Dennis Hopper has made over 100 movies during his career and has been widely praised for his betrayal of some quirky characters. He has received two academy award nominations and has been recognized by many groups for his great work both in front of and behind the camera. Although never considered a leading man, his portrayals of tormented characters are usually the center of his films.

Easy Rider

This 1969 tale of two bikers who make a trek across the United States won a best screenplay nomination for Hopper. Considered the anti-establishment movie of the 60’s, Easy Rider continues to have a cult following to this day. Dennis Hopper not only starred in the movie, but also co-wrote and directed it. He was praised for his innovative directing and editing techniques which would lead to more directing opportunities in the future.

Blue Velvet

Hopper’s portrayal of the obscenity-spewing Frank Booth in Blue Velvet is considered by many to be the highlight of his career. His character is a disturbing mix of pure evil and strange sexual tastes. Hopper convinced director David Lynch to cast him as Frank Booth by telling Lynch that he was that character.  Although Hopper was not nominated for an academy award, he received wide critical acclaim.

Hoosiers

His second academy award nomination came for his performance in the film Hoosiers. He played the role of an alcoholic father of a high school basketball player. In a rare departure from his previous roles, Hopper gives us a character that we can pity and rally behind. His plunges into alcoholism are saddening, but he gives us hope in the scene where he shows up in a suit and takes over the team when Gene Hackman is thrown out of a game. Hoosiers is a great movie that makes you root for the underdog and I highly recommend it.

Colors

Dennis Hopper directed this tale of cops and gangs in East Los Angeles. Although it was considered controversial at the time of it’s release, Hopper tackled the subject head-on and expertly developed the characters of Robert Duvall and Sean Penn. His directing performance earned Hopper critical acclaim.

Speed

Hopper played a psychotic bomber who planted a bomb aboard a city bus full of passengers. Keanu Reeves was a police officer determined to save the passengers. The movie was a huge hit at the box office and launched the career of Sandra Bullock. Hopper once again was cast as the bad guy who has gone over the edge. Speed put Dennis Hopper back into the Hollywood limelight once again.