With Halloween just around the corner, I thought that my latest edition of 10 FAVORITES would be a scary one. When one thinks of Halloween, one usually tries to think of scary things. And then I started thinking about the things that frightened me as a kid. Of course, the obligatory scary movies made their way into my mind and several of their iconic gory images. Then I decided that I wanted to share with you, my readers, which Movie villains from my childhood used to scare me the most. Now, as these villains had to be scary to me when I was a kid, there had to be a cut-off date. The Movie and its villain had to appear in the cultural lexicon before I was at least 11 or 12 (which is when I started not being so scared by images and faces I would see on the Silver Screen!). So the Films on this list had to be released before 1990 (Apologies to Dr. Hannibal Lecter and Lord Voldemort!). That being said, it is good that I chose this day to share this list: Friday, October 26 (I figure if Friday the 13th is unlucky, then Friday the 26th must be doubly unlucky!). So, without further adieu, here are:
THE 10 SCARIEST VILLAINS
(FROM MY CHILDHOOD!)
VILLAINS #10 TIE: Jack Torrance, The Shining (1980) and Annie Wilkes, Misery (1990)
These two are together mainly because they are both from two of Stephen King's most popular books. But growing up, Jack Nicholson's face through that door at a terrified Shelley Duvall and Kathy Bates (in her Oscar-winning role) hobbling a bedridden James Caan were frighteningly crazy.
VILLAIN #9 The Skeksis, The Dark Crystal (1982)
As a kid, these brilliant creations by Muppet mastermind Jim Henson did exactly what they were supposed to do: frighten the children in the audience into not liking them. Their evil, opportunistic world was dark and scary enough for the children to be wowed by the film's ultimate conclusion.
VILLAINS #8 TIE: Monstro, Pinocchio (1940) and The Great White Shark, Jaws (1975)
These two go together as they are my "Villains of the Deep" (so to speak!). Of course I saw Pinocchio before I saw Jaws (as most kids probably did!). Monstro was one of the most frightening of Disney's villains (at least to me!) and when I saw Steven Spielberg's blockbuster, I was reminded of the scare I had watching the Disney classic.
VILLAIN #7 The Devil, The Exorcist (1973)
Who knew that sweet little Linda Blair had such a nasty mouth on her? If you see this film as a kid (and you're raised with Catholic conceptions of Hell and damnation!), you worry that you will end up like Linda Blair and spew bile and spin your head and say horrible vile things to people. With the latter, this film handed me a ready-made excuse!
VILLAIN #6 Norman Bates, Psycho (1960)
My father always tells the story of how his uncle took him to see this film when it first came out. My father was only 12 at the time. Alfred Hitchcock was a master of terror and my father learned halfway through this film how good at his job he was. So good in fact my father ran screaming out of the theater when "Norman's mother" attacked investigator Martin Balsam.
VILLAIN #5 Mola Ram, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
I was very young when I saw this movie and well the video below should be explanation enough. (I mean, I still can't watch this scene all the way through!)
VILLAIN #4 The Wicked Witch of the West, The Wizard of Oz (1939)
These days (thanks in part to a certain musical!) the lady with the green skin is not as frightening. But when you're a little kid seeing this cackling flying woman threatening sweet Judy Garland (and her little dog too!), you can't help but be terrified.
VILLAINS #3 Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine, The Star Wars Trilogy (1977-1983)
Darth Vader was an imposing figure enough in the first film (with that booming intimidating voice of James Earl Jones!). By the third film, we learned he was Luke's father and was turned by an evil Dark lord. And then we meet this Dark lord, the Emperor himself. And boy is he a piece of work! I mean, if it takes Vader to kill him, then you know he has to be bad!
VILLAIN #2 The Alien Queen, Aliens (1986)
In James Cameron's really well-done sequel to Ridley Scott's brilliantly terrifying 1979 sci-fi classic, we learn that the Alien from that first film was one of many. A colony of Aliens run by a predatory and vicious Queen. The terrifying actions of this monstrous "bitch" (as Sigourney Weaver's Ripley succinctly puts it!) were so frightening to me as a kid. To me, the Alien Queen is the scariest female villain (or "villainess") of all-time. As for the men, see below.
AND... VILLAIN #1 Freddy Kreuger, Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)
More than Jason or Michael Myers or Leatherface or any of the other villains listed above, Freddy was truly the stuff of Nightmares. Wes Craven cemented his master of horror/slasher film status with Robert Englund's terrifying interpretation of a deformed man who kills teens in their dreams. He was menacing, gory and all kinds of scary. I mean he even killed a young Johnny Depp!
