Top Ten Villains

Every film needs an antagonist. Without one, how can there be a conflict? And without conflict there is no story, no drive, nothing standing in the way of the hero. A villain is of the utmost importance in film because it is the opposition to the hero. Or the reason we watch the film in general, to see the hero triumph over the villain. You voted and you shall receive. These are my top ten villains in film thus far. (Remember this is just my opinion and I was also limited to just 10. It was very hard to rank them but I did my best.)

TOP TEN VILLAINS IN FILM

10. Hans Gruber - Die Hard (1988)

Played by Alan Rickman

9. Antonio Salieri - Amadeus (1984)

Played by F. Murray Abraham

8. Col. Hans Landa - Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Played by Christoph Waltz

7. Agent Smith - The Matrix (1999)

Played by Hugo Weaving

6. Terminator - The Terminator (1984)

Played by Arnold Schwarzenegger

5. Nurse Ratched - One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest

Played by Louise Fletcher

4. Darth Vadar - Star Wars Saga

Played by David Prowse, Voice by James Earl Jones

3. Anton Chigurh - No Country For Old Men (2007)

Played by Javier Bardem

2. The Joker - The Dark Knight (2008)

Played by Heath Ledger

1. Dr. Hannibal Lecter - The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Played by Anthony Hopkins

Let me know what you think. All of these films are clearly worthwhile; some mainly because of these performances. I didn't give any reasons or descriptions about the villains so comment and we will discuss. And keep watching films!

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

"Planes, Trains and Automobiles" was released in 1987 and was directed by John Hughes (The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off). The film is about Neal Page as he attempts to get home to Chicago for thanksgiving with his family. But he's traveling with Del Griffith, the shower ring salesman and obnoxious fool who does nothing but rub Neal the wrong way. This is one of the greatest comedy films ever made. 

The storyline is simple and has been done before and is still being done today (e.g. Due Date). The true highlight of the film are the characters. Uptight Neal Page, played by the always funny Steve Martin, and the lovable fool Del Griffith, Played by the hilarious John Candy. To me, this is John Candy's most memorable role. He just lives the part and everything he does is hysterical. 

I don't need to say too much about this film because it speaks for itself. Yes, it is super funny but also has a heart to it. And yes, it's got that 80's movie feel to it that we all love. My favorite scene is when Steve Martin is trying to rent a second car. It's amazing! "Planes, Trains and Automobiles"is a comedy classic and you should go see it right now! Enjoy and let me know what you think.

Here's the IMDB page:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093748/
Here's the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNWx7_tZRcI

Drive (2011)

"Drive" was released in 2011(on September 16th my birthday) and was directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. It's about a hollywood stuntman driver, who also works as a mechanic and a getaway driver at night, who gets involved in his neighbors affairs and finds himself obligated to protect her. It stars Ryan Gosling in a role in which he barely speaks. 

Whats great about "Drive" is that it is wholly original in it's approach. The film uses minimal dialogue to move each scene. First time watching you may even laugh during certain scenes because you can't believe they aren't talking more. But this is what film is all about. Film is visual and the visuals drive this film home. I have to commend the director for this because it's nearly impossible to find nowadays. 

Ryan Gosling gives a tremendous performance as the driver. His puppy dog eyes and small grin which he brings out occasionally create a deeply complex character. Like I said, there's not much talking, but emotions and feelings are conveyed through facial expression and mannerisms by Gosling. He really is a great actor and not just a pretty boy. (Cause everyone knows him from The Notebook) Another great performance and, in my opinion, an oscar snub was the one given by Albert Brooks. He is absolutely ruthless and calm all at the same time. C'mon academy, the guy was great.

Another highlight of this film was the soundtrack. It may have been the best of the year. Not only are the songs great but they enhance the scenes in which they are in. When music and film can coincide and evoke an emotion in the audience and push the story forward at the same time, it's a special thing. 

"Drive" was one of the best films of the year and unfortunately one of the most overlooked. Great performances, great directing and great music; that's enough of a reason to see it. Let me know what you think and you can try your hardest but the music will get stuck in your head. 

Enjoy. 

Here's the IMDB page:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0780504/
Here's the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWX34ShfcsE

Boogie Nights (1997)

"Boogie Nights" was released in 1997 and was written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (Magnolia, There Will Be Blood). The film is about young Eddie Adams(or what he's later known as, 'Dirk Diggler') as he ventures into the porn industry as an actor. At first, Dirk is met with great success but with every rise there is a fall. It's a period piece of the late 1970's to early 80's. Dirk's main asset is that is he is well endowed. (wink)

This is one of my all-time favorites. Before I mention anything about the cast, I have to give my dying allegiance and praise to the masterful directing of Paul Thomas Anderson. He is an auteur and a cinematic genius. He uses old film techniques and makes them seem new. He is a visionary in every respect and ultimately brings out the best in his cast. Not to mention, his writing is superb. 

The acting is something to marvel at. Particularly Burt Reynolds, who plays film director Jack Horner to perfection. This is the film that made Mark Wahlberg a huge star. I think that it's his best performance in a film yet. There is something so innocent and real about his character. He's great in The Departed and The Fighter but I don't think he will ever top this. 

Although the film is about the porn industry, it is done stylistically and with class. Yes, there are some graphic scenes and the language doesn't hold back but this film is more than all that. This film has heart and characters that are looking for something. Each character strives to make a change in his or her life. 

