10 Best Ian Holm Performances

Chariots of Fire is one of the all time great British movies, receiving acclaim on its release. It has been remastered and rereleased as well, notably in the run up to the 2012 London Olympic games. There are very few people who haven't heard the iconic theme tune, which is now the go-to in slow motion score.

Holm is again a supporting character here, playing the coach Sam Mussabini. However, he is on excellent form, receiving a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor that year.

Mussabini himself was a very interesting character due to his unorthodox methods of training. In the film and in reality, he was met something approaching scorn as he was a professional coach, whereas Olympic running was considered an amateur sport. However, many of his athletes went on to win medals in the Olympics.

Holm has a command in his scenes, doing so much with just facial expressions while Ben Cross's Abrahams laments one of his losses. There is a stern tiredness to him, mixed with resolution. He supports like a father, while admonishing like a teacher. Together, they make a successful pair, showing strength of character in a very British stiff-upper-lip mentality.

There is a moment, just after Abrahams runs to victory, where the scene cuts to Holm standing in the window. His back is to the camera and the National Anthem begins to play. He knows that his man has won and his hand rises, shaking to remove his hat. He cheers and says quietly 'my son'.

Beautiful.