After over 80 years and over 60 animated films, the Walt Disney Company has amassed a large cast of characters. Some are beloved, some are despised and some are just so evil that we can't help but cheer when they come on the screen. But one of the true measures of the impact of a great Disney character is thanks in large part to the performance of the actor or actress chosen to play that role. Which performance is the most special? That's what this week's 10 FAVORITES is all about. Below, is my list of 10 (actually, 12!) best Vocal Performances from Disney animated films. Now, when I say "Vocal Performance," I am not referring to singing (though most of the characters listed below sing, with a couple exceptions!). Also, you will notice that almost half of the characters on the list are villains. And to put it bluntly, villains are often the most memorable thing in a Disney film. But a hero, a heroine or even a sidekick can be just as memorable, if it is done just right! So, without further ado, here are:
THE BEST VOICE PERFORMANCES
IN DISNEY FILMS
HONORABLE MENTION
Adriana Caselotti as Snow White Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
The original Disney heroine is an "Honorable Mention" mainly because the voice of the sweet Adriana Caselotti almost irritated me for a while. But there is no more iconic vocal performance than Caselotti's renditions of "Whistle While You Work" or "Someday My Prince Will Come." I felt she needed some recognition on this list.
VOICE #10
James Woods as Hades Hercules (1997)
While this film is not the most beloved within the Disney canon (especially within the studio itself!), the performance of James Woods as the devilish Hades is quite the scene-stealer. Woods utilizes some of his best skills and is the perfect bad guy (in what might be called a "so-so" film!).
VOICE #9
Donna Murphy as Mother Gothel Tangled (2010)
The biggest highlight in last year's animated hit was the performance of two-time Tony Award-winner Donna Murphy as the deliciously wicked Mother Gothel. The twists the writers gave to the Rapunzel story and that of the "witch" character were perfectly fitted to Murphy's theatrical bravado. She's cruel, she's selfish and she's a total bitch, but we love her for it!
VOICE #8
Kathryn Beaumont as Alice Alice In Wonderland (1951)
No matter where I am or what I'm watching, when I think of the character of Alice from the Lewis Carroll classic story, I hear Beaumont's sweet and wistful voice. She's so prim and proper and just the perfect little girl as we follow her curiosity and her adventures in Wonderland.
VOICE #7
James Earl Jones as Mufasa The Lion King (1994)
No one can deny the power of this man's voice! James Earl Jones, who chilled us as the voice of Darth Vader, moved us to tears when he voiced the father of Simba. The scene in which Mufasa's ghost comes to the disenchanted Simba is one of the most haunting and powerful scenes in the movie, certainly in thanks to James Earl Jones' voice!
VOICE #6
Eleanor Audley as Maleficent Sleeping Beauty (1959)
I've talked of my love for this movie and even then I talked about how much I loved this villain. The dripping disdain in Eleanor Audley's voice when she is cursing the innocent Aurora (soon after her birth!) is so spiteful...but I can't help loving this character more! Audley also voiced the wicked Stepmother in Disney's Cinderella, so she was no stranger to the world of the Disney villain.
VOICE #5
Pat Carroll as Ursula The Little Mermaid (1989)
Like many other Disney villains, Ursula practically steals the movie from the rest of the delightful cast of characters. Character actress Pat Carroll was so amazing when she voiced the role and her performance shines through. In fact, the song "Poor Unfortunate Souls" is one of the best songs in Disney history and certainly a showstopper sequence if there ever was one in a Disney film!
VOICE #4
Phil Harris as Baloo the Bear The Jungle Book (1967)
Jazz legend Phil Harris sounded so at ease with the lazy "jungle bum" character of Baloo and his performance of the Oscar-nominated song, "The Bare Necessities," is so ingrained in our collective consciousness. Harris would go on to voice O'Malley the Alley Cat in 1970's The AristoCats and Little John in 1973's Robin Hood (Little John was quite similar to Baloo in many ways, not just Harris' voice!), but it is his performance as Baloo that is forever in our hearts.
