Following Paul Dano’s memorable performance in ‘There Will Be Blood,’ here are six films featuring the actor that are worth watching for their storytelling and his performances.
6. The Good Heart – IMDb: 6.8
‘The Good Heart‘ is an Icelandic independent film starring Paul Dano as Lucas, a young homeless man. Released in 2009 and directed by Dagur Kári, the film tells the story of Lucas sharing a hospital room with a short-tempered bartender, Jacques, played by Brian Cox. The unlikely duo’s bond leads Lucas to a job as a bartender. Despite mixed reviews, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 32% and a Metacritic score of 40, the film’s narrative and strong performances make it worth your time.
5. Swiss Army Man – IMDb: 6.9
2016’s ‘Swiss Army Man‘ is a surrealist comedy-drama directed by Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan. Dano stars alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, playing Hank Thompson. The film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, is known for its unconventional plot, exploring themes of friendship and survival in bizarre circumstances. It received a 73% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 64, reflecting generally favorable reviews.
4. L.I.E. – IMDb: 7.1
‘L.I.E.,‘ a 2001 drama, marked Paul Dano’s first lead role as Howie, a 16-year-old boy. The film is about complex themes and the relationship between Howie and a middle-aged man. Directed by Michael Cuesta, it received an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. ‘L.I.E’ also earned Dano the Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance.
3. The Fabelmans – IMDb: 7.5
Steven Spielberg’s 2022 semi-autobiographical drama, ‘The Fabelmans,‘ features Dano as Burt Fabelman, a computer engineer. The film is about Spielberg’s adolescence and the influence of film on his life. With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 92% and a Metacritic score of 84, it is praised for its storytelling and received acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival, winning the People’s Choice Award.
2. Little Miss Sunshine – IMDb: 7.8
In the 2006 tragicomedy ‘Little Miss Sunshine,‘ Dano plays Dwayne Hoover. While preparing for his role, the actor spent a few days in silence. The film, a road movie about a family’s trip to a beauty pageant, achieved success at the box office and critical acclaim. It received a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 80 on Metacritic, praised for its humor and strong ensemble cast performances.
1. 12 Years a Slave – IMDb: 8.1
The 2013 biographical drama ‘12 Years a Slave‘ features Dano as John Tibeats. Based on Solomon Northup’s memoir, the film was lauded for its unflinching portrayal of slavery in America. It received a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 96 on Metacritic, earning accolades including the Academy Award for Best Picture.
