The 7 Best Jason Isaacs Movies

Thrillers, magic and even comedies have defined his great career

Jason Isaacs has taken a remarkable path in acting, transforming himself from a stage and television actor in the UK to a more than respectable figure in some of the world’s biggest and best-loved film and television franchises. His beginnings were marked by roles that challenged him little by little, and then came a promotion that consolidated him with extremely complex characters. Whether in horror, magic or comedy, Jason Isaacs has become one of the most redeemable elements of his films. Below, we present the best of these.

The patriot (2000)

Here we saw him as Colonel William Tavington, the main and most hated villain in history. Tavington is a British officer during the American War of Independence. He is ruthless, violent, and has no problem committing atrocities in the name of war or to get his way. Colonel Tavington becomes the sworn enemy of Benjamin Martin, the character played by Mel Gibson. The plot focuses on the latter’s search for revenge, who has seen Tavington commit a terrible act against his family.

The franchise Harry Potter (2002 – 2011)

The role that made Jason Isaacs a world-famous actor was that of Lucius Malfoy in this saga. He joined in the second film, and his performance was key to bringing this very particular villain to life. Lucius is a rich and arrogant pureblood wizard who firmly believes in the superiority of his lineage. Characterized with iconic long, platinum hair, Lucius was the perfect example of prejudice and corruption in the wizarding world.

Isaacs’ merit was that, despite being an evil character and follower of Voldemort, he gave him an interesting depth. He wasn’t just a dumb villain; we saw his cowardice, his wounded ego and, above all, the pressure he put on his son, Draco. As the films progressed, Lucius lost power and status, and Jason Isaacs was able to show that decline, going from a feared character to a pathetic and desperate one.

The sinister cure (2017)

For this psychological horror title we see him as Dr. Heinreich Volmer, director of a mysterious and luxurious sanatorium located in the Swiss Alps. From the moment he appears, Volmer exudes a disturbing aura, as if he were a kind and self-assured host promising the ultimate cure to his wealthy patients. The protagonist, Lockhart, travels to the sanatorium to retrieve a colleague and soon finds himself trapped in the strange routines of this facility. Volmer, with his calm smile becomes his main enemy. Once again, a role that allowed him to demonstrate the most monstrous limits of his acting.

Stalin’s death (2017)

In this political satire he plays Marshal Georgy Zhukov, a character who comes into the film with great strength. By the time the story takes place (just after Stalin’s death), Zhukov was a huge figure in the Soviet Union, known as the war hero who had been key to defeating the Nazis. Isaacs gave him a very imposing air, as he wore several medals on his chest and had incomparable power. Despite what it might seem, he was able to show that he could also play with black humor

Hotel Mumbai: The attack (2018)

Here he steps into the shoes of Vasili, a rich and arrogant Russian businessman, who is staying at the luxurious Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Bombay (Mumbai) just when a terrorist attack begins (which also happened in real life). What is interesting about Isaacs’ role is the transformation he undergoes. At first, Vasili is quite unpleasant. He’s used to being treated like royalty and only thinks of himself. When the attack begins, his fear and ego collide with terrible reality. As the situation becomes more desperate and the people around him show bravery and sacrifice, this powerful man makes decisions that help others.

Mass (2021)

The film takes place after a school shooting, and Jason Isaacs plays Jay, father of one of the victims. It is a special project because almost all the action takes place in a room, where only four people, two sets of parents, meet years after the terrible event. His character is full of pain, but also a desperate need to understand and, if possible, find some form of peace. As the conversation between the parents progresses, we see Jay completely break down. It is, to date, one of the most praised roles in the actor’s career.

Ms. Harris goes to Paris (2022)

Unlike many of his villainous or authoritarian figure roles, here we see him in a much warmer and kinder role. Archie is one of the best friends of the protagonist, Ada Harris, a “cleaning lady” who dreams of having a Dior haute couture dress. He is a kind-hearted man who works in the world of betting or horse racing. When Ada tells him about her dream and starts saving, Archie encourages her and actually helps her get some of the money needed for her trip to Paris. It’s not exactly an extensive role, but it does its job in showing how versatile Jason Isaacs is from one film to the next.

Which of these productions is your favorite?

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