Best Julian Sands Movies and TV Shows
“All actors are on the run from some demon or the other.”
– Julian Sands
Julian Sands’s work in movies and TV shows is diverse from starring in horror comedies to science fiction, romantic hero, and even a dangerous villain. No wonder the devastating news of his sudden death while hiking sent a frenzy among his fans.
Remembering his projects is unraveling an actor whose subtle yet effective skills left an unforgettable mark. Born as Julian Richard Morley Sands, this English actor played many character roles that critics never forgot to praise.
Let’s look at some of his most memorable performances that showcase the best Julian Sands movies and TV shows.
A Room With A View (1985)
A Room With A View is an adaptation of E.M. Foster’s 1908 novel of the same name was the breakthrough for young Julian Sands.
It tells the story about Lucy (Helena Bonham Carter) an Edwardian Englishwoman who meets the charming George Emerson (J. Sands) on a Florence trip. A sudden, brief romance between the two is cut short by her chaperon, Charlotte (Maggie Smith).
After Lucy is engaged to a snobbish Cecil (Daniel Day-Lewis) and incidentally George and his father become neighbors, Lucy is tempted to choose between her respectability and love.
The movie received good reviews from critics and the audience as a period romance that everyone liked to watch.
Sands played his part as if he was made for this character shifting from a brooding lover to impulsive actions triggered by his passions. His honest depiction of George will force you to rewatch this endearing movie.
| FUN FACT: In a BBC interview (1986), Sir Daniel Day-Lewis described his character as “the sort of person you imagine you might be in your worst nightmares.” |
24 Season 5 (2006)
The action drama TV show called 24 has lead actors like Kiefer Sutherland playing a US counter-terrorist federal agent Jack. In its fifth season, Julian Sands was introduced as Vladimir Bierko who is a powerful Russian separatist. He schemes to destroy Los Angeles by releasing lethal nerve gas. This character has many dangerous attributes – wealth, physical prowess, and intelligence.
Playing a bluntly strong character was nothing new for Sands, especially after his Warlock series. However, the villain in this show uses advanced technologies and plans like a Machieaville.
The season brings the main character and the villain confronting each other for a final fighting climax. Sands portrays his part as strongly as the US agent who has every means to thwart his plan for world domination. The show was applauded by critics winning 5 Primetime Emmys including Outstanding Drama Series.
Smallville (2009-2010)
If you are a Millenial or a GenZ, you need to go back in time and watch Smallville. It tells the story of Clarke Kent a.k.a Superman of how he became a superhero. There were lots of real-life characters who influenced his journey including a father figure played by Julian Sands.
Sands is Jor-El but represents a very different version of what we know about in modern interpretations. He imparts his wisdom via the Fortress of Solitude but his methods are of a strict disciplinarian.
There are moments of inconsistencies with Jor-El as he shows care but is also openly hostile to his son when required. He never hesitates to trap Lois Lane in a cage of pure energy when he wants his way.
The Painted Bird (2019)
The Painted Bird is a war movie that follows a young Jewish boy’s horrific experiences in Nazi-occupied Europe. Julian Sands plays a mentally disturbed man called Garbos who is a pedophile farmer who later meets his death.
Even though this movie was screened at many international film festivals, it saw a walkout by viewers as many scenes were too brutal to watch. Critics honored this film with impactful reviews and the actors were equally praised.
An actor who always performed with sincerity and depth could never be forgotten in the moviemaking business. Julian Sands is one such actor whose versatility of roles and diverse range of projects will always shine brighter than any star.