VOICE #3 TIE
Jonathan Freeman as Jafar Aladdin (1992) AND
Jeremy Irons as Scar The Lion King (1994)
I put these two together because they are practically equal in my mind and their performances as two of Disney's greatest villains are so wickedly great. Character actor (of film and stage) Jonathan Freeman was so snake like and imperious as Jafar and, when you talk about imperious, you cannot forget Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons' performance as Scar. Interesting note about Irons' performance of the song "Be Prepared" (below): Irons' voice cracked more than halfway through the song (on the line: "You won't get a sniff without me!") and master voice actor Jim Cummings (who also voiced Ed, the loony hyena) had to finish the song in his stead. My father said if I hadn't pointed it out, he would never have noticed it. I believe many other people don't notice either!
VOICE #2
Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts Beauty and the Beast (1991)
As I've stated before, this is my favorite Disney film of all-time. There are so many things I love about this film and the cast is chief among them. But if I had to pick a stand-out performance, I would not hesitate to recognize the charming performance of the great Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts. She is so perfect and proper as the teapot that by the time the film gets to the title song (which Lansbury sings!), my heart races to hear her brilliant rendition. And it makes it even more special when I heard (from Alan Menken in an interview) that Lansbury was able to perform the song perfectly in the recording booth in one take!
AND... VOICE #1
Robin Williams as The Genie Aladdin (1992)
Of course this performance would top this list. When Robin Williams wowed critics and audiences with this vocal performance, it changed the game. Since then, stars line up to take a part in a Disney animated film (and now, DreamWorks animated films!). Williams' performance was so important to the film that both the Golden Globes and the Academy thought about giving him a special award. And the Academy still talks about creating a Vocal Performance category, and that is all thanks to Robin Williams' role as The Genie.
WHAT ABOUT THE PIXAR FILMS?
Some of you may be asking the above question at this moment, so to allay your worries, here are the 5 best voices in PIXAR's short history (hence the 5 and not 10!):
PIXAR VOICE #5
Jason Lee as Syndrome The Incredibles (2004)
For anyone who remembers Jason Lee's fantastic performance in the Kevin Smith films (Mallrats & Chasing Amy, in particular), his role as the ultimate fanboy turned total villain is quite the highlight of the 2004 Oscar-winning adventure.
PIXAR VOICE #4
Peter O'Toole as Anton Ego Ratatouille (2007)
Getting the well-respected Peter O'Toole to voice the role of the cynical food critic was quite a coup for PIXAR and his brilliant speech towards the end of the film is as much about all critics (and criticism, in general!) as it is about food.
PIXAR VOICE #3
Billy Crystal as Mike Wazowski Monsters, Inc. (2001)
When you create a character like Mike Wazowski, you need a top-notch comedian to take it to the next level and Billy Crystal is in that category.
PIXAR VOICE #2
Ellen DeGeneres as Dory Finding Nemo (2003)
In a cast filled with charming performances (Albert Brooks, Willem Dafoe, Geoffrey Rush, etc.), it is Ellen DeGeneres as the absent-minded Dory that almost steals the touching, funny and poignant movie.
AND... PIXAR VOICE #1
Tom Hanks as Woody
The Toy Story movies (1995, 1999 & 2010)
In all three movies, it is the performance of Tom Hanks as Woody that is at the franchise's heart and it is a testament to the power of Hanks as an actor (whether he is seen or just heard!).
SPOILERS, SPOILERS and more SPOILERS lie within this post today people. So if, for some reason, you were not one of the millions of people who saw Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 over the weekend or you, like some sort of hermit, avoided reading J. K. Rowling's phenomenal book, then I suggest you stop reading now.
After seeing the final film in what is the most successful film series in cinematic history, I found myself loving and remembering so many scenes within the movie that thrilled me, made me cry and just overall entertained me. So for 10 FAVORITES this week, as a follow-up to last week's, I am going to discuss:
THE 10 BEST SCENES IN
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - PART II
SCENE #10
Meeting Aberforth Dumbledore
When our favorite trio make their way to Hogsmeade Village outside Hogwarts, the Death Eaters' alarms are set off. They need a place to hide and are brought into the Hog's Head Pub by a crusty old man. Hermione immediately recognizes him as Aberforth Dumbledore, Professor Dumbledore's older brother. Aberforth (played perfectly by Ciarán Hinds) guards the only secret passage into Hogwarts that is not overrun with Death Eaters. He tells the trio very little and questions if Harry truly understood the Albus Dumbledore that Aberforth knew. After Harry pledges his loyalty to the Dumbledore he learned from, Aberforth reluctantly helps them get into Hogwarts. The Battle is about to begin!
