10 Best Albert Finney Movies: A Celebration of Talent and Timeless Performances

Albert Finney was an English actor who had a prolific career in film, television, and stage. He was known for his versatile performances and his ability to inhabit a wide range of characters, from charming romantic leads to intense dramatic roles.

Finney was nominated for five Academy Awards over the course of his career, and he won numerous other accolades, including BAFTA Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Throughout his career, Finney appeared in many notable films, including some that are considered classics of British and American cinema.

Best Albert Finney Movies

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“I made my first film on 16mm. Then I began using 35mm. Then I began working in Hollywood. And I began to really understand how films were made by professionals. I have to say I wasn't very impressed.”

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Albert Finney movies, highlighting his most memorable performances and most iconic roles.

1. Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

Murder on the Orient Express is a 1974 British mystery directed by Sidney Lumet, based on Agatha Christie’s 1934 novel. Albert Finney plays Hercule Poirot, called on to solve a murder aboard the Orient Express, opposite Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Sean Connery, and Vanessa Redgrave.

Finney’s portrayal of Poirot is considered one of the most memorable and iconic interpretations of the character. He brings a unique blend of wit, intelligence, and eccentricity to the role, making Poirot a character that is both entertaining and compelling to watch.

The film itself was also a critical and commercial success, receiving six Academy Award nominations and winning one for Best Supporting Actress (Ingrid Bergman).

2. The Dresser (1983)

The Dresser is a 1983 British drama directed by Peter Yates, based on Ronald Harwood’s 1980 play. Albert Finney plays “Sir,” an aging Shakespearean actor preparing King Lear during WWII, opposite Tom Courtenay as his devoted dresser.

Finney’s performance in The Dresser is widely regarded as one of the best of his career.

He brings a raw intensity to the role of the actor, known only as Sir, capturing both his talent and his vulnerability as he struggles to cope with the pressures of his profession and his failing health.

The film itself was also highly acclaimed, receiving five Academy Award nominations and winning two BAFTA Awards for Best Actor (Finney) and Best Supporting Actor (Courtenay).

3. Under the Volcano (1984)

Under the Volcano is a 1984 drama film directed by John Huston, based on the 1947 novel of the same name by Malcolm Lowry. The film stars Finney as Geoffrey Firmin, a British ex-consul who is struggling with alcoholism in Mexico in the 1930s.

The story takes place over the course of a single day, as Firmin tries to come to terms with his past and his uncertain future.

Finney’s performance in Under the Volcano is widely regarded as one of his most powerful and complex. He portrays Firmin with a raw, almost painful honesty, capturing both his despair and his

moments of fleeting hope. The film itself is a masterful exploration of the human psyche, and it features some of Huston’s most innovative and striking directorial choices.

While the film was not a commercial success, it has since been recognized as a cinematic masterpiece, and Finney’s performance in particular is often cited as one of the highlights of his career.

If you like Albert Finney’s performances, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.

4. Tom Jones (1963)

Tom Jones is a 1963 British comedy-drama directed by Tony Richardson, based on Henry Fielding’s 1749 novel. Albert Finney stars as Tom Jones, a charming, roguish young man navigating romance and social obstacles in 18th-century England.

Finney’s performance in Tom Jones was his breakout role, and it earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He brings a natural charisma and charm to the character of Tom Jones, making him a likable and engaging protagonist despite his flaws. The film itself was also a critical and commercial success, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

It is now considered a classic of British cinema and a milestone in Finney’s career.

5. Miller’s Crossing (1990)

Miller’s Crossing is a 1990 neo-noir crime film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Finney stars as Leo O’Bannon, an Irish mob boss in 1920s Prohibition-era America who becomes embroiled in a complex web of double-crosses, betrayals, and power struggles.

Finney’s performance in Miller’s Crossing is widely regarded as one of his most underrated, as he brings a commanding presence and subtle nuance to the role of Leo. He portrays the character as a tough, shrewd

businessman with a deep sense of loyalty and honor, making him both a formidable opponent and a sympathetic figure. The film itself is also highly regarded for its stylish visuals, intricate plot, and witty dialogue, making it a standout entry in the Coen Brothers’ filmography.

