When people talk about the greatest actors of all time, Robert De Niro is almost always on that list. De Niro has showcased his acting prowess countless times in classic roles like young Vito Corleone in “The Godfather II,” Max Cady in “Cape Fear,” Jake LaMotta in “Raging Bull,” Ace Rothstein in “Casino,” and Jimmy Burke in “Goodfellas.”
De Niro’s filmography is so extensive that there are bound to be films that don’t get enough attention. And no, we’re not talking about the string of crappy comedies he’s been doing lately. Here are five De Niro roles that deserve more love:
Donald "Shadow Rimgale in Backdraft (1991)
Inspired by real Fire Chief Don Rimgale, De Niro plays a veteran firefighter turned arson investigator, scarred from a past attack, who’s on the hunt for a ring of arsonists in Chicago. Rimgale is manipulative, as shown in his interactions with pyromaniac Ronald Bartel, and cunning, acknowledging that fire is a living thing: “It breathes, it eats, and it hates. The only way to beat it is to think like it.” De Niro’s portrayal is intense and unforgettable.
Louis Cyphre in Angel Heart (1987)
De Niro has played plenty of evil characters, but none more sinister than the Devil himself. Louis Cyphre is a wealthy businessman seeking to collect a debt from a man named Angel. Ruthless and manipulative, he stops at nothing to get what he believes is owed to him. De Niro is chilling in this underrated gem, delivering a performance that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Master Chief Billy Sunday in Men of Honor (2000)
De Niro plays the tough-as-nails Master Chief Billy Sunday in this semi-biographical film about Master Chief Brashear’s rise through the Navy. Although Sunday is a fictional character, he represents the racial and institutional challenges Brashear faced. Sunday is a complete asshole at first, eventually becoming one of Brashear’s biggest supporters while battling his own demons. De Niro makes you despise Sunday in the beginning, then forces you to question if he’s actually a good person or not. It’s a masterclass in acting.
Father Bobby in Sleepers (1996)
In the controversial Barry Levinson film based on writer Lorenzo Carcaterra’s life, De Niro plays Father Bobby, a Catholic priest and role model to the neighborhood kids. Faced with a personal dilemma when called to testify for his young parishioners during a murder trial, Father Bobby shows his love for the kids while grappling with questions about his faith and commitment to the church. De Niro gives a heartfelt and complex performance that’s truly a clinic in acting.
David "Noodles" Aaronson in Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Sergio Leone’s epic crime film “Once Upon a Time in America” is often overlooked compared to “The Godfather.” Noodles has been described as an underworld Hamlet, violent and menacing in his youth but developing into a more heroic figure later on. Haunted by his past crimes and the loss of his childhood friends and love, Noodles pulls at all your emotions. De Niro’s portrayal makes you both hate and sympathize with him. This film is a must-watch for any “Godfather” fan.
These roles showcase De Niro’s incredible range and talent, reminding us why he’s one of the greatest actors of all time.
