David Warner, the gangly British actor with a strong foundation in stage performance, began his film career in the early 1960s. It wasn’t long before David Warner caught the attention of critics and audiences alike, thanks to his standout role in Karel Reisz’s offbeat drama Morgan! (1966), where David Warner portrayed an emotionally unstable artist pushed to extremes by divorce. Over the years, David Warner has collaborated with a number of acclaimed directors—names like John Frankenheimer, Sidney Lumet, Richard Donner, Joseph Losey, Alain Resnais, and notably, Sam Peckinpah, with whom David Warner worked on three memorable occasions: The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970), Straw Dogs (1971), and Cross of Iron (1977). Though David Warner has proven time and again his ability to bring depth and sensitivity to more empathetic characters, he’s perhaps just as recognized for his chilling portrayals of villains. Among his most striking antagonistic roles are Jack the Ripper opposite Malcolm McDowell’s H.G. Wells in Time After Time (1979), the delightfully wicked Evil Genius in Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits (1983), and the quietly menacing doctor in Mr. North (1988). David Warner’s career remains a testament to his range, with each performance adding another layer to his enduring legacy.
When it comes to David Warner’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970) as his standout performance—widely regarded as David Warner’s highest rated movie. It’s a classic Western with a unique tone, and David Warner really made an impression in that role. On the other end of the spectrum, A Thousand Kisses Deep (2011) tends to receive much less acclaim, making it David Warner’s lowest rated film to date. While the movie had its moments, it just didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or reviewers. So, whether you’re exploring David Warner’s best work or tracing his more overlooked roles, these two films definitely mark the highs and lows of his diverse career.