F Murray Abraham's birthday: Oscar-winning actor's top films to binge-watch
F Murray Abraham is a celebrated Hollywood actor with a career spanning over half a century. From his Academy Award-winning role as Antonio Salieri in Amadeus (1984) to performances in classics like Scarface and The Grand Budapest Hotel, his talent has left an indelible mark on the film industry. On Abraham's 84th birthday on Tuesday, we gather his top films to binge-watch right away.
'The Grand Budapest Hotel' (2014)
In Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel, Abraham plays the elderly Zero Moustafa—who is the heart and soul of this tale. As the owner of the once-grand establishment, he regales the audience with stories of love, friendship, and, of course, a daring heist. The movie is celebrated for its epic murder mystery storyline and boasts a stellar 17-actor ensemble cast led by Ralph Fiennes.
'Inside Llewyn Davis' (2013)
In the 2013 film Inside Llewyn Davis, Abraham's portrayal of Bud Grossman—the co-founder of Chicago's renowned Gate of Horn Club and a prominent figure in the world of folk music management—is a prime example of his scene-stealing presence. The fiction delves into the tumultuous life of Llewyn Davis, a talented folk singer navigating the challenges of the music industry in 1960s New York.
'Star Trek: Insurrection' (1998)
Abraham's appearance in Star Trek: Insurrection is a notable addition to his career. In the film, he takes on the role of Ru'afo—an antagonist within the Star Trek universe. Ru'afo is characterized by a captivating blend of charisma and menace. The film revolves around the moral dilemmas faced by the crew of the USS Enterprise-E as they navigate a complex plot involving rejuvenation technology.
'Amadeus' (1984)
Amadeus is a monumental film for Abraham, as his performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. In the biopic, he portrays Salieri, a court composer who finds himself overshadowed by the genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The film—directed by Miloš Forman—is a masterpiece known for its exploration of the rivalry between these two musical geniuses and the intricacies of human nature.
'Scarface' (1983)
Abraham plays Omar Suarez—a suave figure—in the iconic crime film Scarface. As the righthand of drug lord Frank Lopez, the mentor of Tony (Al Pacino), Suarez is instrumental in the intense and often violent plot. Scarface—directed by Brian De Palma—has earned a cult following over the years, and Abraham's Suarez is part of what makes the film a classic in the crime genre.
