Top 6 Michael Fassbender Movies

by Helen Earnshaw | 9 January 2014

Michael Fassbender is one of the most exciting actors in Hollywood having delivered a string of great performances in recent years.

He is back on the big screen this week with his new movie 12 Years A Slave - a role that could well see him bag an Oscar nomination next week.

To celebrate the release of the film, we take a look at the top performances of Fassbender's career so far.

- Hunger (2008)

Hunger remains one of my favourite Michael Fassbender films as he took on the role of Irish republican Bobby Sands.

The film is set inside Maze Prison and follows the story of Sands as he leads the inmates in a hunger strike.

Hunger was the directorial debut of Steve McQueen and was the first of three collaborations between the actor and director.

This is an unflinching and powerful movie from start to finish, driven forward by a mesmerising performance from Fassbender - the weight loss alone is enough to make your eyes water.

This is a character study of one man's determination to fight against the system - he used his body to protest about the terrible conditions in which the prisoners were kept.

It's a very original and powerful movie that breaks through all of the clichés of prison movies to create something completely new, unique and in a very odd way beautiful.

- Fish Tank (2009)

Michael Fassbender took on a supporting role in Fish Tank as he teamed up with director Andrea Arnold for the first time.

The movie follows fifteen-year-old Mia, whose world changes when her mum brings home a new boyfriend. Before long, Mia and her mother are rivals for Connor's affection.

Fish Tank was one of the stand out movies of 2009 as it was a film was so incredibly real and raw.

The chemistry between Fassbender and Katie Jarvis (Mia) is really what makes this film work, as there is a believable and compelling connection between the two characters.

Fassbender plays this character half-kind and charming and half-predatory and his intentions really build up the drama and the tension.

- X-Men: First Class (2011)

Fassbender can also turn his hand to the big budget blockbuster as he took over the role of Magneto in X-Men: First Class.

First Class is set back in 1962 and explored the early days of Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr's friendship.

The relationship between Charles and Erik was always one of the most interesting aspects of the earlier movie and it’s great to see the origins really explored this time around.

These are two characters that are completely different and yet in each other they find a connection, a connection that results in them being friends for a lifetime.

Fassbender brings a certain gravitas to this role - much like Ian McKellen in the original series. There is a charm on the surface and yet there is real anger bubbling away underneath.

The movie went on to be a box office success and Fassbender will be reprising the role later this year in X-Men: Days of Future Past.

- Jane Eyre (2011)

Jane Eyre is one of my favourite novels of all time, and the story has been adapted for the big screen many times.

In 2011, Fassbender joined forces with Mia Wasikowska in Cary Fukunaga take on the Charlotte Bronte novel.

Fassbender took on the role of Rochester; an intense and flawed man that you just cannot help but like.

There is just something about Fassbender in this role, as he brings a passion that we perhaps have not seen in this character before.

Fassbender and Wasikowska banter well together and the growth of their relationship really does feel incredibly fresh.

Jane Eyre is a beautifully crafted film with two fantastic central performances - this is one of my favourite adaptations of this wonderful novel.

- Shame (2012)

In 2012, Fassbender reunited with Steve McQueen for Shame - the second feature film for the director.

The movie follows Brandon whose carefully cultivated private life -- which allows him to indulge his sexual addiction -- is disrupted when his sister arrives unannounced for an indefinite stay.

Shame is a powerful, unflinching, and unsettling film about sex addiction that is as provocative as it is totally intriguing.

Fassbender performance is one of the best of his career as he delivers a character study of an incredibly complex and layered man.

Fassbender was nominated for a Golden Globe for his central performance, but was shockingly overlooked when the Best Actor Oscar nominations were announced.

- 12 Years A Slave (2014)

This week sees Fassbender reunite with McQueen one again for the big screen adaptation of the memoir by Solomon Northup: a free man who was tricked and sold into slavery in the 1800s.

Fassbender takes on the role of ruthless plantation owner Edwin Epps; a man who believes it is his right to abuse his slaves.

Fassbender delivers a truly chilling performance in 12 Years A Slave, as McQueen doesn't shy away from painting a very truthful picture about slavery.

12 Years A Slave is a truly punishing and relentless movie that is driven by a string of wonderful performances.

Fassbender has been nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe and Bafta - fingers crossed he will also be in the Oscar race.