6. Shoot the Moon (1982)

Shoot the Moon is a 1982 drama film directed by Alan Parker, starring Finney and Diane Keaton as a couple going through a bitter divorce. The film explores the emotional fallout of their separation on themselves and their four children.

Finney’s performance in Shoot the Moon is powerful and nuanced, as he portrays a man struggling to come to terms with the end of his marriage and

the impact it has on his family. He brings a raw vulnerability to the role, making it a difficult but ultimately rewarding watch. The film itself received mixed reviews upon release, but has since gained a cult following and is considered a hidden gem in Finney’s filmography.

7. Erin Brockovich (2000)

Erin Brockovich is a 2000 biographical drama directed by Steven Soderbergh. Albert Finney plays Ed Masry, the lawyer who hires legal assistant Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts) and joins her fight against a California power company.

Finney’s performance in Erin Brockovich is understated but effective, as he brings a sense of gravitas and authority to the role of Masry. He has a strong chemistry with Julia Roberts, who plays Brockovich, and their scenes together are some of the most memorable in the film. The film itself was a critical and commercial success, receiving five Academy Award nominations and winning one for Best Actress (Roberts).

8. Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007)

Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead is a 2007 crime thriller film directed by Sidney Lumet. Finney stars as Charles Hanson, a wealthy businessman whose family becomes embroiled in a dangerous heist planned by his two sons.

Finney’s performance in Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead is powerful and heartbreaking, as he portrays a man struggling to come to terms with his family’s betrayal and the devastating consequences of their actions.

He brings a quiet dignity and emotional depth to the role, making it one of the most memorable of his later career. The film itself was highly acclaimed for its intricate plot, strong performances, and Lumet’s masterful direction.

9. The Browning Version (1994)

The Browning Version is a 1994 British drama directed by Mike Figgis, based on Terence Rattigan’s 1948 play. Albert Finney plays Andrew Crocker-Harris, a classics teacher forced to retire by ill health as his life unravels.

Finney’s performance in The Browning Version is widely regarded as one of his most poignant and heartbreaking. He portrays Crocker-Harris as a man who has lost his passion for life and who is deeply wounded by the indifference of those around him.

The film itself is a quiet, introspective work that explores themes of regret, loss, and redemption, and it features some of Figgis’ most evocative and atmospheric cinematography.

10. Washington Square (1997)

Washington Square is a 1997 drama directed by Agnieszka Holland, based on Henry James’s 1880 novel. Albert Finney plays Dr. Austin Sloper, a wealthy, domineering father who tries to break up his daughter’s engagement.

Finney’s performance in Washington Square is commanding and nuanced, as he portrays Sloper as a complex and flawed character with his own set of insecurities and motivations. He brings a sense of gravity and intensity to the role, making it one of the standout performances in the film. The film itself received mixed reviews but is considered a faithful adaptation of James’ novel, and Finney’s performance is often cited as one of its strengths.

Filmmaker quote

“The function of camera movement is to assist the storytelling. That's all it is. It cannot be there just to demonstrate itself.”

3 Reasons To Watch Albert Finney Movies

His range as an actor: Albert Finney was known for his ability to inhabit a wide variety of characters, from charming romantic leads to complex villains to troubled and emotionally complex protagonists.

Watching his films allows you to see the full breadth of his talent and the many different roles he brought to life on the screen.

His contributions to film history: Finney was a major figure in British cinema and his performances helped shape the landscape of international cinema.

By watching his films, you can gain a greater appreciation for the history of film and the impact that actors like Finney had on the medium.

The quality of his work: Simply put, Albert Finney was a great actor who appeared in many great films throughout his career. By watching his movies, you can experience some of the best that cinema has to offer, from classic dramas to modern blockbusters.

Whether you’re a fan of his work or simply a lover of cinema, watching his films is a rewarding experience.

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Best Albert Finney Movies – Wrap Up

In conclusion, Albert Finney was a versatile and talented actor who left a significant impact on the world of cinema.

From his early breakout role in Saturday Night and Sunday Morning to his memorable performances in Murder on the Orient Express, The Dresser, and Big Fish, Finney brought a unique energy and depth to every role he played.

His range as an actor, his contributions to film history, and the quality of his work make his movies a must-watch for fans of cinema.

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