Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Stephen Graham, a British actor known for his exceptional acting skills, has starred in numerous critically acclaimed films and television series.
His career spans from memorable supporting roles to complex lead characters and consistently captivates audiences, making him one of the most respected actors of his generation.
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From gritty social dramas to Hollywood gangster epics, Stephen Graham has proven himself capable of shining alongside the biggest names in the film industry.
His ability to bring to life both heroic and troubled characters has made him a top choice for renowned directors.
Stephen Graham's works are not only commercially successful but also frequently receive critical acclaim, proving him a valuable asset to any production.
This Is England (2006)
This powerful British drama, directed by Shane Meadows, explores youth, identity, and the dangerous allure of extremist subculture in 1980s Britain.
Set in 1983, amidst the aftermath of the Falklands War, the film introduces Shaun (Thomas Turgoose), a lonely 12-year-old boy struggling to cope with the death of his father in the conflict.
Shaun then encounters a group of older skinheads, led by Woody, who accept him into their fold.
Stephen Graham's breakthrough role in the film was as Andrew "Combo" Gascoigne, an older, hardened skinhead recently released from prison.
Combo introduces Shaun to nationalist and extremist views, changing the course of Shaun's life.
Stephen Graham's performance as Combo is often cited as one of the most striking and defining of his career.
The film received critical acclaim and grossed £5 million at the box office.
The Irishman (2019)
The Irishman is a 2019 American epic gangster film directed and produced by Martin Scorsese.
It is adapted from the 2004 book "I Heard You Paint Houses" by Charles Brandt, with a screenplay by Steven Zaillian.
In the film, Stephen Graham plays Anthony "Tony Pro" Provenzano, a real-life mobster from the Genovese crime family.
The film follows Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), a truck driver who becomes a hitman and becomes involved with mobster Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) and his crime family.
Sheeran later works for the powerful Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino).
Stephen Graham demonstrates his ability to compete with Hollywood greats like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.
His portrayal of the hot-tempered Provenzano, who often comes into conflict with other characters, stands out among the star-studded cast.
At 209 minutes long, the longest film of Scorsese's career, the film received widespread critical acclaim for the performances of its cast, including Stephen Graham.
Boiling Point (2021)
Boiling Point is a 2021 British drama film directed by Philip Barantini and written by Barantini and James Cummings.
It is based on the 2019 short film of the same name.
Stephen Graham stars as Chef Andy Jones, the head chef at a high-end London restaurant.
The film is shot in a single continuous shot, effectively capturing the relentless pressure in a restaurant kitchen on the busiest night of the year.
Andy Jones must navigate various personal and professional crises, including a surprise visit from a health and safety inspector who downgrades the restaurant's hygiene rating.
Stephen Graham paints a portrait of a man living on the edge, with Andy's vulnerability engaging the audience in his journey. Stephen Graham's wife, Hannah Walters, also stars alongside him in the film, playing Emily.
Snatch (2000): A Stylish Crime Comedy
Snatch is a 2000 crime comedy film written and directed by Guy Ritchie, featuring an ensemble cast and set in the London underworld.
In the film, Stephen Graham plays Tommy, a small-time boxing promoter and associate of Turkish (Jason Statham).
The film has two intertwined storylines: one following the search for stolen diamonds, and the other centering on the boxing promoter's involvement with a ruthless gangster.
Snatch is known for its sharp dialogue, non-linear storytelling, and colorful characters.
The role of Tommy was one of Stephen Graham's early standout roles.
In this role, Stephen Graham showed a softer side compared to his role in This Is England.
Gangs of New York (2002)
Gangs of New York is a 2002 epic historical drama film directed by Martin Scorsese.
Written by Jay Cocks, Steven Zaillian, and Kenneth Lonergan, it is based on Herbert Asbury's 1928 book "The Gangs of New York."
In this Scorsese film, Stephen Graham plays Shang, a member of the Irish Catholic group supporting Amsterdam (Leonardo DiCaprio).
The film is set in 1862-1863 in Five Points, New York, where a long-running Catholic-Protestant feud erupts into violence.
Shang is portrayed as a pickpocket with a winning edge, and Stephen Graham brings the character to life masterfully.
This film marked the beginning of the collaboration between Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese.
Interestingly, Stephen Graham almost accidentally injured DiCaprio in a golf cart incident on set.