SCENE #9
The Killing of Bellatrix Lestrange
I loved this moment, both in the book and now in the movie. Crazy Bellatrix Lestrange (the delicious Helena Bonham-Carter) tries to curse Ginny Weasley...big mistake. She's now angered the "Big Mama," Molly Weasley (the marvelous Julie Walters). Molly proceeds to throw spell after spell at Bellatrix and suddenly Little Miss Loopy-Pants is no more. Now Bonham-Carter has enchanted me playing high-born ladies and Queens of England (A Room With a View, The King's Speech), but its nice to see this crazy-ass woman (meaning Bellatrix) finally get what she deserves. I know I was applauding, along with the rest of the audience at my screening, when Molly did what she had to do to protect her daughter. Go Mama Weasley! Curse that Bitch!
SCENE #8
Ron & Hermione in the Chamber of Secrets
This was the scene everybody was waiting for and talking about. It was also the toughest for stars Rupert Grint and Emma Watson to film as it features the all-important snogging (you know, kissing!). During the Battle of Hogwarts, Ron and Hermione take the Hufflepuff cup (a Horcrux) to the Chamber of Secrets to obtain a fang of the long dead Basilisk (which helped destroy the first Horcrux back in the 2nd book/film, The Chamber of Secrets). After Hermione stabs the cup with the fang, that part of Voldemort's soul is destroyed and water washes over the two heroes. In celebration, Hermione grabs Ron and kisses him passionately. Let the "Woo-hoos!" commence.
SCENE #7
Chatting with Helena Ravenclaw
On the heels of her well-deserved Emmy nomination for HBO's Boardwalk Empire, Kelly MacDonald has an integral part of the Summer's biggest movie as the Ravenclaw House ghost, Helena Ravenclaw (daughter of House founder Rowena Ravenclaw and more commonly called The Grey Lady). Harry is convinced that Rowena Ravenclaw's lost diadem (a type of crown) is a Horcrux and he must speak to Helena to find it. In this scene, MacDonald gives an enigmatic and ethereal portrayal of a very damaged woman. After some coaxing, Helena reveals to Harry that the diadem is in the massive Room of Requirement. She wishes the diadem destroyed as Voldemort tainted it with "dark magic" and Harry promises to see it destroyed.
SCENE #6
Hermione Plays Bellatrix
To get into Gringott's Bank and to see what else in inside Bellatrix Lestrange's vault, Hermione must take some Polyjuice Potion and become the crazed Death Eater. It is a delightful moment (before the excitement of the Gringotts vaults!) where we get to see Helena Bonham-Carter flex her acting chops as she plays Hermione playing Bellatrix. It is a testament to her versatility as an actress.
SCENE #5
Snape Finally Reveals His Truth
Too many, this was the most powerful scene in the film; and while I don't necessarily agree with them, I will not deny its emotional relevance. After a bloody and brutal death at the hands of Voldemort (and Nagini), Snape allows Harry to take his memories to the Pensieve. It is in this scene where audiences finally understand what this man was truly all about. We see Snape's life as an outcast child, his close friendship with Harry's mother, his jealousy of Harry's father, his willingness to turn against Voldemort, the murder of Lily and James Potter, his vow to protect Harry, his arguments with Dumbledore and his unrequited love for Lily. All this within a matter of seconds (and the truly powerful performance of Alan Rickman!) make this a masterful sequence and has us rethinking our judgement of the Professor we loved to hate.
SCENE #4
Dumbledore Visits King's Cross
When it seems like Voldemort has placed his final killing curse on Harry, we (the audience) are transported out of the Forbidden Forest and into a white-washed and Heaven-like version of King's Cross Station in London (which is a fascinating accomplishment to anyone who has ever actually been in King's Cross Station!). Here, Harry meets with his mentor Professor Dumbledore (the perfect Michael Gambon) and we get a little much-needed exposition. It turns out only a part of Harry needed to die, the part of Harry that was Voldemort's accidental Horcrux. That part lies under bench in King's Cross now and is all fetus-y and gross...and dying. Dumbledore also reveals to Harry that he can "choose" to go back if he wishes. Above, is a storyboard sketch of the King's Cross scene for the film as Warner Bros. is not revealing any pictures of the scene for promotional purposes.
