The people who made history, we most often know, at best, from photographs and videos. At worst, according to surviving paintings and eyewitness accounts. Theater artists and movie stars often have to reincarnate in various historical characters, and due to the fact that they are completely real people, they try to reincarnate and reflect the image, manner of speaking and habits. We have compiled a photo-list of actors and actresses who have successfully played historical figures. They managed to convey on the screen what seemed impossible.
Willem Dafoe
- The main role in the film “Van Gogh. On the threshold of eternity "(At Eternity's Gate) 2018
During his acting career, Willem managed to prove that his creative range is not limited to supervillains and maniacs. In 2018, the image of Van Gogh got into the piggy bank of important roles of the actor. Critics argue that Willem managed to do what his predecessors failed to do - to show the master not only as a man of tragic fate in a state of half-madness, but also to convey all the charisma, spirituality and amazing richness of the famous Dutchman. The actor was nominated for an Academy Award for his wonderful transformation into a great artist.
Olivia Colman
- The role of Queen Anne in the movie "The Favorite" (2018)
The historical drama describes a difficult historical stage - the war between the British and the French, unfolding in the 18th century. In this difficult time for Great Britain, Queen Anne begins to rule the country, a sickly and absolutely not domineering woman. She became the last Stuart monarch to rule. The brilliant performance of Anna Colman won an Oscar for Best Actress. Due to her appearance and type, Olivia most often plays in historical paintings. Right after Anna, Colman played Queen Elizabeth in The Crown. Olivia's efforts were appreciated by the royal family, and in 2018 she was awarded the Order of the British Empire for her contribution to drama.
Maria Aronova
- Played Maria Bochkareva in Battalion (2014)
Dmitry Meskhiev's film "Battalion" was highly appreciated by both critics and viewers. Events unfold immediately after the February revolution. The Provisional Government creates the so-called "Death Battalion", headed by Maria Bochkareva. It was not by chance that Maria Aronova was chosen for this role - the actress is very similar to Bochkareva in appearance. In addition to the external features, Aronova managed to clearly convey the internal characteristics of a woman officer - the viewer sees a tough and disciplined, but not devoid of femininity and vulnerability, the heroine. The actress herself admits that the role was not easy for her, and the point is not at all that she had to shave baldly and wear an overcoat, it is a matter of giving and full immersion in the role.
Sergey Bezrukov
- The main role in the film project "Pushkin: The Last Duel" (2006)
Of course, only the lazy does not laugh at Bezrukov and his reincarnation in all famous people of our time and past years. But we must admit that Sergei Pushkin really succeeds perfectly. For many years Bezrukov played Alexander Sergeevich on the stage of the MDT, and during the casting for "The Last Duel", the creators of the picture had no doubts about who should play the main role. According to the film crew, when Sergei played the dying Pushkin, all the people around were crying.
Daniel Day-Lewis
- The role of the sixteenth US President Abraham Lincoln in the film "Lincoln" (2012)
Abraham Lincoln has played a huge role in American history. Steven Spielberg's painting tells about the main milestones and amendments that the President of the United States adopted in law. The distinguished director hasn't seen anyone other than Daniel in this role. Before the premiere of the film, Spielberg published a letter with a role proposal, which he sent to the actor ten years ago. Then Day-Lewis answered the director with a refusal, explaining that he was not ready for such reincarnations. But time and experience did their trick, and Spielberg's patience was not in vain - the film was nominated for an Oscar in several nominations, including for Best Actor.
Emma Stone and Steve Carell
- Starring in Battle of the Sexes 2017
Sports rivalry formed the basis of many paintings. But Battle of the Sexes is not only the story of two tennis stars trying to prove who is better, it is also a poignant social picture of women's rights. Events unfold in 1973, when young tennis player Billie Jean King decided to prove to the world that she could compete with one of the most magnificent athletes of the time, Bobby Riggs. Emma and Steve managed to perfectly convey both the spirit of the times and the characters of two tennis players Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King. According to film critics, the actors made the audience believe in the authenticity of what was happening.
Meryl Streep
- Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady 2011
Meryl Streep is one of the actresses who played historical figures so realistically that the viewer simply cannot take their eyes off the screen. With the help of the actress, we penetrate the life story of one of the most stunning and powerful women of our time, Margaret Thatcher. Her heroine received the nickname "Iron Lady" for a reason - she was able to become the first female prime minister in the history of Great Britain and head the Government for many years, changing the course of history with every decision. In order to play Margaret as realistically as possible, Meryl attended government meetings and political debates. The Iron Lady herself did not want to watch the film, saying that she did not want a show to be made of her life.
Victoria Isakova
- Marina Tsvetaeva in the drama "Mirrors" (2013)
Victoria Isakova was fortunate enough to touch the beauty and play one of the most difficult women in the history of Russian literature. The film "Mirrors" is a reflection of the difficult fate and true love of Marina Tsvetaeva. At first glance, Isakova is completely different from her heroine, but she managed to achieve a visual similarity, and most importantly, to believe that this was exactly the way it was. The actress was nominated for Best Actress for Nika.
Konstantin Khabensky
- Main role in Trotsky (2017)
Konstantin Khabensky, with the help of his reincarnations, was able to show the audience two sides of the coin of one revolution, first by playing Kolchak, and then Trotsky. I must say that both images were a success for Konstantin one hundred percent. Trotsky, played by Khabensky, is a man who can ignite the crowd with his eyes, fall in love with the most beautiful and extraordinary women, but at the same time, somewhere deep down in his soul, he is vulnerable and sensitive. The creators of the picture assure that the film was not filmed to justify Trotsky's personality, but rather an attempt to understand him as a person against the background of events taking place in the country.
Rami Malek
- Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody 2018
The release of the film "Bohemian Rhapsody" was a real event not only for Queen fans, but also for people who are far from music in general. Amazing drive, songs that became platinum hits, and the history of the band in general and one great man in particular. When Malek found out that he would play Freddie, he said that this was the role of his dreams, and he would do absolutely everything not to let the team down. He studied in detail every movement of the rock idol, his habits, watched interviews for days, and the result of his labors really impressed the audience.
Margot Robbie
- Tonya Harding in the movie "Tonya Against Everyone" (I, Tonya) 2017
Rounding out our photo-list of actors and actresses who have successfully played the historical figures Margot Robbie and her role as figure skater Tony Harding. Tony's story is not a Cinderella tale at all. There was a lot in her life, from an oppressive mother and an unsuccessful marriage, to the difficult road to figure skating, which she loved most in the world. In order to play for real, Robbie had to train hard on the ice. The famous figure skater Sarah Kawahara became her coach, and Harding herself consulted Margot during the filming, and after the release of the film, she said that she liked the result.
