We all know this guy, whether we (or someone we know) impersonate his speech mannerisms to death or we watch video clips that are part of our current viral zeitgeist (including that Fatboy Slim music video, weird compilations, or interviews). Yes, it’s Christopher Walken’s birthday, and I’m sure most of us don’t really need an introduction to one of cinema’s most singular character actors of all time. Well, did you know he was a dancer before he got into acting full time? That makes sense, given some of the traits he gives to characters (or, once again, “Weapon of Choice”). What about the fact that he was a lion tamer as a teenager? Somehow, that may not be surprising still. Either way, there might be a chance that you don’t quite know how gifted of an actual performer he is (yes, this extends beyond his goofier roles; also excuse our fifth entry because we had to include at least one). We could all use some Walken escapism during this social distancing time, and there’s no better day than the iconic actor’s seventy first birthday. Here are five films for newcomers to the works of Christopher Walken.

5. Pulp Fiction

Like I said, we had to have one of his weirder roles. This entry can be the figurehead for all of Walken’s sillier performances, as well as the short bits he had (Annie Hall included). Why Pulp Fiction? Outside of the fact that it’s a brilliant film, Walken’s Captain Koons is one of cinema’s most hysterical detours. He tells the severe story of a generational sacrifice during various forms of wartime, which includes an ultimately bizarre necessity to pull it off (of which I won’t spoil for those unfamiliar with the film). Only someone like Walken can manage being so magnetic, then hilariously shocking. If you’re in absolute need of a part two of sorts, see True Romance, where a one-off scene with Walken (paired up with Dennis Hopper) steals the film once more.

4. King of New York

It’s easier to sing praises of Walken’s early works before he became a bit of a novelty act, so I feel his ‘90s output (and after) gets overlooked. If anything, the gangster epic King of New York is still considered widely underrated by a number of current journalists. Here, Walken’s awkwardness passes off as uncontrollable-yet-suave, and not in the least bit funny. As a man of power in the criminal underworld hungry to regain top status, Walken is arguably creepy in this film in the best of ways.

3. Heaven’s Gate

Speaking of underrated films getting reexamined, the highly controversial Heaven’s Gate was marred by production costs, setbacks, and unethical practices (pertaining to the treatment of animals on set). Either way, Michael Cimino’s follow up to The Deer Hunter never made it too far, until a final cut made its rounds in 2012. Now we can appreciate Walken for one of his most enticing roles ever, as a sensationalized version of Nathan D. Champion. With one hell of a character introduction (I leave you to find out what it is yourself), you’re hooked on Walken’s leading role from the first frame.

2. The Dead Zone

Combine Stephen King’s fixation on horror indulgence and David Cronenberg’s uncomfortable shock content, and you have a recipe perfect for Christopher Walken. Introducing The Dead Zone, easily Walken’s most entertaining performance. It’s arguably as silly (“The ice… is going to break!”) as it is compelling. Walken tip-toes between the absurd and the tangible with ease here, as proof that he has command over his output at all times. As a man that gains psychic abilities and the need to be a soothsayer to protect others, Walken could only be the right fit for this film back in 1983.

1. The Deer Hunter

Of course, no other film deserves to be the top spot. The guaranteed answer for which Christopher Walken film you should watch first is The Deer Hunter. Always. It’s not just because he won an Academy Award for his role as a prisoner-of-war in Vietnam. It’s because it is by far and beyond the best work he ever did. Even when he was unaffected by war at the start of the film, he’s hardly strange. He’s just charming, and somehow manages to inhabit the best friend we all have, almost like a blank slate. Once he and his coworker friends go fight and experience the worst sides of war, Walken’s Nick is too far removed. When you witness him as a shell of a human being, he is past lifeless, and it’s actually painful to bear. It’s the moments in between — the parts where Nick’s brain shatters from pain and fear — that Walken showcases the greatest acting he ever pulled off. Anyone that sees Christopher Walken as just a funny, crazy soul is required to watch The Deer Hunter to get the full scope of what he can actually do.

Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections management from Ryerson University, as well as a Bachelors degree in Cinema Studies from York University. His favourite times of year are the Criterion Collection flash sales and the annual Toronto International Film Festival.

Christopher Walken: Five Films for Newcomers