Hello and welcome to another edition of Dustin's Dirty Dozen, in honor of my newest review of "Guardians of the Galaxy" I decided to rate the top portrayals of Marvel comic book villains in movies. In case you didn't read that review (shame on you) I stated that the acting in it was some of the best I have seen from a Marvel movie. I have taken "Guardians of the Galaxy" out of the equation for this list and focused specifically on portrayals before the movie released. These are all based off of my own opinion (as per usual) and have no basis in other critical acclaims. I have also limited the list to one per movie (not franchise). If their were two villains in a movie I had to choose between them. So let's get this bad guy bunch counted off.
This movie may have not heralded the same critical praise most Marvel movie's get today; but, as with most Marvel movies the cast was perfect. The plastic surgeon from "Nip/Tuck" may not have been anyone's first pick, but people are often happily surprised by these choices in the end. Julian brought a certain air of cockiness and obvious superiority to the role that Dr. Doom commanded from the comic books. It was easy to see through out the movie why Reed Richards hated him and why he became the Fantastic Four's greatest rival.
You know the most disconcerting argument I hear about this casting choice? You guessed it, the race card. I am the type of person that likes to see this type of material played around with every once in a while. Whether it be changing a villain's race or changing a superhero's gender I really don't care, it can only enhance the story of the movie, and maybe even improve upon the original content. Michael was the most believable portrayal of this role I could even hope of seeing. The way he towered over Affleck as Daredevil to the way he spoke to his subordinates. His performance was commanding, abrasive, and at times a bit frightening.
Another choice no one really saw coming, but Marvel proved to be on top of the performances once again. Bridges didn't really surprise anyone when his character betrayed Tony Stark, but he did command a certain amount of respect. You could really believe he was this guy that lived in the shadow of better men while he got nothing. When he went up against Stark I could imagine myself in his shoes, punching the lights out of a few select bosses I have had in my time. If he wasn't such an obvious asshole I could have seen myself rooting for him, but he liked to sell arms to both sides so screw that guy.
I've gotten a lot of guff for saying this movie was the best in the series. I've especially gotten a lot of snarky remarks from loving what they did with The Mandarin's character, since it wasn't true to the comics. There was once a time I complained about things not being like they were in the comics, but if the movie was good I no longer have these complaints. Especially if the change that they brought to the table actually improved the character from the version it was in the original book. Kingsley slipped seamlessly from unattached terrorist to bumbling, drunk actor. The man did it so effortlessly you would think he had been acting for decades...oh wait.
It is no secret that I have a special place in my heart for the original Spider-Man series, so it should surprise no one that the man that portrayed such an iconic character made the list. Alfred Molina had a wide range of chanters he has played before he dawned his tentacles, so it should have came as no surprise that he would be good. Not only did he prove to be good, he proved brilliant during such scenes where he took control of the tentacles that to seemed have him under their spell. Moments where it seemed he was slipping slowly into madness, and scenes where he finally redeemed himself for the wrongs he has committed make him stand out among his peers.
This is probably going to be one of the more controversial decisions on this list. Whether people say it is too high or just shouldn't merit any attention my choice stays. John Travolta has made it his hobby to slip back and forth between protagonist and antagonist roles, and every time he plays them he does so in his usual superior way. This role was seemingly perfect for him after you saw his portrayal of both good and bad guy in "Face-Off." You see anger in his eyes when he has to kill, you see fear cloud his face when his inevitable comeuppance is at hand and you never see real joy (which is what you would expect from someone in his position).
Why did a character who basically had no lines make this list? Because presence was everything with this character and Sebastian Stan had plenty of presence to go around. If you were unfamiliar with the comic book, the reveal of his true identity still probably didn't surprise you too much; but, the ride he led us on was a real roller coaster. Whether you were looking into his smoldering eyes, or feeling his pain during the mind washing scenes he fit the bill for this role perfectly and ultimately shined.
This has nothing to do with the degrees of Kevin Bacon hype train. While that is kind of funny, Kevin Bacon really came into his own as an actor and this role was a big example of his talent. Basically he answered the question of how you play a character with seemingly limitless power? The answer was simplicity itself. You be the most menacing you, you can be. When he absorbs a blast from an exploding hand grenade and touches the person with his index finger you feel the presence of true power emulating from his performance. When you see him order the murder of a woman in front of her child as easily as he would order a pizza, you feel true fear in your heart. Kevin Bacon didn't just command respect, he embodied absolute power in this role.