SCENE #3
Neville Comes into His Own
This was the scene I was praying would not be cut as it is such a joyful moment for anyone who loves a story about a so-called "underdog." And thank the movie gods that it wasn't. After an impassioned speech to Voldemort and his cackling Death Eaters over Potter's (seemingly) dead body, Neville takes the coveted Sword of Godric Gryffindor and puts it to fantastic use. He sees Ron and Hermione tirelessly trying to kill Voldemort's frighteningly large snake, Nagini (which turns out to be the final Horcrux), and his one swing of the sword slices the villainous reptile in half. The audience at my screening cheered (so did I!).
SCENE #2
Harry (and Professor McGonagall!) Confront Snape
Under Voldemort's rule, Snape is running Hogwarts like it is Nazi camp. When word that Harry is near, Snape files the students into the Great Hall to threaten and force them to reveal his whereabouts. Harry comes forth and gives a grand "How Dare You..." speech to Snape regarding taking Dumbledore's place. The Order of the Phoenix (The Weasleys, The Lupins, Shacklebolt et al) enter to back him up and before Snape can put his hands on Harry, McGonagall steps forward. And what results is ALL KINDS of AWESOME!!!!
AND...
SCENE #1
Harry Uses the Resurrection Stone
This is the scene that practically wrecked me emotionally. I knew it was coming. I had read the book, but there is something about seeing it dramatically represented before you (whether its in the way you pictured or not!) that just tugs at your spirit. As Harry is entering the Forbidden Forest to face his fate against the Dark Lord, he opens his Golden Snitch and out pops the Resurrection Stone (the final Deathly Hallow). As he stares at his parents, his godfather and his favorite teacher, he begs them to be with him and they assure him that they "Always will." And every shot of his mother's face in this scene (the charming character actress Geraldine Somerville), just had me bawling like a baby. My brother now says that he can't take me anywhere.
The series has come to an emotional and highly profitable end. Many Harry Potter fans will be seeing the film again and again over the next month (I might include myself in that group!). We will likely not hear from the Wizarding World again until the DVD comes out (So for all those wishing the Potter franchise to just go away, you'll have to wait at least another six months!). To all my fellow witches, wizards, squibs and muggles alike: Harry, you made us believe in magic and your world will live on in all of us. Thank you J.K., for all you have given the universe. Your creation shall live forever!
Last week, I gave you all a list of the best Mothers from both TV and Film. This week, I've decided to give you the opposite. If Bambi's Mother and Claire Huxtable qualify as the best Moms in the fictional mediums, then which mothers qualify as the worst? There are plenty to choose from, so let's get started. Like last week, we'll begin with:
THE 10 WORST TV MOMS
TV MOM #10
Lwaxana Troi from Star Trek: The Next Generation
She's self-absorbed, man-hungry, extravagant and extremely intrusive...oh, and she's an alien. Lwaxana Troi (played with great flair by the late Majel Barrett-Roddenberry) was every one of those adjectives and more as Counselor Deanna Troi's Beta-Zed mother. She cared more about finding a husband and reading people's thoughts than her own "little one." Yet, in her own "warped" way, she had great affection for Deanna.
TV MOM #9
Estelle Costanza from Seinfeld
It's often thought that the louder the voice, the more of a pain the mother is. Well, Estelle Costanza (played to annoying perfection by Estelle Harris) certainly fits that bill. She made George's life a living hell and she was unapologetic about it. She was just being herself, which can be quite admirable, only some times.
TV MOM #8
Lois Griffin from Family Guy
Compared to her husband, Lois Griffin is the perfect parent. That being said though, she still is extremely selfish and has a sense of humor that is way out of control (perfect for the show that she's on, but still...WOW!). Plus, she is the worst role model for her teenage daughter Meg, whom she seems to just despise (like everyone else on the show).
TV MOM #7
Benny Lopez from George Lopez
Loosely based on his grandmother (as talked about in his stand-up), George Lopez created the character of Benny Lopez, George's abusive and lazy mother (played by Belita Moreno). Every hateful word that spread from her mouth was just awful, but half of the time it was excused because Benny was just as emotionally damaged as she tried to make other people.
TV MOM #6
Endora from Bewitched
What's worse than a mother who is absolutely un-supportive of your life choices? Try dealing with her when she has magical powers and uses them to make your life (and the life of your spouse) miserable. You know life won't be easy when your mother is constantly (and often purposefully) getting your husband's name wrong.
