Features > Top Lists > Top 10 Jim Broadbent

Top 10 Jim Broadbent

He’s played Bridget Jones’ dad, manned the Moulin Rouge and made a magical impression at Hogwarts as Professor Horace Slughorn - in short, Jim Broadbent is great. After an outstanding performance in Mike Leigh’s Another Year, earlier this month, he returns to Hogwarts for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, in celebration we revisit Broadbent’s best bits…

His Top 10 Films

Brazil (1985)

Jim Broadbent grew up in a creative household surrounded by acting parents. By the time the 80s arrived Broadbent had already established himself on the big screen in Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits (1981), as well as managing to squeeze in a couple of small-screen projects (such as Blackadder) along the way. In 1985, Gilliam reassembled the cast from Time Bandits, including Broadbent, for the groundbreaking Brazil - which secured two Oscar nominations.

Rent

Little Voice (1998)

Based on a play by Jim Cartwright, Little Voice features a wealth of top British talent, including Jane Horrocks, Brenda Blethyn, Ewan McGregor, Michael Caine and, of course, Jim Broadbent. Little Voice received an Oscar nomination and impressive reviews from critics, who described it as a “small picture with a big heart”. Broadbent joined the cast as club owner Mr. Boo, who puts LV (Horracks) on the stage in his nightclub.

Rent

Topsy-Turvy (1999)

In 1999, nine years after starring in the slice-of-life drama Another Year, Broadbent reunited with Mike Leigh on the musically inspired Topsy-Turvey. The film sees Broadbent channeling his inner prima donna in a film focusing on the creative stumbling blocks of a Victorian stage company. Leigh was criticised for scrimping on costs, but secured yet another Oscar nod.

Rent

Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

Broadbent joins Hugh Grant, Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth in the Oscar-nominated Bridget Jones’s Diary. Based on Helen Fielding's novel of the same name, this 2001 hit sees Broadbent in the supporting role of Bridget’s dad. While his time on-screen is short-lived, his scenes join some of the more memorable moments in the film, of which include him donning a festive jumper at the Jones’ Christmas party.

Rent

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Themes of stage and show business feature notably in Broadbent’s career. After previously starring as a playwright and a club owner, Broadbent gave a memorable performance as flamboyant owner of the Moulin Rouge, Harold Zidler, in Baz Luhrmann’s box office hit. This Bollywood inspired musical picked up two Oscars and features an impressive cast– placing Broadbent alongside the likes of Hollywood heavyweight Nicole Kidman.

Rent

Iris (2001)

After over twenty years in the industry, Broadbent’s efforts were critically rewarded. His performance as John Bayley in Richard Eyre’s Iris, rewarded him with an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Fellow cast-mates Dame Judy Dench and Kate Winslet were also nominated for an Academy Award, but it was Broadbent who went home with a gong. He was also nominated for a BAFTA award and won a Golden Globe.

Rent Watch Trailer

Hot Fuzz (2007)

Edgar Wright’s Hot Fuzz finds buddies Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, as the local law enforcing duo, in a sleepy Somerset town. Showing off his sense of humour, Broadbent steps into the shoes of Inspector Frank Butterman, also known as Danny Butterman’s (Frost) dad. Filming took place in Wright’s hometown of Wells and features a string of British talent – including, Bill Nighy, Paddy Considine and Timothy Dalton.

Rent Watch Trailer

The Young Victoria (2009)

In this elegant period drama, Broadbent plays the uncle to a young Queen Victoria - King William. This Oscar-winning film once again demonstrates Broadbent’s careful ability to surround himself with well-rounded scripts and great actors on this occasion Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany and Miranda Richardson. The Young Victoria had an impressive backing from Graham King, Martin Scorsese, the Duchess of York, and Tim Headington, who are all credited as producers on the film.

Rent Watch Trailer

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

In 2009 Broadbent joined the magical cast of Harry Potter, as Professor Horace Slughorn. Bob Hoskins was reportedly considered for the role but Broadbent pipped his peer to the post. The fifth instalment in the Harry Potter franchise finds Broadbent reunited with actor Tom Felton, with whom he starred alongside in The Borrowers. He will reprise his role as Slughorn in the final two Harry Potter films.

Rent Watch Trailer

Another Year (2010)

Marking his seventh appearance working with director Mike Leigh, the Oscar nominated Another Year sees Broadbent delivering a fine, unassumingly affecting performance as happily married land surveyor Tom. The actor relishes Leigh’s emphasis on improvisation and lengthy rehearsal periods, and clearly enjoys playing opposite Leigh regulars Ruth Sheen and Lesley Manville. Manville took most of the critical glory on this occasion, but the real joy of working with Leigh lies in the team effort.

Rent Watch Online Watch Trailer

Jennifer Trevorrow