Top 5 Robert Duvall movies and shows to binge this week in honor of the legendary actor
Hollywood is mourning the loss of a legend. Robert Duvall passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, at 95, at his farm in Middleburg, Virginia. The next day, his wife, actress Luciana Pedraza, shared the news on Facebook. It read, in part, "To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court." Duvall, who had no children, did not want a formal service. Instead, fans are encouraged to celebrate him in their own way: watch a great film, tell a story, or take a quiet drive and appreciate the beauty around them. And what better way to honor his remarkable legacy than by revisiting the unforgettable performances that made him a true icon?
The Godfather and The Godfather Part II
One of Duvall's iconic roles as to be in the 'The Godfather' (1972) and its sequel, 'The Godfather Part II' (1974), where he plays Tom Hagen, the Corleone family’s calm and calculating consigliere. Adopted by Marlon Brando's character Don Vito Corleone, Tom keeps the family’s warring impulses in check and later becomes Michael’s trusted right-hand man. The role earned Duvall his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Both films are streaming on Paramount+.
Apocalypse Now
Next up is the Vietnam War drama 'Apocalypse Now' in 1979, where Duvall teamed up with Coppola and Brando once again. He played the larger-than-life character of Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore, a commander of the 1st Cavalry Division stationed in Vietnam. Despite a limited role, Duvall turns in a scene-stealing performance as a surf-loving warmonger who finds himself eerily at home in the midst of war. Moreover, he delivered one of the most iconic film lines by stating, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning,” while glibly describing the destruction and loss of civilian life left in the wake of the conflict. Watch 'Apocalypse Now' on Apple TV and Prime Video.
Lonesome Dove
Another epic Western adventure is the 1989 miniseries 'Lonesome Dove', based on Lonesome Dove. Robert Duvall is unforgettable as Augustus "Gus" McCrae, a hard-drinking, wisecracking former Texas Ranger who lives for life’s pleasures and drops one-liners like bullets. Alongside Tommy Lee Jones’ stoic Woodrow Call, Gus goes on a dangerous cattle drive to Montana, where humor, heartbreak, and adventure ride side by side. For those wondering where to watch it, all episodes are streaming on Peacock and Prime Video.
Network
Directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Paddy Chayefsky, 'Network' (1976) is a satirical comedy-drama about the television ratings culture. It centers on the UBS Evening News anchor Howard Beale, who decides to kill himself and announces it on-air, leading to the show's low ratings to spike. Duvall stars as the ruthless network executive Frank Hackett, who is willing to cross any moral lines to boost ratings. His character offers a stark contrast to Beale's rage against corporate greed. Duvall's comedic performance stands out among other heavy hitters like Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Ned Beatty, Peter Finch, Wesley Addy, and Beatrice Straight. You can watch 'Network' on Apple TV and Prime Video.
Tender Mercies
Duvall portrays a washed-up country singer, Mac Sledge in director Bruce Beresford's 1983 drama, 'Tender Mercies.' The film is scripted by Horton Foote, who won the Oscar for adapting the screenplay of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' in 1963. Mac's bout with alcoholism has ruined his career and his relationships with his wife, Dixie, and daughter, Sue Anne. After hitting rock bottom, he rebuilds his relationships and gets a second chance at making a career comeback, with the help of a widow named Rosa Lee. A story of redemption, 'Tender Mercies' also stars Tess Harper, Ellen Barkin, Wilford Brimley, Betty Buckley, and Allan Hubbard in supporting roles. Although an underrated film, it features Duvall in his only Oscar-winning role and is a great film to honor his acting prowess. 'Tender Mercies' can be streamed on Apple TV.
