As one of the few actors who gets a pass for starring in more than his fair share of questionable films (purely because he’s so likeable), Jeff Bridges is still a man in need of a good script. After back-to-back flops with The Giver and R.I.P.D., he’s back on shaky territory in this week’s critically loathed fantasy Seventh Son, reuniting with his Big Lebowski co-star Julianne Moore.
But to remind ourselves of happier times, here’s a look at his career high points:
The Last Picture Show
At the age of just 22, Bridges picked up his first Oscar nomination for a role in Peter Bogdanovich’s striking coming of age drama and while he might have lost to co-star Ben Johnson, the film launched his career. This scene, involving a messy fight between him and his on-screen best friend, was a perfectly mounted explosion of rage.
The Fisher King
Terry Gilliam’s redemptive drama about a shock jock trying to make amends had Bridges on fine form, even if co-star Robin Williams received more plaudits. His drunken descent into hopelessness never veered into melodrama and he even managed to make this scene, where he speaks regrettably about his life to a Pinocchio puppet, surprisingly affecting.
The Big Lebowski
This unlikely Coen brothers comedy became a surprise cult hit, giving Bridges his most recognisable role as a permanently stoned slacker who finds himself the victim of mistaken identity. His finest moment comes in this showdown between the two Lebowskis as The Dude tries to get his urine-soaked rug replaced.
Arlington Road
In 1999, Bridges gave an underrated performance in this little-seen thriller about a paranoid college professor convinced his neighbours are planning a terrorist attack. The uneasy tension carefully built up throughout finally reached breaking point in this devastating reveal as he discovers their devious plan.
True Grit
Bridges teamed up with the Coens again in 2010 for a remake that seemed like a totally unnecessary idea until everyone actually watched it. Bridges deservedly picked up a best actor nomination for his role as Rooster Cogburn and in this scene, he laid down the law with ferocious ease.
