Friday, April 1, 2016

Which actor played the villain a little TOO well?

Reddit best answers...

 Rosamund Pike was an absolute monster in Gone Girl and I can never look at her the same way again...
Kathy Bates in Misery.

Ralph Fiennes as Amon Goeth (Schindler's List)

Louise Fletcher as Nurse Ratched

Malcolm McDowell - A Clockwork Orange

40 comments:

deborah said...

These didn't stick permanently, but it took a long time for me to get over Larry Hagman in Mother, Jugs, and Speed, and the TV movie where Ted Danson played a father who sexually abused his daughter.

Dust Bunny Queen said...

It was jarring to see Alan Alda as a bad guy for the first time, after so many years of his genial role on MASH. He does play a pretty good evil character :-)

bagoh20 said...

The One True Ted?

ndspinelli said...

Real actors can play the spectrum and love getting in touch w/ their dark side playing evil characters. JK Simmons played one of the most evil characters on TV as Schillinger in OZ. Then, he played a loving father in Juno. He then went dark again and won an Oscar playing a real nasty music teacher in Whiplash.

It is nice to be able to discuss flicks that are more recent than 50 years old. Some folks think movies stopped being made in the 60's. Pity.

The Dude said...

Kathleen Kim as the wife of Mao Tse-tung in John Adams' Nixon in China. Not only is her singing superlative, but her acting is downright scary. It is difficult to watch her in other roles - she is just that good as Mrs. Tung.

ricpic said...

Louise Fletcher was so convincing as Nurse Ratched that she has to be a bitch in real life.

Don't you believe the PR that she's beloved by friends and neighbors, it's a lie I tellya, A DAMNABLE LIE!

ndspinelli said...

ricpic, I agree. Some actors can simply play bad, Fletcher seems to have a lot of Ratched in her. In the same flick, Nicholson has a lot of McMurphy in him.

rhhardin said...

I must have seen Gone Girl (it's in the bought log but not in the to be watched pile) but it left no impression whatever.

Trooper York said...

Ann Althouse in "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane."

virgil xenophon said...

Malcolm McDowell has subsequently endeared himself to the public (at least me) by portraying a series of many evil villains played for so much over-the-top-tongue-in-cheek "loving it every second" enjoyment that it was impossible for the audience not to be in on it, and share in the fun as well..

Trooper York said...

It would be easy to talk about current movies if there were people who had the least amount of knowledge about the history and art of the cinema. Someone like Blake who used to post comments but who stays at his own movie blog where you can get that discussion of the latest movies.

Of course the filmmakers of today are a sad joke when compared to Giants like John Ford, Howard Hawks, Alfred Hitchcock, Bill Wellmman, Orson Welles, John Huston, Frank Capra, Leo McGary or Leo McCary. Spielberg and Lucas are just hacks who have all of the nuance of a punch in the face.

Trooper York said...

Analyzing "Star Wars" or "The Avengers" or a piece of pretentious dreck like "The Hunger Games" is an exercise in Idiocy.

What was the most popular and honored film this past year? A remake of "Mad Max."

Yeah lets talk about that. So much more interesting then "Touch of Evil" or "The Searchers."

ricpic said...

Troop, would you consider the Coen Brothers' oeuvre to be up there with the giants of yore? That's right, oeuvre, you rubes.

rhhardin said...

Simon Pegg turns out to be good. He's a bad guy as often as a good guy.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

I was conflicted with Gone Girl. I wanted to be on her side until well into the movie when i could no longer... justify/like. Don't want to spoil it but you'll know if you watch it.

The best villains are the ones you want to root for. Like Trump.

Trooper York said...

"PPS Anybody notice that, since The Donald told Teddy to get the word out to lay off his wife or he'd let the world know how tied in Heidi was with Goldman Sachs and the CFR, we've haven't seen any more nude pictures of Melania.

Except from Troop."

Hey you don't have to thank me. It is what I do.

Trooper York said...

The Coen Brothers are an exception to the rule. Along with Marty Scorsese. Although Scorsese is starting to repeat himself.

