Clive Owen has built a remarkable career in film and television, transitioning from notable British television roles in the late 1980s to a status as a respected name in Hollywood. His early breakout appearances in films like the Holocaust drama Bent and the gripping thriller Croupier established him as a serious actor. With subsequent roles in critically acclaimed films like Gosford Park and action-packed blockbusters like The Bourne Identity, Owen’s versatility is evident, leading many to believe he could become a leading star.
Though he may not have ascended to blockbuster stardom, Owen’s filmography is rich with impressive performances alongside cinematic greats, including Robert Altman and Spike Lee, and co-starring with A-list talent like Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington. His recent ventures into television have won him acclaim and broadened his creative horizons, with several exciting projects on the horizon.
10 Mr. Spade (2024)
As Sam Spade
In the limited series Monsieur Spade, Clive Owen embodies the legendary noir detective Sam Spade, originally developed by author Dashiell Hammett and famously portrayed by Humphrey Bogart in The Maltese Falcon. This series introduces a reimagined version of Spade, who has retired to France only to be drawn back into his investigatory past amidst a string of murders.
Owen’s portrayal goes beyond the traditional stoicism of the noir hero, adding layers and depth to a character often seen as surface-level in previous adaptations. This refreshing approach aims to elevate the narrative, firmly establishing Owen’s character within a more profound story.
9 The Bourne Identity (2002)
As The Professor
Clive Owen was once a frontrunner for the James Bond role but instead made his mark in another exhilarating spy franchise, The Bourne Identity. Based on Robert Ludlum’s thrilling novel, the story follows Jason Bourne, played by Matt Damon, who awakens with no memory and discovers he is a highly skilled operative being hunted by his past.
Owen’s character, The Professor, serves as a persistent adversary in Bourne’s quest for identity and survival. He delivers a nuanced performance, blending menace with emotional depth, particularly during key confrontations with Bourne. This film not only captivates with action but also lays the groundwork for the successful Bourne series that followed.
8 A Murder At The End Of The World (2023)
As Andy Ronson
In his latest television endeavor, A Murder at the End of the World, Clive Owen stars alongside Emma Corrin, portraying a tech billionaire named Andy Ronson. The series, which combines suspense and mystery, follows young investigator Darby Hart as she ventures to a secluded retreat in Iceland, only to find herself involved in a murder investigation when one of the guests is killed.
Owen’s performance is impressive, solidifying Ronson’s grounded characterization instead of leaning into clichés.His role captivates the audience amid a strong ensemble cast, making the series an engaging and clever whodunnit. The tone of the show offers a sophisticated alternative to the casual mystery genre, reminiscent of Rian Johnson’s acclaimed film Glass Onion.
7 American Crime Story: Impeachment (2021)
As President Bill Clinton
Clive Owen’s portrayal of President Bill Clinton in American Crime Story marks one of the highlights of his career, presenting a formidable challenge that Owen embraces wholeheartedly. This anthology series provides a dramatization of the Monica Lewinsky scandal during Clinton’s presidency, illustrating the tangled web of personal and political ramifications.
While Owen does not resemble Clinton physically, he masterfully disappears into the role, avoiding caricatures. He portrays the former president’s vulnerabilities and complexities, illustrating why he garnered sympathy from some and disdain from others. The narrative encapsulates a pivotal moment in American history, blending humor and drama through Owen’s compelling performance.
6 Gosford Park (2001)
As Robert Parks
In Gosford Park, directed by the renowned Robert Altman, Clive Owen joins a stellar ensemble cast in a narrative set in an estate in the 1930s. The film intricately weaves the lives of the affluent guests and their dedicated servants, culminating in a murder that shatters their world.
Owen plays Robert Parks, a valet, who adds a suave and confident dimension to his seemingly subservient role. His character serves as a vital pivot in the plot, engaging in layered relationships and revelations that enrich the film’s narrative complexity, making it a standout murder mystery filled with intrigue.
5 Sin City (2005)
As Dwight
In the visually arresting Sin City, an adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novels, Clive Owen takes on the role of Dwight, a hardened anti-hero navigating a corrupt and violent city. The film, directed by Robert Rodriguez, comprises several intertwining tales showcasing the chaotic lives within this sordid metropolis.
Owen’s performance as Dwight embodies the archetypal hard-boiled detective, wrestling with moral dilemmas while striving for justice amidst chaos. He shares the screen with a star-studded cast, making this revolutionary film both a visual masterpiece and a thrilling comic book experience that bridges the pages to cinematic artistry.
4 The Knick (2014-2015)
As Dr. John W. Thackery
Owen transitioned from film to television brilliantly in The Knick, directed by Steven Soderbergh, which showcases the early 20th-century medical practices in New York City. As Dr. John W. Thackery, Owen leads a narrative filled with groundbreaking medical endeavors and personal struggles against the backdrop of a bustling hospital.
Owen delivers a powerful portrayal of Thackery, a troubled genius entangled in his addiction yet deeply committed to his revolutionary medical advancements. This series offers an unvarnished glimpse into the controversial practices of the period, underscoring Owen’s capacity to embody flawed yet captivating characters.
3 Closer (2004)
As Larry Gray
In the film adaptation of Closer, Clive Owen stars alongside Julia Roberts and Jude Law, presenting a dark exploration of love and betrayal. Based on the stage play by Patrick Marber, the film navigates the tumultuous relationships between two couples entangled in affairs that leave scars on their lives.
Owen’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination, as he evokes a range of emotions—sorrow, rage, and bitterness—in his character Larry Gray. His nuanced portrayal contributes significantly to the film’s emotional weight, marking Closer as a poignant examination of love’s turmoil under the direction of Mike Nichols.
2 Inside Man (2006)
As Dalton Russell
In Inside Man, Clive Owen takes on the role of Dalton Russell, a bank robber orchestrating a complicated heist. Directed by Spike Lee, this film pairs Owen’s cunning character against Denzel Washington’s hostage negotiator in a tense psychological showdown.
Owen’s portrayal of Russell creates a captivating antagonist, one who is strategic and charismatic, blurring the line between right and wrong. The film harkens back to the crime thrillers of the 1970s, complete with rich character development and unexpected plot twists, enhanced by a talented ensemble cast.
1 Children Of Men (2006)
As Theo Faron
Considered one of the finest films of the 21st century, Children of Men features Clive Owen as Theo Faron in a dystopian narrative exploring a future plagued by infertility. Set against a backdrop of societal collapse, Theo’s journey to protect a pregnant refugee becomes a gripping tale of hope and survival.
Owen captures the essence of a reluctant hero, aligning perfectly with Alfonso Cuarón’s visceral filmmaking approach that immerses the audience in a gripping tale of humanity’s potential resurgence. The film’s long takes and immersive storytelling create an intense atmosphere, making it a modern classic that resonates with viewers today.
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