberg is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that raises important questions about justice, responsibility, and the nature of evil. Lancaster’s performance is central to the film’s power, adding depth and nuance to the complex moral issues at stake.
Birdman of Alcatraz: Finding Humanity in Confinement
One year after Judgment at Nuremberg, Lancaster starred in Birdman of Alcatraz in nineteen sixty-two, a biographical drama that tells the story of Robert Stroud, a convicted murderer who becomes a renowned ornithologist while incarcerated in Alcatraz prison. Lancaster delivers a compelling and sympathetic performance, capturing Stroud’s intelligence, his passion for birds, and his gradual transformation.
Birdman of Alcatraz is a powerful and inspiring film about the human capacity for resilience and the transformative power of knowledge. Lancaster’s performance is both moving and memorable, showcasing his ability to portray complex and flawed characters with empathy and understanding.
The Leopard: A Sicilian Epic
Released in nineteen sixty-three, The Leopard, also known as Il Gattopardo, is a sweeping historical epic directed by Luchino Visconti. Lancaster plays Don Fabrizio Corbera, Prince of Salina, a Sicilian nobleman struggling to adapt to the changing social and political landscape of nineteenth-century Italy. His performance is regal, melancholic, and deeply moving, capturing the prince’s sense of loss and his growing awareness of his own mortality.
The Leopard is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating film that explores themes of tradition, change, and the decline of aristocracy. Lancaster’s performance is the cornerstone of the film, adding depth and complexity to the prince’s character. The movie showcases incredible acting and captures a unique story of change.
Atlantic City: A Final Flourish
Nearing the end of his career, in nineteen eighty, Lancaster delivered another memorable performance in Atlantic City. He plays Lou Pascal, an aging small-time gangster who gets caught up in a drug deal gone wrong. Lancaster’s performance is both poignant and charming, capturing Lou’s weariness, his vulnerability, and his unexpected connection with a young woman played by Susan Sarandon.
Atlantic City is a bittersweet and atmospheric film that explores themes of aging, redemption, and the fleeting nature of dreams. Lancaster’s performance is a fitting capstone to his illustrious career, showcasing his enduring talent and his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. The performance shows a new side of Lancaster but still has some of the strong persona from the earlier films.
A Lasting Legacy
Burt Lancaster’s impact on Hollywood cinema is undeniable. His athleticism, his charisma, and his dedication to his craft made him a true movie star. But beyond the dazzling smile and the impressive physique, Lancaster possessed a keen intelligence and a deep understanding of human nature. He was a versatile actor who was equally comfortable playing heroes, villains, and complex characters caught in morally ambiguous situations. These nine films represent the pinnacle of his achievements, showcasing the breadth of his range and solidifying his place as one of Hollywood’s most enduring and beloved leading men. While “perfect” is a subjective term, these films stand as testaments to the magic that can happen when exceptional talent converges with compelling storytelling. These are essential viewing for anyone interested in classic cinema, and a reminder of the enduring power of Burt Lancaster’s extraordinary talent. So, queue up one of these cinematic gems, and experience the brilliance of Burt Lancaster for yourself. You might even be inspired to start watching his films and have a marathon filled with adventure, grit, and heart.
