The Best of Morgan Freeman

-There are very few movie people in film who have been able to be both an actor and a movie star quite like Morgan Freeman. Not only has he been able to commit himself fully to every project he's in like the consummate actor, but very few actors have been so lovingly accepted by the moviegoing public as well. Most say its the intensity in his eyes during scenes of fire and rage, others feel its the calm wisdom dispersed through his characters words, while some adamantly believe its his unique voice that accounts for his enduring quality. When it came time to play the lead in Clint Eastwood's Invictus, there was logically only one choice for the role of Nelson Mandella, and as usual, it proved to be the right one. Freeman's portrayal of the legendary leader was heralded by critcs and admirers who feel the actor gave the performance of his career and has resulted in his fifth Oscar nomination; his 3rd as Best Actor. Even though Freeman has already won for his work in Million Dollar Baby, everyone would welcome a second victory for the esteemed performer. Here is a look at some of his most popular and poetic roles.

1. Lean on Me (1989)
-Considered a film classic now, Lean on Me has remained one of the most classic examples of the educators who fight for their students regardless of their lower-class backgrounds. As no-nonsense principal Joe Clark who turns an inner-city school around, Freeman exuded endless amounts of passion and fire within his performance. Its almost as if he wasn't giving a performance, but instead really seemed to be Joe Clark!! Some say its one of his finest hours on screen and I'm inclined to agree. While the actor was grossly overlooked for his work in the film by the Academy, Lean on Me and Freeman's Joe Clark have lived on gloriously!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWW4KogocfQ

2. Glory (1989)
-The story of a black soldier squad during the civil war was one of the most critically acclaimed films of the 80s. There are great performances from Broderick, Washington (who won an Oscar for his role) and especially Freeman who remains calm and serene throughout the proceedings. His character of Rawlins stands out as perhaps the one man who has made his peace with God, and is well aware that even though he is fighting for the future, he suspects he might not live to see it. Released the same year as Lean on Me, Glory features Freeman at his most beautfiully understated best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBBk0q6AK-0&feature=related

3. Deep Impact (1998)
- A surprise hit in the early days of summer in 1998, Deep Impact saw Morgan Freeman take on the role of the President with the difficult task of telling the world that a life-threatening comet is headed for earth. While most dismiss the film as just another entry into the disaster-film genre, everyone agrees that Freeman's time on screen manages to raise the story to a much higher level. As a result, Freeman's turn as the commander-in-chief has become one of the top choices of "movie Presidents."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLgSKv2P-ow&feature=related

4. An Unfinished Life (2005)
-Its a shame this well-made drama wasn't seen by many people when it first came out, and hasn't since quite frankly. Freeman plays Mitch, a man who suffered an attack with a wild bear years earlier which left him an invalid. After years of living an unfulfilling life, Mitch stops feeling sorry for himself and begins to live again. This is perhaps one of his more subtle roles, but is also one filled with strength and perseverance which have become Freeman's trademark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_C_8K_KnG8

5. The Bucket List (2007)
-As cancer-ridden mechanic Carter Chambers who embarks on a series of adventures with a fellow patient (Nicholson), Freeman once again triumphed on screen. While lead roles are written with 20-something year olds in mind, Freeman demonstared he still had pull with audiences as was evidenced by this film's box-office success. The legendary actor also proved he could hold his own opposite fellow legend Nicholson. Such a feat would seem impossible, but Freeman pulls it off magnificently!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX8XEXmhHss&feature=fvw

Well done Mr. Freeman!!