Robert Duvall, what a legend! Spanning over six decades, his career is living proof that doesn’t age. Duvall’s road in film continues to impress, especially considering his recent roles that span mystery, drama, family tension, and even a touch of adventure.
Each performance offers a unique side of Duvall, showing he’s still pushing boundaries, still surprising us, and still lighting up the screen.
Let’s explore some of his recent roles and see why Robert Duvall is such an enduring figure in cinema.
10. Get Low (2009)
In Get Low, Duvall stars as Felix Bush, a reclusive man planning his own “living funeral,” inviting townsfolk to share the wild stories they’ve heard about him.
Based on a true story, the film delves into themes of redemption and the universal human desire for connection. Duvall is mesmerizing as Felix, bringing a quiet intensity to the character, someone haunted by his past yet eager to confront it.
His performance is both haunting and heartfelt, making Get Low a beautiful meditation on loneliness, regret, and forgiveness.
Director: Aaron Schneider
Main Cast
- Sissy Spacek as Mattie Darrow
- Bill Murray as Frank Quinn
- Lucas Black as Buddy Robinson
9. Jayne Mansfield’s Car (2012)
Directed by Billy Bob Thornton, Jayne Mansfield’s Car is set in the 1960s and features Duvall as Jim Caldwell, the patriarch of a Southern family.
The story revolves around the clash between two families brought together by a funeral, offering a candid look at generational conflicts and cultural differences.
Duvall’s portrayal of Caldwell is rich with tension, humor, and the kind of old-school Southern charm that only he can pull off.
For anyone who enjoys films that explore family dynamics with a touch of dark comedy, Duvall’s performance here is a standout.
Director: Billy Bob Thornton
Main Cast
- John Hurt as Kingsley Bedford
- Billy Bob Thornton as Skip Caldwell
- Kevin Bacon as Carroll Caldwell
8. A Night in Old Mexico (2013)
In A Night in Old Mexico, Duvall plays Red Bovie, a retired rancher who sets off on a wild adventure to Mexico with his estranged grandson. It’s a fun, touching ride that mixes drama with comedy, focusing on themes of family reconciliation and rediscovering lost dreams.
Duvall brings humor and a rough-edged charm to Red, capturing the spirit of a man who may be older but still thirsts for life.
It’s a different tone from his other roles, showing a playful side with moments of wisdom layered in. For those looking for a lighter yet heartfelt watch, this film is a perfect pick.
Director: Emilio Aragón
Main Cast
- Jeremy Irvine as Gally
- Angie Cepeda as Patty Wafers
- Luis Tosar as Panama
7. The Judge (2014)
Duvall’s role as Judge Joseph Palmer in The Judge is powerful and even earned him an Academy Award nomination. The film explores the rocky relationship between Palmer and his son, a successful lawyer who returns home to defend his estranged father in a murder trial.
Duvall’s portrayal of Palmer is multi-layered; he’s stern, proud, and often distant but still remarkably human.
Family relationships aren’t always pretty, and Duvall captures the raw emotion, regret, and tenderness that come with years of unspoken tension. It’s a performance that reminds us of his mastery in conveying complex, even flawed characters.
Director: David Dobkin
Main Cast
- Robert Downey Jr. as Hank Palmer
- Vera Farmiga as Samantha Powell
- Billy Bob Thornton as Dwight Dickham
6. Wild Horses (2015)
In Wild Horses, Duvall takes on double duty as actor and director, playing Scott Briggs, a Texas rancher grappling with his past. When a cold case is reopened, secrets and family ties come under scrutiny.
The story reflects themes of redemption and the heavy weight of family secrets. As Briggs, Duvall combines a rugged exterior with moments of vulnerability.
The film has a gritty, realistic feel, and Duvall’s involvement in both directing and acting gives it an intimate touch.
You get a sense that he’s poured a lot of himself into Briggs, making Wild Horses a must-watch for anyone who enjoys films that deal with family dynamics and buried secrets.
Director: Robert Duvall
Main Cast
- James Franco as Ben Briggs
- Josh Hartnett as Deputy Sheriff Kansas Milton
- Luciana Pedraza as Maria Gonzales
5. In Dubious Battle (2016)
In this adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel, Duvall is Bolton, a wealthy landowner during the turbulent labor strikes of the 1930s.