Did I mention that "Boogie Nights" is also hilariously funny? Big laughs are constantly being generated and this film is highly enjoyable. Keep your eyes open for a brillant scene towards the end of the film. It's a drug deal scene. It's absolutely fantastic and has one of the most interesting uses of a long take that I've ever come across. 


Oh yeah, the ending scene is one of the most infamous in film history. You will have to find out for yourselves. 

Hope you enjoy. Please comment. 

Here's the IMDB page:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118749/
Here's the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzmUsgJE4DY

Sideways (2004)

"Sideways" was released in 2004 and was directed and co-written by Alexander Payne (The Descendants, co-producer of the HBO series Hung). The film follows wine aficionado and struggling writer Miles as he takes his best friend, Jack, on a trip through the vineyards of California days before he is to be married. Miles is expecting a quiet trip of drinking and tasting new wine but Jack has other ideas. 

I didn't expect much from this film going in but I came out with a huge smile on my face. This film is funny and has a big heart. Paul Giamatti gives a very underrated performance as Miles, a man down on himself and trying to deal with his "kind-of" recent divorce. Thomas Haden Church was nominated for best supporting actor for his portrayal of Jack, Miles soon to be wed and unpredictable companion. They are a perfect fit for each other and work well as an "odd couple".

I work in a wine store and this film can certainly inform people about wine. It makes you want to grab a bottle and try it. However, the wine in the film is a metaphor for the characters. Wine ages and as it ages, it gets better and better until it peaks. When it peaks it starts its slow but steady decline. These characters are going through what the wine is going through. But they learn that unlike a bottle of wine, they can overcome their decline. 

"Sideways" is a lot of fun. It's a simple film with complex characters; my favorite. Hope you enjoy and please let me know what you think. 

Here's the IMDB page:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375063/
Here's the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS9ocP6FNvM

Midnight Run (1988)

"Midnight Run" was released in 1988 and was directed by Martin Brest (Beverly Hills Cop, Scent of a Woman). This film features my all-time favorite actor, Robert Deniro, in something he wasn't accustomed to starring in yet...a comedy. The film is about bounty hunter Jack Walsh and his attempt to bring in fugitive Jonathan Mardukas to a bail bondsman for a reward of one hundred thousand dollars. But the trip turns into a cross country nightmare for Jack filled with planes, trains and gangsters (and sure, automobiles as well).

I came across this film years ago when I saw it on TV. I looked up the info and I saw that it was starring Robert Deniro. That was enough for me. I started watching and suddenly I found myself unable to look away. The film was so inviting on a number of levels. Not only is it hilarious but the story is great. It's clever and smart. Nothing seems impossible and the constant twist and turns in the film bring about a great cinematic experience. It's really a pleasant surprise.  

Like all films, there is something deeper buried under the exterior. On the surface, Jack is a character who seems down on his luck and always ready to explode. But he is a deep character with rich history. When watching, keep in mind that a subconscious subplot of the film is that Jack is seeking redemption for what has happened in his past.

"Midnight Run" is a highly entertaining and fun film. The real highlight is Jack's relationship with Jonathan Mardukas (played by Charles Grodin). They constantly bounce off each other  and cause rifts and turns in the story. I hope you enjoy it (it's hard not to) and please let me know what you think.

Here's the IMDB page:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095631/

Here's the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OcChP6FbGk

Do The Right Thing (1989)

"Do The Right Thing" was released in 1989 and was written and directed by Spike Lee. The film is about  racial aggression as it flares up in the predominantly black neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The story centers around a Italian run pizzeria, which is where the main character Mookie works, and there is a plethora of interesting characters that all have their own subplots. 

This is not only one of my favorite films but also one of the best films of all time. It has transcended time and is still relevant today. I can't say enough about the acting. It's flawless. Danny Aiello gives what I consider to be a perfect performance. He is Sal. Other noteworthy performances come from John Turturro and Rosie Perez in her film debut. 

Although the film is considered a Drama, it most definitely has it's funny moments. Some are down right laugh-out-loud. This is another film which stays with you long after you've finished watching. It's ending sequence is unforgettable. It literally explodes off the screen. 

"Do The Right Thing" for the most part is a straightforward film. However, Spike Lee was super conscious of the themes(Love and Hate) and symbols in the film. It's one of those films that you can analyze for days. I hope you see it and let me know what you think. 

On a final note, once the film is over, ask yourself... Did Mookie do the right thing?

Here's the IMDB page:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097216/
Here's the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muc7xqdHudI

Once Were Warriors (1994)

First Blog... so I decided to blog about the most recent film I've seen.
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"Once Were Warriors" was released in 1994 and was directed by New Zealand filmmaker Lee Tamahori. The film tells a harrowing tale of poverty and domestic abuse brought upon a family by the patriarch.

Just a slight disclaimer, this film is very violent. The first time seeing it, you may cringe during certain scenes. But despite the violence and heavy use of profanity, this film has a huge heart. Once the film starts (with it's beautiful opening shot filled with symbolism) it has you in it's grasp. You can not look away. The images and story are so powerful. The acting is brillant in every respect and it's one of the most terrible villains in a film I've ever come across. This films stays with you long after you've finished watching. 

"Once Were Warriors" is an intense film that I would highly recommend to anyone. Hope you enjoy it and please comment on what you thought about it. 

Here's the IMDB page:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110729/
Here's the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NV45ZuepZo