The Coen Brothers illustrated how intelligent they are by the fact that they remade a John Wayne movie to universal acclaim.

Trooper York said...

The real crime is the dearth of well made Westerns. "The Revenant" was an interesting attempt that I think fell short. The less said about Tarrentino the better. I have not seen his latest Western since I am boycotting him but I gather it is the waste of some talented actors. I think you could make a great Western with actors such as Kurt Russell and the ultra-talented Walter Goggins.

My point that TV is where it is at is illustrated by the Western. The best Western in the last twenty years was a TV series. "Deadwood." I hear they are talking about making a "Deadwood" movie. Now that might be something to see.

rhhardin said...

Aha. Gone Girl is in the to-be-watched pile. It's just a very thin DVD envelope so you don't see the title on the back.

Trooper York said...

You didn't miss anything.

deborah said...

Louise Fletcher starred with Natalie Wood in Wood's last movie, with Tim Robbins IIRC, Brain Storm. I think she died before it was done filming.

Methadras said...

Fay Dunaway in Mommie Dearest.

ampersand said...

When I was young, Mad Magazine compared screen villains to screen heroes. The villains were always polite, affable, accommodating, friendly and good hosts. The heroes were always loud, rude, threatening , insulting and poor guests.

Except for Sherlock Holmes , I can't think of a Basil Rathbone role where he wasn't a villain.

I watched Witchfinder General the other day. Vincent Price of course, was the over the top villain. It had one of the best comeuppances for a bad guy when he was beaten to death with a dull axe.

William said...

Anthony Perkins pretty much wrecked his career with Psycho. He used to play romantic leads, but after Norman Bates it was impossible to see him in such a role.........Basil Rathbone was to villains as John Wayne was to western heroes. Honorable mention to Alan Rickman for taking on the Rathbone role in Kevin Costner's Robin Hood. I admired the panache with which he told his underlings to cut the gruel rations for the orphans.......The Sopranos always had some really evil characters. I'd like to see a series where the characters in GOT and the Sopranos compete on Survivor.

ampersand said...

Mother, Jugs, and Speed had a runaway ambulance stretcher sequence that had me laughing so hard I think it caused my appendix to rupture.

ndspinelli said...

Living in the past is a pitiful way to go through life. Only the old ballplayers. Only the old actors. Only the old movies and filmmakers. I know old movies, and new movies as well. I understand and appreciate both. Anyone who worships a one trick ham n' egger actor like John Wayne knows jack shit about acting. There were many great actors in the past. Laurence Olivier, Jimmy Stewart, Bogart, Gable, Cooper, Cagney to name a few. Wayne doesn't make the top 500.

ndspinelli said...

William, Perkins played Jimmy Piersall in Fear Strikes Out and really ruined his career w/ that performance.

Trooper York said...

You are not being fair to yourself there nick. You know everything. About everyone. About every subject. You make sure to tell us that every time you show up in these threads to lecture us about what we should say and what we should think. You can even tell why people don't comment at this place or that place because you have super secret ninja detective skills. You can spout your opinion but never anything creative or informative. Or fun. What a negative shrill drag you have become.

I guess being hall monitor went to your head and you have to replay you 8th grade triumphs when you got hand out detention cards. Glory days indeed.

Methadras said...

Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecture in Silence of the Lambs. He's done his damnedest to get away from that role. Shit, he's Odin forevermore in Marvel Comics movies until he's dead.

ndspinelli said...

I don't know everything, I simply know more than you, ass eyes. And, for you to call me "negative" is hilarious. I am negative about you, because you have become a bloviating asshole. It's a damn shame. If one reads all my comments, I am a glass half full guy. That's obvious. You are the heart of fucking darkness, hating everything and anyone that doesn't hold the Court St. worldview. You changed after your episode. People tell you what you want to hear. They suck up to you. You encourage that. I tell you what you need to hear. I pray for you. No shit. I don't pontificate about going to mass every week. But, I pray for people and I pray a lot. You are included in my prayers for people who are battling illness. That will never change. I visualize the guy I ate meals w/. A good guy. That makes it easy for me to pray for you. But, I also pray for people I really don't like. Because that is what I believe the Good Lord wants. So, even if you cross over to the Trump/Hillary ilk I despise, I will still pray for you.

