5 Anton Yelchin films to watch
‘Checkov’ to ‘Star Trek’ fans, his accidental death is grieved universally
NEWS of the recent death of Anton Yelchin shocked Hollywood and his many Trekkie fans. The 27year-old American actor, who plays the earnest Russian ensign Chekov in the “Star Trek” cinematic reboot, died in a freak accident involving his car on Sunday.
Born to Russian Olympic figure-skaters, Yelchin skipped a career on ice in favor of acting, which he started to pursue as a young child. At age 10, he already made TV appearances and, at 11, starred in a feature film opposite Oscar winner Sir Anthony Hopkins.
Aside from suiting up for the Federation Starfleet—and how well he wore that uniform, literally and figuratively—Yelchin had been in a number of films that played up not only his boyish good looks but also his disarming charm and acting chops.
For those mourning the loss of this promising young actor, as well as movie-goers who’ve only ever known his Pavel Andreievich Chekov, here are five films to watch that show the breadth and potential of Anton Yelchin’s talent.
‘HEARTS IN ATLANTIS’ (2001)
Genre: Mystery-drama Co-stars: Anthony Hopkins, Hope Davis
In brief: The film adaptation of a Stephen King collection of short stories tells the tale of Bobby Garfield (whose young version is an 11year-old Yelchin) and his wid- owed mom (Davis). Their lives are transformed by a friendship with the mysterious old man Ted Brautigan (Hopkins), who rents the upstairs of their boarding house.
Hopkins was said to have mentored his young co-star.
‘CHARLIE BARTLETT’ (2007)
Genre: Drama-comedy, teen romance Co-stars: Robert Downey Jr., Kat Dennings, Hope Davis
In brief: Yelchin is high school misfit Charlie Bartlett who, aching to be popular, decides to play shrink to his peers and dole out antidepressants to them.
Critics said Yelchin delivered a breakout performance, reminiscent of a teenage Matthew Broderick.
‘FRIGHT NIGHT’ (2011)
Genre: Horror, comedy Co-stars: Colin Farrell, Toni Collette, Christopher Mintz-Plasse,
Imogen Poots
In brief: Here begins Yelchin’s foray into onscreen dalliances with bloodsuckers. His take on the curly haired nerd Charley Brewster is the perfect foil to Farrell’s hunky, ruggedly handsome vampire who just happens to live next door to the Brewsters.
‘ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE’ (2013)
Genre: Drama, horror Co-stars: Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska
In brief: It was short and sweet, but Yelchin’s appearance in this film about hipster, existential vampires says a lot about his career trajectory.
His role may have been just a vintage guitar and curios provider for a pair of dejected monsters but, those monsters being Tilda and Hiddles—two of Britain’s finest actors—serving them couldn’t have been a terrible gig.
‘LIKE CRAZY’ (2011)
Genre: Romantic indie drama Co-star: Felicity Jones In brief: Yelchin and Jones deliver stellar performances as a young couple whose relationship is tested by distance and immigration laws, in a film that presents love in both fanciful and realistic points of view.
Written and directed by Drake Doremus, the film won two awards at Sundance.