1. Sweet Smell of Success (1957) — Surprisingly, Burt Lancaster didn’t garner rave reviews nor earn any awards for what I consider his finest performance. In this first-rate adaptation of Clifford Odets’ play, he stars as J.J. Hunsecker, an influential, immoral newspaper columnist who enjoys the power he holds over people. It would have been easy to portray Hunsecker as a two-dimensional villain. But Burt digs deep into this unlikable egotist and finds reasons for his actions. They may not be good reasons, but he makes Hunsecker one of the most memorable characters of 1950s cinema.
2. Seven Days in May (1964) — John Frankenheimer’s potent political thriller features Lancaster as as General James Mattoon Scott, a strong, charismatic leader who is convinced that a nuclear threat is the only way to hold the Soviet Union in check. The role is a tough one that requires the actor to convince us that Scott believes his actions are driven by patriotism–not his own out-sized ego. The beauty of Lancaster’s performance is that he finds that “sweet spot.” Like Kirk Douglas, who plays a Scott admirer, we cannot condone the General’s treasonous actions. Yet, at the same time, we recognize that Scott is a far more engaged leader than the President prior to the attempted coup.
3. From Here to Eternity (1953) — This classic is an obvious choice, but it’s also a mandatory one. Lancaster is sensational as a disciplined sergeant who falls for his commanding officer’s neglected wife (Deborah Kerr). Their scene on the beach is justly famous, but its impact can be largely attributed to the build-up conveyed convincingly by two exceptional performers in their prime. As with other Lancaster movies, his fellow cast members may have won the acting awards, but Burt anchored the film with his raw intensity.
4. The Rainmaker (1956) — I expect to receive some flack for selecting this one over more celebrated performances in Separate Tables and Elmer Gantry. Personally, I think that Lancaster overplays those roles (which were perhaps overwritten to start with). He may be loud and obnoxious as traveling con man Bill Starbuck…but he creates magic with Katharine Hepburn. She was Oscar nominated and it’s a fine performance, but I think Kate’s success as spinster Lizzie Curry would be diminished if she was acting opposite anyone but Burt as Starbuck. It’s a role that fits him like a glove.
5. The Killers (1946) — I was tempted to go out on a limb and place The Kentuckian here, since it provides Burt with one of his most different roles (e.g., a likable, honest–but not very bright–pioneer father). However, in the end, I opted for the role that made him a star: The Swede in Robert Siodmak’s classic film noir The Killers. One of my favorite scenes is when The Swede meets Kitty (Ava Gardner) and becomes instantly transfixed–it’s like there’s no one else in the world for the ex-fighter. Burt Lancaster’s ferocity dominated many of his later films, but his performance in The Killers proves that he could flourish in an excellent ensemble cast.
Honorable Mentions: The Kentuckian, Birdman of Alcatraz, The Crimson Pirate, Brute Force, The Swimmer, and Run Silent, Run Deep.
Rick29 is a film reference book author and a regular contributor at the Classic Film & TV Café, on Facebook and Twitter. He’s a big fan of MovieFanFare, too, of course!