Guildofcannonballs said...

I wanna get personal, personal,

I wanna get personal.

Let me hear your despair talk,

let me hear your despair talk.

That is Benicio del Toro in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The end scene in the diner is haunting. Haunting.

Can't find it, but I found this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6kFCNsnQpQ

Guildofcannonballs said...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP8_w1J5raY&index=8&list=PLBC44ED95CF150A5C

Better Benicio in the worst of ways acting.

Trooper York said...

Thank you. Prayers are always needed and appreciated. I pray for you too and all the people I have met through the years on the Internet. If the prayers of a wretched sinner like me has any weight.

I have stopped pontificating about going to Mass. You might not have noticed that. The new Pope has changed a lot about the Church for me. I still attend "religiously" but I have stopped trying to change other people. Because I am out of step. Just the way I am out of step politically here in Brooklyn.

The thing is you have to pontificate when someone doesn't agree with your narrow minded views. You know everything and go from blog to blog policing the comments and telling people what to do. What to think. You never bring any humor or information or anything useful other than your strongly held opinions about how everyone else is an asshole and you know better.

One small example. You put up a harangue that I hate women which can't be further from the truth. But like Trump I don't feel I need to treat them different like special snowflakes. A
strong woman like Dust Bunny or April does not need any special protection. They give as good as they get. If anyone deserves an apology it is April for what you said last night. I thought it was out of line and not tongue in cheek in the least. But I don't believe in apologizing the way a stand up guy like you does so don't sweat it. April doesn't care I am sure because she is a stand up broad. I don't presume to speak for her but I have to laugh at the nonsense you spout sometimes dude.

As far as people kissing my ass that is not something I want or need. I say what I think in what I hope is in a humorous and creative way. I know I am on the edge most of the time. Not many people think the way I do. But you know what? I don't care. Seriously. Sometimes the shit I say pisses people off so much they refuse to talk to me or refuse to comment or whatever. Several demanded that I take them off of my blog. As if I am coming to their house and forcing them to look at it. I had to save them from themselves or something. I can't read their minds like you do. If they care to address it I would be happy to talk about it. But I know what I think and I am too old to change. I am not any different than I have been the last twenty years. Well not as fat but just as stupid. Take it or leave it.

I make no apologies.

Trooper York said...

Thank you. Prayers are always needed and appreciated. I pray for you too and all the people I have met through the years on the Internet. If the prayers of a wretched sinner like me has any weight.

I have stopped pontificating about going to Mass. You might not have noticed that. The new Pope has changed a lot about the Church for me. I still attend "religiously" but I have stopped trying to change other people. Because I am out of step. Just the way I am out of step politically here in Brooklyn.

The thing is you have to pontificate when someone doesn't agree with your narrow minded views. You know everything and go from blog to blog policing the comments and telling people what to do. What to think. You never bring any humor or information or anything useful other than your strongly held opinions about how everyone else is an asshole and you know better.

One small example. You put up a harangue that I hate women which can't be further from the truth. But like Trump I don't feel I need to treat them different like special snowflakes. A
strong woman like Dust Bunny or April does not need any special protection. They give as good as they get. If anyone deserves an apology it is April for what you said last night. I thought it was out of line and not tongue in cheek in the least. But I don't believe in apologizing the way a stand up guy like you does so don't sweat it. April doesn't care I am sure because she is a stand up broad. I don't presume to speak for her but I have to laugh at the nonsense you spout sometimes dude.