TV MOM #5
Liane Cartman from South Park
Eric Cartman may be one of the most vicious and evil characters ever created for a TV show, but you might forgive some faults when you look at his mother. Liane Cartman is probably the biggest tramp in the entire fictional universe. She'll do it with anyone (and I mean ANYONE!). For a little while, through some strange and twisted plot device, it was thought that Liane was both Eric's Mother AND Eric's Father (don't ask!).
TV MOM #4
Marie Barone from Everybody Loves Raymond
She was a master at giving an insult with a smile, especially to her daughter-in-law. Marie (the delightful Emmy-winner Doris Roberts) held firmly on to her sons (namely Raymond) and made it her business to deal with everything in her family. She defended her actions by claiming that's what a Mother does, but she constantly undermined her son's respective marriages all while doing it in the name of Motherhood. Can you say "Manipulative?"
TV MOM #3
Lucille Bluth from Arrested Development
Some women just shouldn't have children and Lucille Bluth (brilliantly played by Jessica Walter) would be the first one to say that...about other people. She loved to drink and gossip and drink and spend money and (did I mention?) drink. The messes she made of her four children is a testament to the kind of Mother she was.
TV MOM #2
Peg Bundy from Married...With Children
The original dysfunctional mother and the perfect stereotype for the bored housewife. Peg Bundy (the amazing Katey Sagal) loved her bon-bons more than she loved Kelly or Bud (her children). Maybe she felt neglected by her husband Al (the equally amazing Ed O'Neill) or maybe she just didn't care about anything. Whatever the reason, Peg nearly tops the list of the Worst Mothers on TV.
AND...
TV MOM #1
Evelyn Harper from Two and a Half Men
Now that the news has come that the show will return next season (with Ashton Kutcher replacing Charlie Sheen), audiences who love this show (for some reason!) will get to see more of Holland Taylor's Emmy nominated performance as the most selfish Mother one will ever see on TV. Evelyn always only thinks of herself and how much money she can make off of anyone (through her realty business). It's no wonder her two sons turned out the way they did...tiger-blood and all!
AND NOW...
THE 10 WORST MOMS ON FILM
FILM MOM #10
Mama Fratelli from The Goonies
Played by the late Anne Ramsey, Mama Fratelli was a piece of work. Not only is she a vicious criminal (like Ma Barker, but meaner), but she chains up her deformed son, Sloth, in a basement. Thank God for Chunk! (I never thought I'd say that statement!)
FILM MOM #9
Queen Gertrude from Hamlet
William Shakespeare knew how much a Mother's betrayal could affect the psyche of a young man and he made it the central conflict of his most famous play. Whether Gertrude is played by a great actress (like Glenn Close or Julie Christie) or is played by an unknown in a regional (or high school) production, her relationship with Hamlet and how she reacts to her son's treatment of her new marriage (to her late husband's brother and murderer!) is key to the personality of this ambitious and terrified Queen.
FILM MOM #8
Kate McCallister from Home Alone
Every time I watch Home Alone (or it's New York sequel), I am constantly frustrated and angry at the mother and how easily Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) forgives her for LEAVING HIM HOME ALONE! I mean, I know kids love their mothers, but this woman shows how much Kevin means to her by punishing him the night before they leave and then leaving (albeit accidentally) him home by himself. Though she is perfectly played by Catherine O'Hara, I just think some things are unforgivable (at least immediately).
FILM MOM #7
Mary from Precious - Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire
Comedienne Mo'Nique transformed herself and completely shocked audiences with her Oscar-winning performance as Mary, Precious' abusive and hateful mother. But it is in her last scene in the film where audiences realize how damaged Mary is herself and how the cycle of dysfunction continues.
FILM MOM #6
The Alien Queen from Aliens
The Queen has one purpose in her whole existence and that is to destroy all human life and infest the world with her alien progeny. The only thing standing in her way: the heroic and feisty Ripley (the indomitable Sigourney Weaver), who is as nurturing as the Queen is destructive.
FILM MOM #5
Disney's Wicked Stepmothers from Snow White and Cinderella
As part of Disney's Princess franchise, they should have a small sect including the two Wickedest Stepmothers in fairy tale history. The Wicked Queen (from Snow White) and Lady Tremaine (from Cinderella) are both filled with villainy and jealousy when they look at their respective stepdaughters. So they proceed to make the pretty Princesses life as miserable as possible. Not the best kind of Mother-figure in a girl's life, is it?