Mr. Smith, Lord Elrond, and all of his other roles culminating into a throw-down with America's best soldier as the Red Skull. His character was crazy, his demeanor was enforcing, almost as if he was trying to play a better version of Hitler. When he killed dozens, tore off his fake face or just got into a fist fight with Cap he was Red Skull incarnate While some people can take or leave his German accent, I can't stop loving his character.
You remember when I said it shouldn't surprise you that an original Spider-Man trilogy cast member made my list? It definitely shouldn't surprise you that THE Spider-man villain ranked among the top three. Willem Dafoe has a nack for playing dark characters, and this character was one of his more dark portrayals Call it typecasting for his notable voice, I call it damn good acting. You can hear him battle with his inner demons until he takes on the guise of Dissociative Identity Disorder. One character a weak man trying to save what little good is left with in him, the other an evil man that will go through Mary Jane, Aunt May, even his own son to get things done and come out on top. The final scene when he utters the words "don't tell Harry" should make you shiver all over.
When you put Sir Ian McKellen in the driver seat of a major bad guy, you can only expect greatness. In fact when you put him in the driver seat of a major good guy you should expect the same thing. I am not saying the man is the best actor in the world, I am saying he hasn't done a bad role yet. His portrayal of one of the biggest villains in comic books turned out to be exactly what Marvel intended it to be. Perfect. His one liners register with audiences and have us saying them for years after the movie's release. His presence is a mix between deity, cocky, wise, and corrupt. When Fassbender dawned the helmet in "X-Men: First Class" he was a very good fit, but when the two of them played the same role in "X-Men: Days of Future Past" it was as if Sir Ian McKellen was saying "Listen Jr. this is how it is done."
Who was this guy before he played Loki? The answer is no one really. This character made his career and it is not hard to see why people can't stop talking about him. We didn't really expect much from a no name actor, but what we got knocked our socks off and stole our hearts. Whether he is facing his brother Thor, or the entire Avengers team you see Loki in every part of his performance. From playful banter, to horrifying threats he puts your heart in an unstoppable emotional hurricane and leaves you begging for more. I have often imagined if he spent months preparing for this role, or if this is just his usual nature; but, whatever it is it sure is amazing to see. I can only hope his star keeps rising from here.
Someone that seems like he had more fun with this role than most of the people on this list. If only he acted it out better.
12) Julian McMahon - Dr. Doom
This movie may have not heralded the same critical praise most Marvel movie's get today; but, as with most Marvel movies the cast was perfect. The plastic surgeon from "Nip/Tuck" may not have been anyone's first pick, but people are often happily surprised by these choices in the end. Julian brought a certain air of cockiness and obvious superiority to the role that Dr. Doom commanded from the comic books. It was easy to see through out the movie why Reed Richards hated him and why he became the Fantastic Four's greatest rival.
11) Michael Clarke Duncan - The Kingpin
You know the most disconcerting argument I hear about this casting choice? You guessed it, the race card. I am the type of person that likes to see this type of material played around with every once in a while. Whether it be changing a villain's race or changing a superhero's gender I really don't care, it can only enhance the story of the movie, and maybe even improve upon the original content. Michael was the most believable portrayal of this role I could even hope of seeing. The way he towered over Affleck as Daredevil to the way he spoke to his subordinates. His performance was commanding, abrasive, and at times a bit frightening.
10) Jeff Bridges - Iron Monger
Another choice no one really saw coming, but Marvel proved to be on top of the performances once again. Bridges didn't really surprise anyone when his character betrayed Tony Stark, but he did command a certain amount of respect. You could really believe he was this guy that lived in the shadow of better men while he got nothing. When he went up against Stark I could imagine myself in his shoes, punching the lights out of a few select bosses I have had in my time. If he wasn't such an obvious asshole I could have seen myself rooting for him, but he liked to sell arms to both sides so screw that guy.
9) Ben Kingsley - The Mandarin
I've gotten a lot of guff for saying this movie was the best in the series. I've especially gotten a lot of snarky remarks from loving what they did with The Mandarin's character, since it wasn't true to the comics. There was once a time I complained about things not being like they were in the comics, but if the movie was good I no longer have these complaints. Especially if the change that they brought to the table actually improved the character from the version it was in the original book. Kingsley slipped seamlessly from unattached terrorist to bumbling, drunk actor. The man did it so effortlessly you would think he had been acting for decades...oh wait.
