The ultimate Robert De Niro quiz: Can you guess the film?
Two Oscars, eight nominations, and respect that borders on reverence from an industry he’s graced for nearly half a century. Robert De Niro, a man who’s etched his name in the gold of Hollywood history. But the question is, can you recognize his films from just a single frame? Let’s find out. Good luck!
Rough-around-the-edges, hates paperwork and sporting a mustache. Ring any bells?
In ‘Brazil,’ De Niro takes on the role of Harry Tuttle, an rebel in a world overrun by technology. Though a minor role, it’s one of the film’s standout performances.
Our protagonist is holding a die. Hmmm... where might one hold a die? If you’re drawing blanks, you probably don't want to place any bets on this De Niro quiz.
‘Casino’ proved that the powerhouse trio of Joe Pesci, Robert De Niro, and Martin Scorsese is a winning hand. But the wildcard that took the film to masterpiece level? Sharon Stone. Even so, De Niro’s Sam Rothstein is one of the standout characters of the ’90s.
A vintage vibe, a perfectly sculpted beard, and a look that’s hard to forget. And let’s not forget the two companions in the photo.
Offering a very 70s perspective on the Vietnam War, ‘The Deer Hunter’ boasts unforgettable scenes and compelling performances. Director Michael Cimino extracts the best from De Niro, creating an unforgettable character in Mike Vronsky.
Here’s a serious-faced De Niro, not far off his current age, sporting a slicked-back hairdo. If you’re a recent De Niro viewer, this one won’t get past you.
Photo credit: Netflix (that's another hint too).
In this cinematic marathon, Scorsese reunites with De Niro, Pesci, and Pacino to put a bow on his saga of mafia narratives. The film dives into one of the 20th century’s greatest mysteries - the disappearance of union boss Jimmy Hoffa. De Niro is transformed into Frank Sheeran, a weathered and surly hitman.
Photo: Netflix
Unmistakable. Unforgettable. Unmissable. Powerful. De Niro's first Oscar.
In a daring move, De Niro steps into the shoes of the character Marlon Brando masterfully portrayed in the first film — and he nails it. The film showcases one of his career’s best roles: Vito Corleone’s journey from youth to legendary mafia boss.
Here, De Niro’s appearance might be confusing since he plays this kind of character in so many roles. A small hint? Think spaghetti.
It took a while for the world to fully appreciate this Sergio Leone masterpiece. It’s a riveting four hours of cult gangster cinema. De Niro steps into the shoes of David “Noodles” Aaronson, whose friendship with Max Bercovicz (James Woods) results in the formation of a feared mafia clan during the Prohibition era.
Nope, not getting any for this one.
True, De Niro’s Jimmy Conway was somewhat overshadowed by Joe Pesci’s Tommy DeVito, but let’s face it, any performance would pale in comparison to Pesci in his absolute prime. For many experts, this Scorsese’s masterpiece is up there with ‘The Godfather,’ battling it out for the title of the greatest mafia movie of all time.
De Niro driving a bus, with a kid trying to swipe his route map. Not his usual cinematic fare, right? Any guesses?
‘A Bronx Tale’ marked De Niro’s directorial debut, and he hit the ground running. He took everything he’d learned about directing, mafia, and gangsters and crafted it into a compelling narrative. As an added bonus, he cast himself in the lead role. Well played, De Niro.
This picture is from on the set. The clothes and the camera don't seem to match times. Let’s just say this was an epic historical drama and one of the longest commercially made films ever made.
Genius director Bertolucci wanted to show that friendship transcends class. He creates a lifelong bond between the peasant Olmo Delco and the landowner Alfredo Berlinghieri, played by De Niro, despite their starkly different social statuses. The film opens in 1945, the day Italy is liberated from fascists.
That mustache is unmistakable to anyone who’s seen this movie. The real question is, have you?
Scorsese proves he can step outside the mafia world with ease, casting De Niro as an aspiring comedian obsessed with being the funniest. De Niro’s portrayal of Rupert Pupkin inspired Joaquin Phoenix’s ‘Joker,’ hinting at the immense potential of this underrated film.
Really? No further hints needed, right?
Travis Bickle is a legend of cinema. A Vietnam vet turned New York City cabbie, Bickle navigates the city’s sordid underbelly across affluent and run-down neighborhoods. His performance is stellar, yet ironically, it didn’t nab him his second Oscar. Peter Finch snagged it for ‘Network.’
Our final classic. That pose, that gaze... do you recognize it?
Did you know De Niro himself championed this film after reading the biography of Jake LaMotta? It sure paid off. The film tracks LaMotta’s rise to the top of boxing and his subsequent fall from grace — a story all too familiar in the sporting world. However, not all such tales end with an Oscar for De Niro and getting turned into one of the best films of all time.