FILM MOM #4
Beth from Ordinary People
One of the worst kind of Mothers is the kind of Mother who just gives up. Beth (as played by a stoic and reserved Mary Tyler Moore) gives up on everything especially her surviving son Conrad (Oscar-winner Timothy Hutton). Just watch her face as her son tries to hug her towards the end of the film.
FILM MOM #3
Mrs. Robinson from The Graduate
Talk about a selfish rich bitch! Anne Bancroft will forever be remembered as the ultimate cougar Mrs. Robinson, who seduces young Ben Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) and proceeds to let him date her daughter (the innocent Katharine Ross). She doesn't care about anything but her own desires.
FILM MOM #2
Joan Crawford from Mommie Dearest
Everyone remembers Faye Dunaway screaming "No Wire Hangers! EVER!" and proceeding to spank the little girl with the hanger. Dunaway's over-the-top work as Crawford has become so iconic that, even though Joan Crawford was a real person, she has become a character all the same.
AND...
FILM MOM #1
Mrs. Iselin from The Manchurian Candidate
Brilliantly played by Angela Lansbury in the 1962 socio-political thriller, Mrs. Iselin is cold, over-bearing and absolutely manipulative. She even allows her son to become a Communist assassin and is willing to let him murder a political candidate to get ahead in Washington. Just watch the chilling scene below.
There you have it, the Worst Mothers on TV and Film. Next week, we will explore the best moments and the best guest stars from one of my favorite shows of all-time: THE MUPPET SHOW!!!!!!
First of all, let me apologize to all those who read my blog regularly (if there are any!) and were hoping last week for a new 10 FAVORITES list. Thanksgiving week was a bit of a distraction and things slipped away from me. As a gift to the disappointed readers, I will do two lists of 10 FAVORITES this week (one today and one tomorrow). And next week, I will begin another month-long Holiday edition of 10 FAVORITES (all related to Christmas and New Year's, of course!).
The first of this week's two 10 FAVORITES lists is about actors, but not just any actors. There are many actors who can play all sorts of roles. But there are a limited amount of actors who can play the villains (and play the villains well, I might add!). Yes, there are several specific characters who are villains that we know and love (some people freakishly so!), but it is the actors who make characters like these so good. And some of these actors make their careers out of playing nasties, baddies and thieves (OH MY!). Today, I devote this list to:
THE 10 BEST VILLAIN ACTORS
HONORABLE MENTION
Mark Strong
This actor has only fairly recently been snapping up all the good villain roles, fighting Robert Downey Jr. in Sherlock Holmes and Russell Crowe in Robin Hood all within the last year alone. He first came to my attention in the 2007 so-so fantasy film Stardust, in which his vicious Septimus (below) was a secondary villain to that of Michelle Pfeiffer (someone who also plays villains quite well, see my view of Batman Returns).
VILLAIN ACTOR #10
David Warner
The great character actor David Warner has almost always played a baddie. In one of his first films, 1963's Tom Jones, he played Albert Finney's nasty and cruel cousin, Bliful. Since then, he has played villains in BOTH film and television including the 1978 miniseries Holocaust (as Michael Moriarty's wicked Nazi commander) and the 1982 cult classic TRON (as the mean corporate raider, his game counterpart Stark and the voice of the evil computer itself). Below is his appearance as a Cardassian interrogator torturing Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) on a 1992 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
VILLAIN ACTOR #9
Miranda Richardson
Ladies, don't hate me, but Ms. Richardson is the ONLY woman to make this list. Maybe someday I will do the "Best Villain Actresses" to make up for it. And sure, women can be just as mean and villainous as the boys because Miranda Richardson is ample proof of that. Her performance in the great NBC miniseries Merlin as the wicked Queen Mab (below) is absolutely delicious. She followed that with a role in the miniseries Alice In Wonderland as, who else, the Queen of Hearts. Whether it is playing the aggravating Rita Skeeter in Harry Potter (not really a villain, just annoying to Harry) or the arrogant mother of Queen Victoria in The Young Victoria (with Mark Strong!) or a murderer in Sleepy Hollow (SPOILER!), she is just one of the best Villain Actresses and worthy to be on a list with the guys.
VILLAIN ACTOR #8
Christopher Lee
Ah, the great Christopher Lee has had such a career (and a resurgence in the last decade!). He has played evil wizards (in The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and evil Jedis (in the Star Wars prequels). He also had a legendary career in the Hammer Horror films of the 1960's and 1970's as Count Dracula (below). He was the first to tackle the role after Bela Lugosi had made the character so iconic. And, if nothing else, it is his deep tenor speaking voice that makes him so well known and so fitting for a villainous role (see The Last Unicorn where he voices the embittered old king).
