10 memorable performances by Michael Caine
Knighted by the Queen, British actor Michael Caine is a true gentleman, yet he is also renowned for performances with his working class Cockney accent. A look back at his career as he turns 85.
'Zulu' (1964)
Michael Caine played his first main role as Lieutenant Bromhead in this ambitious epic war film. The actor was initially cast in a minor part, as Private Hook, but his talent made director Cy Endfield change his mind. The historical film depicts an actual battle from 1879, during which 150 British soldiers held off 4,000 Zulu warriors attacking a mission station in South Africa.
'Alfie' (1966)
Caine further demonstrated his talents as a multi-faceted and serious actor with "Alfie," in which he starred as a self-centered womanizing young man. Various love affairs, a bar fight and his own charming Cockney accent were some of the features of the performance which landed him his first Oscar nomination.
'Gambit' (1966)
In the comedy heist "Gambit," Caine is a burglar involved in an elaborate theft of artworks. The criminal uses his charm to convince dancer Nicole Chang (Shirley MacLaine) into acting as his wife for the caper — but things don't work out as planned. The film obtained three Oscar nominations.
'Educating Rita' (1983)
Here, a disillusioned literature professor called Frank Bryant (Caine) meets hairdresser Rita (Julie Walters) who wants to acquire a university degree. Although Caine never got rid of his Cockney accent, he talks in pure Oxford English in this movie. Both he and Walters received Oscar nominations and won BAFTA and Golden Globe awards for their performances.
'Hannah and Her Sisters' (1986)
Michael Caine was awarded his first Oscar for best supporting actor for his performance as Elliot, who is married to Hannah (Mia Farrow) while in love with her sister Lee. Caine portrays Elliot as a sensitive and highly educated man whose heart wins over his mind. Woody Allen's profound comedy was honored with three Academy Awards in 1987.
'Without A Clue' (1988)
In the comedy "Without A Clue," Michael Caine portrayed an actor hired to embody a fictional Sherlock Holmes. Starring alongside Ben Kingsley in the role of Dr. Watson, Caine's interpretation of the private detective combined understated humor with the style of a true gentleman — very British indeed.
'The Cider House Rules' (1999)
"Good night, you princes of Maine, you kings of New England!" That's how Dr. Larch, played by Michael Caine, would say good night to the orphanage boys under his care. Caine's performance as a warmhearted doctor in Lasse Hallström's film adaptation of John Irving's novel earned Caine his second Academy Award for best supporting actor.
'The Dark Knight Rises' (2012)
Another supporting role, yet an essential one: Michael Caine as butler Alfred, the confidant of Bruce Wayne aka Batman, portrayed by Christian Bale. Director Christopher Nolan clearly defined Caine's character by saying, "You are the soul of the film." The actor added depth and warmth to his figure in the somber trilogy "The Dark Knight Rises."
'Mr. Morgan's Last Love' (2013)
In "Mr. Morgan's Last Love" Caine portrayed an American widower in Paris who is attracted to a young woman, played by Clémence Poésy. A friendship develops between the two of them, and it turns out that they have more in common than they initially thought. It almost feels like director and screenwriter Sandra Nettelbeck tailored this role to actor.
'Going in Style' (2017)
After losing their pension, three friends, Albert, Willie and Joe, plan to rob the bank that is responsible for their loss. In this heist comedy, Michael Caine, co-starring with Alan Arkin (left) and Morgan Freeman (center), once again delivered a performance showcasing his renowned dry humor.