Don Cheadle Reveals the Comedy He Can't Stop Rewatching
Don Cheadle opens up about the films that have left a mark on him, spotlighting a hilarious classic he revisits every year. He also reflects on the movies that shaped his outlook and inspired his career.
Don Cheadle has starred in plenty of movies that fans love to watch again and again, especially his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Ocean’s Eleven franchise. But when it comes to his own personal favorites, Cheadle’s choices might surprise you. In a recent interview, the acclaimed actor shared a list of films that have deeply influenced him, including some lesser-known gems that have stuck with him over the years.
Hidden Gems and Lasting Impressions
Among the movies that made a big impact on Cheadle is the 1986 Argentine sci-fi drama Man Facing Southeast. The film centers on a psychiatric patient who claims to be an alien, and it left a lasting impression on Cheadle during a time when he was questioning humanity and how people respond to the unknown.
“It’s a great meditation on how we treat and mistreat ‘the other’,”
he explains.
“A magical, thought-provoking film that I saw at a time in my life when I was questioning a lot of things about the nature of humanity and how we react when we come up against the unknown and unknowable.”
He also points to City of God from 2002 and Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 classic Dr. Strangelove as films that have left their mark. Cheadle praises Peter Sellers’ performance in Dr. Strangelove, calling it a showcase of rare talent.
“Another perfect film showcasing the brilliance of the one and only, never-to-be-seen-again talents of Peter Sellers. What a beast. Kubrick actually wanted him to play another character. I can only imagine what he would have done with that.”
The Comedy That Keeps Him Laughing
But there’s one film Cheadle returns to every year, and it’s not a drama. The 1979 buddy comedy The In-Laws, starring Peter Falk and Alan Arkin, is the movie that never fails to crack him up.
“It makes me pee with laughter,”
Cheadle admits.
“Peter Falk and Alan Arkin are a perfect combination and play off each other so well in this ridiculous movie. I watch it at least once a year.”
The In-Laws follows a dentist and a supposed CIA agent as they stumble through a series of wild adventures right before their kids’ wedding. The film’s sharp writing and the chemistry between the leads earned it high praise from critics, while a 2003 remake failed to capture the same magic. Cheadle’s love for this comedy stands out, especially since he’s mostly known for more serious roles, aside from the occasional witty line in his blockbuster hits.
Drama with a Lasting Message
Rounding out his list, Cheadle mentions the 1972 film Sounder, which he saw at a pivotal moment in his life. The movie’s powerful story about love and resilience in the face of injustice resonated with him deeply.
“Another film that I saw at an impressionable time in my life that served for me as a beautiful testament to the power of love in the face of absolute injustice and oppression,”
he shares.
While Cheadle’s filmography leans toward drama, his annual tradition of watching The In-Laws shows that even the most serious actors have a soft spot for a good laugh. His picks reveal a thoughtful appreciation for both the profound and the downright hilarious in cinema.