Bill Paxton’s 10 Greatest Movies
Bill Paxton was a true Hollywood icon. From his breakout role in “The Terminator” to his Oscar-nominated performance in “Apollo 13,” Paxton always brought his A-game to every project he was a part of.
In honor of the late actor, we’re counting down his 10 greatest movies.
10. “The Terminator” (1984)
Arnold Schwarzenegger may be the star of “The Terminator,” but Paxton steals the show as punk leader Spencer. It’s a small role, but Paxton makes the most of it, delivering one of the most memorable performances in the entire franchise.
9. “Aliens” (1986)
In James Cameron’s sci-fi classic, Paxton plays privateer turned space Marine William Hudson. It’s a thankless role – everyone is scared shitless of the aliens, and Hudson is no exception – but Paxton manages to imbue the character with a sense of humor and humanity.
8. “Predator 2” (1990)
In this sequel to the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic, Paxton plays Detective Mike Harrigan, a no-nonsense cop who finds himself in the middle of a turf war between two deadly species. Paxton is great in the role, bringing a mix of gravitas and humor to the proceedings.
7. “Titanic” (1997)
In James Cameron’s $200 million disaster epic, Paxton plays Brock Lovett, a treasure hunter who is searching for the fabled diamond necklace known as the Heart of the Ocean. It’s a small role, but Paxton brings a sense of wonder and excitement to the character that is infectious.
6. “True Lies” (1994)
In this action-comedy, Paxton plays Harry Tasker, a secret agent who must balance his double life as a spy with his responsibilities as a husband and father. It’s a tough tightrope to walk, but Paxton does it with ease, making for one of the most entertaining films of the ’90s.
5. “Twister” (1996)
In this disaster flick, Paxton plays Bill Harding, a storm chaser who is trying to understand tornadoes. It’s a science-heavy role, but Paxton makes it accessible and interesting, even for those who don’t know much about meteorology.
4. “Apollo 13” (1995)
In this Oscar-nominated film, Paxton plays Fred Haise, a NASA astronaut who is stranded on the Moon during a botched mission. It’s a harrowing role, but Paxton brings a sense of calm and resolve to the character that is admirable.
3. “The Mighty Ducks” (1992)
In this Disney sports classic, Paxton plays Gordon Bombay, a hotshot lawyer who is sentenced to community service by coaching a kids’ hockey team. It’s a feel-good role, and Paxton nails the perfect mix of humor and heart that the film requires.
2. “Weird Science” (1985)
In this cult classic, Paxton plays Chet, the bullying older brother of two nerdy teenagers who use their computer skills to create the perfect woman. It’s a hilarious performance, and Paxton steals every scene he’s in.
1. “Tombstone” (1993)
In this Western classic, Paxton plays Morgan Earp, the youngest brother of Wyatt Earp. It’s a supporting role, but Paxton brings a sense of humor and humanity to the character that elevates the film.
FAQs:
1. What was Bill Paxton’s best performance?
There’s no clear consensus on which was Bill Paxton’s best performance. His role in “The Terminator” is often cited as his breakout role, while his Oscar-nominated turn in “Apollo 13” is also highly regarded. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual viewer to decide which performance they think is his best.
2. What was Bill Paxton’s worst performance?
Again, there’s no clear consensus on this. Some might say his role in “Titanic” was his worst, as it was a small role in a very long and expensive film. Others might say his role in “Weird Science” was his worst, as it was a supporting role in a comedy that is not highly regarded by critics. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual viewer to decide which performance they think is his worst.
3. What was Bill Paxton’s most memorable performance?
This is a difficult question to answer, as there are so many great performances to choose from. However, one stand-out would be his turn in “Titanic.” His character of Brock Lovett was a small but important part of the film, and Paxton brought a sense of wonder and excitement to the role that was infectious.
Conclusion:
Bill Paxton was a great actor who brought a mix of gravitas and humor to his roles. He will be remembered for his iconic performances in films like “The Terminator,” “Titanic,” and “Weird Science.”