Villains • 08.10.08
I don’t want to say much about Dark Knight, because you NEED to go and see for yourself. At the risk of a law suit, though, I will say one thing: Heath Ledger killed himself playing the Joker… and it was absolutely worth it.
There. I said it.
But seriously, Ledger’s brilliant performance calls attention to the Joker as one of the most revolting villains American entertainment has seen. And believe me, I’m one to appreciate a good villain when I see one.
From since I can remember, I’ve been one of those people who’s drawn to the villain. For me, there are two categories of Villain: the repulsive ones (like the Joker), and the charismatic ones. The latter are the villains I appreciate. They’re bad, so I feel guilty liking them, but I go back and watch the movie again and again… just to see the villain.
Here’s a quick list of Villains I freaking love:
Commodus in Gladiator
Okay, I know he’s eerie and a weenie and tries to make out his sister. But I absolutely fell in love with Joaquin Phoenix the first time I saw Gladiator. He does a phenomenal job, and manages to be insecure and imperfect enough that you wind up hating him but also pitying him. That’s quite an achievement.
Green Goblin in Spiderman
Umm… Willem Dafoe’s gorgeous and insane and BADASS. That maniacal Goblin laugh still gives me chills. And the way he just slides his wide smile over his teeth. Yeah seriously he’s awesome.
Jafar in Aladdin
Okay. Jafar had a cape with huge shoulder pads. And a nasssty goatee. And a sorcerer’s stick! You have to admit that the voice over performance was really very distinctive and good.
Scarecrow in Batman Begins
I think I’m actually just obsessed with Cillian Murphy’s lips.
Agent Smith from the Matrix
Bring up The Matrix in conversation with any group of people, and guaranteed someone will pipe up, “Missster Annnderson…” Hugo Weaving’s half human/half machine performance was the highlight of the movie. That balance made him even more terrifying, but all the more approachable.
[An aside from the editorial department: You also have to consider that, given the chance, Mister Potato Head would look like an Acadamy Award winning actor when put onscreen with Mr. Keanu I-made-a-career-of-killing-great-scripts-with-my-lack-of-expression-and-monotone Reeves.]
