1. La La Land 2016，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 683708, ID: 3783958 Photo by hackingchristianity.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Ryan Gosling’s dedication to learning jazz piano for ‘La La Land’ is nothing short of inspiring. His performance, paired with Emma Stone’s, brings a magical realism to the screen that captivates audiences. The film’s nostalgic homage to classic Hollywood musicals, combined with its contemporary flair, makes it a must-watch for families. The vibrant visuals and enchanting music create an unforgettable cinematic experience.
2. Bohemian Rhapsody 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 600666, ID: 1727824 Photo by diggita.it, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Rami Malek’s transformation into Freddie Mercury is a testament to his commitment, learning piano and embodying Mercury’s flamboyant stage presence. The film’s energetic portrayal of Queen’s rise to fame, coupled with its iconic soundtrack, makes it a thrilling watch. While some critics found the narrative clichéd, Malek’s performance and the musical sequences are undeniably captivating.
3. A Star Is Born 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 423820, ID: 1517451 Photo by popkult.blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Bradley Cooper’s dedication to mastering the guitar and singing for ‘A Star Is Born’ is evident in his authentic portrayal of Jackson Maine. The chemistry between Cooper and Lady Gaga is electric, making their performances deeply moving. The film’s exploration of fame, love, and personal demons resonates with audiences, making it a poignant and memorable experience.
4. Walk the Line 2005，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 267907, ID: 0358273 Photo by coyotepr.uk, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon’s commitment to their roles in ‘Walk the Line’ is commendable, learning to play guitar and auto-harp respectively. Their performances bring Johnny Cash and June Carter to life, capturing the essence of their tumultuous relationship. The film’s heartfelt narrative and powerful music make it a compelling watch for families.
5. The Pianist 2002，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 925001, ID: 0253474 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Adrien Brody’s portrayal of Wladyslaw Szpilman in ‘The Pianist’ is both haunting and inspiring. His dedication to learning Chopin’s compositions adds authenticity to his performance. The film’s depiction of survival during the Holocaust is deeply moving, making it a powerful and educational experience for viewers.
6. I Saw the Light 2015，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 8365, ID: 1490785 Photo by deepestdream.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal of Hank Williams in ‘I Saw the Light’ is a testament to his dedication, as he learned to sing and play guitar for the role. Despite the film’s unfocused narrative, Hiddleston’s performance shines, capturing the essence of Williams’ troubled life. The movie’s strength lies in its music and Hiddleston’s commitment, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of biopics and country music.
7. Only Lovers Left Alive 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 109017, ID: 1714915 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 In ‘Only Lovers Left Alive,’ Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton mesmerize as vampire lovers in a film that blends eternal love with music. Hiddleston’s portrayal of Adam, a musician surrounded by instruments, adds depth to the character. The film’s slow pace and atmospheric storytelling make it a unique and captivating experience.
8. The Brothers Bloom 2008，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 52780, ID: 0844286 Photo by filmwonk.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Rachel Weisz’s performance in ‘The Brothers Bloom’ is remarkable, as she learned to play multiple instruments, including the piano, banjo, violin, and accordion, for her role. The film’s whimsical and adventurous plot, combined with Weisz’s dedication, makes it an entertaining and delightful watch.
9. About a Boy 2002，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 192453, ID: 0276751 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Hugh Grant’s role in ‘About a Boy’ showcases his charm and wit, as he learned to play the guitar for the film. The movie’s blend of comedy and heartfelt moments, along with Grant’s engaging performance, makes it a family-friendly and enjoyable experience.
10. Music and Lyrics 2007，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 107648, ID: 0758766 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 In ‘Music and Lyrics,’ Hugh Grant’s portrayal of a washed-up pop star who learns to compose music again is both charming and heartwarming. Grant’s dedication to learning the piano for the role adds authenticity to his performance. The film’s catchy tunes and delightful chemistry between Grant and Drew Barrymore make it a must-watch for romantic comedy fans.
11. A Very English Scandal 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 16546, ID: 6938856 Photo by popkult.blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw shine in ‘A Very English Scandal,’ a gripping miniseries that blends humor and drama seamlessly. The series is based on the true story of British politician Jeremy Thorpe, and while it doesn’t focus on musical instruments, it captivates with its brilliant performances and sharp writing. Grant’s portrayal of Thorpe is both charming and chilling, making this a must-watch for fans of political dramas.
12. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin 2001，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 36168, ID: 0238112 Photo by perierga.gr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Nicolas Cage’s dedication to learning the mandolin for his role in ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ adds authenticity to this romantic war drama. Set against the backdrop of WWII, the film tells the story of an Italian officer who falls in love with a Greek woman. Despite mixed reviews, Cage’s performance and the beautiful cinematography make it worth a watch.
13. Groundhog Day 1993，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 691697, ID: 0107048 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Bill Murray’s ‘Groundhog Day’ is a timeless classic that combines comedy with a thought-provoking premise. While Murray didn’t learn a new instrument for this role, his character’s journey of self-improvement, including learning to play the piano, adds depth to the film. It’s a perfect blend of humor and heart, making it a family favorite.
14. Green Book 2018，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 585898, ID: 6966692 Photo by geekblast.com.br, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Mahershala Ali’s portrayal of pianist Don Shirley in ‘Green Book’ is both powerful and poignant. Ali learned basic piano skills for the role, adding authenticity to his performance. The film, which explores themes of racism and friendship, is a heartwarming and inspiring journey that resonates with audiences.
15. Chaplin 1992，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 62651, ID: 0103939 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Robert Downey Jr.’s transformation into Charlie Chaplin in ‘Chaplin’ is nothing short of remarkable. Downey learned to play the violin left-handed, just like Chaplin, showcasing his dedication to the role. The film offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the legendary comedian, making it a must-watch for fans of biographical dramas.
15 Actors Who Mastered New Instruments for Movie Roles: A Symphony of Dedication