Duvall brings complexity to this character, balancing between the indifference of a man of privilege and the desperation of someone faced with an uprising.
If historical drama with social themes interests you, Duvall’s portrayal in In Dubious Battle brings an extra edge to the film’s tension.
His presence emphasizes the age-old clash between wealth and workers, and he manages to make his role both menacing and understandable.
Director: James Franco
Main Cast
- James Franco as Mac McLeod
- Nat Wolff as Jim Nolan
- Vincent D’Onofrio as Al Anderson
4. Widows (2018)
In Widows, we see a different side of Duvall, one that is raw, intense, and deeply flawed. He plays Tom Mulligan, a corrupt politician tangled in a web of crime.
The plot revolves around four women who, after losing their husbands to a botched heist, band together to finish the job. Duvall brings to life a morally murky character, one who is aggressive, entitled, and unrepentant.
For fans of thrillers, this film is an experience. It’s captivating to watch Duvall embody a man so driven by power that he stops at nothing, revealing layers of ruthlessness that leave a mark long after the film ends.
Director: Steve McQueen
Main Cast
- Viola Davis as Veronica Rawlings
- Michelle Rodriguez as Linda Perelli
- Elizabeth Debicki as Alice Gunner
3. 12 Mighty Orphans (2021)
12 Mighty Orphans is based on the true story of a group of orphans who, against all odds, form a high school football team during the Great Depression. Duvall portrays Mason Hawk, a supportive figure for the underdog team, and he nails it.
He’s the grounding force in a narrative filled with youthful energy and raw resilience. Duvall’s portrayal highlights his gift for bringing sincerity and warmth to roles.
It’s an inspiring film, one where Duvall’s role might be small but is pivotal. He embodies that mentor figure, one who knows when to let the young ones shine and when to step in with some timeless wisdom.
Director: Ty Roberts
Main Cast
- Luke Wilson as Rusty Russell
- Vinessa Shaw as Juanita Russell
- Wayne Knight as Frank Wynn
2. Hustle (2022)
Sports dramas aren’t usually where one might expect to find Robert Duvall. But in Hustle, he takes on the role of Rex Merrick, a basketball team owner with a keen eye for talent.
The film tells the story of a scout discovering a phenomenal streetball player abroad, challenging the team’s boundaries in search of the next star.
Duvall’s role isn’t the loudest, but he brings a grounded energy that balances the story’s more vibrant and fast-paced moments.
For fans of sports and dramas alike, Hustle showcases Duvall’s ability to adapt to new and unexpected settings. His character’s wisdom and quiet authority help anchor the story, proving that Duvall’s presence alone can make a film feel real and relevant.
Director: Jeremiah Zagar
Main Cast
- Adam Sandler as Stanley Sugerman
- Queen Latifah as Teresa Sugerman
- Juancho Hernangómez as Bo Cruz
1. The Pale Blue Eye (2022)
In The Pale Blue Eye, set in 1830, Duvall takes on the character of Jean Pepe. The story centers on a detective navigating a series of murders at the United States Military Academy.
What’s fascinating here is how Duvall adds a whole new layer of mystery with his portrayal. His character isn’t front-and-center but contributes an essential sense of gravitas and depth, pulling viewers in with his nuanced expressions.
If you love a good gothic mystery, especially one with historical figures like a young Edgar Allan Poe, this film is a gem.
Duvall’s performance adds to the chilling atmosphere, showing his prowess in subtly steering a narrative without overshadowing it.
Director: Scott Cooper
Main Cast
- Christian Bale as Augustus Landor
- Harry Melling as Edgar Allan Poe
- Gillian Anderson as Julia Marquis
Why You Should Watch These Performances
Robert Duvall’s recent roles span genres and characters that each have something unique to offer:
- For the history buffs: The Pale Blue Eye, In Dubious Battle, 12 Mighty Orphans
- For the thrill seekers: Widows, The Judge
- For fans of family dramas: A Night in Old Mexico, Jayne Mansfield’s Car
- For something introspective: Get Low
Duvall has crafted a legacy that’s impossible to overlook. Watching him, you realize he’s not just an actor but an artist who transforms each role into something memorable, even magical.
If you haven’t seen these recent performances yet, there’s no better time to start. Each film holds something distinct, showing us why Robert Duvall is a national treasure worth celebrating over and over.