As far as people kissing my ass that is not something I want or need. I say what I think in what I hope is in a humorous and creative way. I know I am on the edge most of the time. Not many people think the way I do. But you know what? I don't care. Seriously. Sometimes the shit I say pisses people off so much they refuse to talk to me or refuse to comment or whatever. Several demanded that I take them off of my blog. As if I am coming to their house and forcing them to look at it. I had to save them from themselves or something. I can't read their minds like you do. If they care to address it I would be happy to talk about it. But I know what I think and I am too old to change. I am not any different than I have been the last twenty years. Well not as fat but just as stupid. Take it or leave it.

I make no apologies.

ndspinelli said...

I did learn something new. You must have a lotta time on your hands if you stalk me on other blogs.

rhhardin said...

Okay I finished Gone Girl. It strikes me as trying to say it's metaphorical for an ordinary marriage, though the corresponding details don't hit me right away.

Not particularly evil, owing to some analogies to be discovered for the ordinary.

Trooper York said...

No I was talking about Turley. I went there on your recommendation but was bored to tears. Especially by you policing every thread. And I was disgusted by Turley's animus to Law Enforcement. Your typical liberal lawyer. Murders of police officers had increased by 150% last year.

ndspinelli said...

You sir, are a NY bigshot. You HATED that people looked for other venues and abandoned yours. You HATED that and you will NEVER admit that. Instead of looking inward as to why people stopped wanting to be part of your blog, which was @ one time light hearted and fun, you lashed out @ other blogs. We have gone over this ass eyes, you HATE the Turley blog. Fine. To each their own. Why the fuck do you feel compelled to keep bringing it up when we butt heads? Well, it's because it bugs the shit out of you that some people, who like DIFFERENT opinions, have found some joy there. I'm sure Lem linking to Turley frosted your ass. Of course, you will deny that as well. The Irish never admit, never apologize, and are impervious to psychotherapy. Anyone who has ever raised kids knows when an acting out boy says he is "bored" that is just a smokescreen for emotions like anger and sadness.

You have, like Nuke LaLouche, "Announced your presence w/ authority" posting here after abandoning your once good blog. You might not get the reference, it's a flick made in the last 50 years. and OMG, there are liberal actors in it!!! From the first we met I knew your type. Unlike most folks here, I grew up w/ NYers. In person you're not a NY bigshot. Online you can be the archetypal bigshot. You get free rein from me to pontificate and bully on your posts. Maybe that's part of your problem.

Trooper York said...

Actually I think you are losing it pal. I am not that invested in Turley. I think your obsession with him is quite funny. I don't hate Turley. I only mentioned it because you said I was stalking you. In fact I don't think about Turley or his blog from one month to another. I enjoy Legal Insurrection which is the best legal blog that I have read bar none. But I don't tout it and try and get everyone to go over there the way you do with Turley. You seem to have an unhealthy obsession which I saw manifested in your posting there. It was really strange and quite distasteful to be honest. Talk about bullying. You really took your hall monitor persona to the max over there. I hope you are not bringing it here.

Also I think you are off base that Lem had some motive in mentioning Turley other than he liked the post. He is not like that. He is not trying to stick it to anyone least of all the Evil Blogger lady. But then I am not a mind reader like you.

Finally as far as my blog is concerned I stopped posting there for a reason. It was a burden to post something there every day. I felt guilty if I didn't put something up. Plus people would comment and ask where I was. By posting here I can do some of the same things but not commit to an everyday thing because there are other people posting. As it is when I took a couple of weeks off from here because I was on vacation people thought I had quit or something because I was pissed off. I still post at my joint now and then but I am enjoying posting here. Especially during the contentious political season. I enjoy jousting with equally matched opponents like bags and April who certainly think differently than me. The political season brings out the fun.

Finally I think the continual personal comments are unnecessary and kind of silly. Talk about the ideas. Talk about the issues. Make a joke. Be creative. But the mind reading and the constant carping are getting old. Enough already.

ndspinelli said...

Here's a joke. I got this guy who accuses me of being a know-it-all and all he ever does is tell me I'm wrong about everything I do and say and he is always right. Yep, he's a NYer. It's all documented, which is one of the things I love about blogs. He is correct in that this is getting old. Almost as old as that "Good ol' Yankee" post.