8) Alfred Molina - Doctor Octopus
It is no secret that I have a special place in my heart for the original Spider-Man series, so it should surprise no one that the man that portrayed such an iconic character made the list. Alfred Molina had a wide range of chanters he has played before he dawned his tentacles, so it should have came as no surprise that he would be good. Not only did he prove to be good, he proved brilliant during such scenes where he took control of the tentacles that to seemed have him under their spell. Moments where it seemed he was slipping slowly into madness, and scenes where he finally redeemed himself for the wrongs he has committed make him stand out among his peers.
7) John Travolta - Howard Saint
This is probably going to be one of the more controversial decisions on this list. Whether people say it is too high or just shouldn't merit any attention my choice stays. John Travolta has made it his hobby to slip back and forth between protagonist and antagonist roles, and every time he plays them he does so in his usual superior way. This role was seemingly perfect for him after you saw his portrayal of both good and bad guy in "Face-Off." You see anger in his eyes when he has to kill, you see fear cloud his face when his inevitable comeuppance is at hand and you never see real joy (which is what you would expect from someone in his position).
6) Sebastian Stan - The Winter Soldier
Why did a character who basically had no lines make this list? Because presence was everything with this character and Sebastian Stan had plenty of presence to go around. If you were unfamiliar with the comic book, the reveal of his true identity still probably didn't surprise you too much; but, the ride he led us on was a real roller coaster. Whether you were looking into his smoldering eyes, or feeling his pain during the mind washing scenes he fit the bill for this role perfectly and ultimately shined.
5) Kevin Bacon - Sebastian Shaw
This has nothing to do with the degrees of Kevin Bacon hype train. While that is kind of funny, Kevin Bacon really came into his own as an actor and this role was a big example of his talent. Basically he answered the question of how you play a character with seemingly limitless power? The answer was simplicity itself. You be the most menacing you, you can be. When he absorbs a blast from an exploding hand grenade and touches the person with his index finger you feel the presence of true power emulating from his performance. When you see him order the murder of a woman in front of her child as easily as he would order a pizza, you feel true fear in your heart. Kevin Bacon didn't just command respect, he embodied absolute power in this role.
4) Hugo Weaving - Red Skull
Mr. Smith, Lord Elrond, and all of his other roles culminating into a throw-down with America's best soldier as the Red Skull. His character was crazy, his demeanor was enforcing, almost as if he was trying to play a better version of Hitler. When he killed dozens, tore off his fake face or just got into a fist fight with Cap he was Red Skull incarnate While some people can take or leave his German accent, I can't stop loving his character.
3) Willem Dafoe - Green Goblin
You remember when I said it shouldn't surprise you that an original Spider-Man trilogy cast member made my list? It definitely shouldn't surprise you that THE Spider-man villain ranked among the top three. Willem Dafoe has a nack for playing dark characters, and this character was one of his more dark portrayals Call it typecasting for his notable voice, I call it damn good acting. You can hear him battle with his inner demons until he takes on the guise of Dissociative Identity Disorder. One character a weak man trying to save what little good is left with in him, the other an evil man that will go through Mary Jane, Aunt May, even his own son to get things done and come out on top. The final scene when he utters the words "don't tell Harry" should make you shiver all over.
2) Sir Ian McKellen - Magneto
When you put Sir Ian McKellen in the driver seat of a major bad guy, you can only expect greatness. In fact when you put him in the driver seat of a major good guy you should expect the same thing. I am not saying the man is the best actor in the world, I am saying he hasn't done a bad role yet. His portrayal of one of the biggest villains in comic books turned out to be exactly what Marvel intended it to be. Perfect. His one liners register with audiences and have us saying them for years after the movie's release. His presence is a mix between deity, cocky, wise, and corrupt. When Fassbender dawned the helmet in "X-Men: First Class" he was a very good fit, but when the two of them played the same role in "X-Men: Days of Future Past" it was as if Sir Ian McKellen was saying "Listen Jr. this is how it is done."
1) Tom Hiddleston - Loki
Who was this guy before he played Loki? The answer is no one really. This character made his career and it is not hard to see why people can't stop talking about him. We didn't really expect much from a no name actor, but what we got knocked our socks off and stole our hearts. Whether he is facing his brother Thor, or the entire Avengers team you see Loki in every part of his performance. From playful banter, to horrifying threats he puts your heart in an unstoppable emotional hurricane and leaves you begging for more. I have often imagined if he spent months preparing for this role, or if this is just his usual nature; but, whatever it is it sure is amazing to see. I can only hope his star keeps rising from here.
Honorable Mention) Stephen Dorff - Deacon Frost
Someone that seems like he had more fun with this role than most of the people on this list. If only he acted it out better.
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