VILLAIN ACTOR #7
Robert Mitchum
My mother was never a fan of the late Robert Mitchum and, based on some of his film roles, there was good reason! He played the evil Max Cady in the original Cape Fear and terrorized Gregory Peck (who was always Atticus Finch to me!) and his family. He also played the corrupt and wicked Reverend in Charles Loughton's The Night of the Hunter (below), which is considered his best and most famous role by many critics.
VILLAIN ACTOR #6
Christopher Walken
This is probably everybody's favorite crazy bad guy. The timber of his New York-style voice can sometimes make the ickiest of characters feel nervous. Even in one of his earliest stage roles, the Broadway production of the play The Lion In Winter, Walken played the nasty French dauphin. There truly is no one like him and there never will be. Take a look at him as a vicious (Sicilian) mobster brutalizing the late Dennis Hopper in Quentin Tarantino's violent and crazy True Romance.
VILLAIN ACTOR #5
Gary Oldman
I've said this before and I will say it again: Gary Oldman is one of the most underrated actors. Recently, he has been playing more good guys rather than the bad guys we love him as (see him in Christopher Nolan's Batman films as Jim Gordon or as Sirius Black in the Harry Potter films). But his roles as nasty and wicked bad guys made audiences realize how good an actor he is. See him as Punk's bad boy Sid Vicious in Sid and Nancy or as the vicious Senator politically attacking Joan Allen in The Contender (and those aren't the worst of the baddies he's played). Of course, who could forget him as the title character in Francis Ford Coppola's retelling of Bram Stoker's Dracula. And then there is his dastardly role as a terrorist on Air Force One in, well, Air Force One (below), which is one of the finest performances of his career.
VILLAIN ACTOR #4
Tim Curry
If anyone has made a career out of playing character parts that are mean, dastardly, shady or even flat-out villains, it's Tim Curry. There really isn't much more to say about him. Just take a look at his long list of credits on IMDB. Or, better yet, just look below at his tour-de-force performance in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. His version of the classic "Sweet Transvestite" has never ever EVER been matched. He is forever linked to this role, whether he likes it or not!
VILLAIN ACTOR #3
Vincent Price
Probably the ultimate master of horror, Vincent Price just dripped with elegance and villainy in any role he played. His credits are too many to list, so like Tim Curry above, go to IMDB and take a look at the long list (literally, almost all horror films and villains!). His iconic laugh is so chilling, it even begins the trailer for one of his most famous films, House on Haunted Hill, the classic horror flick in which Price invites several people to his macabre mansion where things "go bump in the night" and beyond (below).
VILLAIN ACTOR #2
Ralph Fiennes
One of the best actors around today, Ralph Fiennes has a powerful presence and clear voice to match. Though he is great as a romantic leading man (Wuthering Heights and The English Patient), it is evil and nasty villains that we really love him for. Just remember him as a mob boss after Colin Farrell in In Bruges or the voice of the Pharoah Rameses in the highly underrated animated musical The Prince of Egypt (he even sang!). But it is two villainous roles that Fiennes will forever be noted for. The first he did way back in 1993 for Steven Spielberg in the masterpiece film Schindler's List. His Nazi commander Amon Goethe is one of the most bone-chilling and psychologically masterful performances ever captured on film. However, it is his role as Harry Potter's wizard nemesis Lord Voldemort that Ralph Fiennes will be remembered. As Voldemort, Fiennes brings the same chills and cunning he brought to Schindler's List (just look below at the trailer for the last movie, sorry no clips as Warner Brothers is very protective of the Potter franchise).
AND...
VILLAIN ACTOR #1
Alan Rickman
Hard to believe that Professor Snape would be higher than Lord Voldemort, eh? But Alan Rickman has been frightening (and delighting) audiences as villains ever since playing the evil Hans Gruber in Die Hard in 1988. Since then, he has amassed fans from films like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (below, where he is the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham) and Sweeney Todd (as the cruel judge Johnny Depp's Sweeney is after with a vengeance). And, of course, as Professor Snape in ALL of the Harry Potter films, well let's just say he makes being mean look so good.
So, there you have it: THE 10 BEST VILLAIN ACTORS. It should not be a surprise that almost all of them (save Christopher Walken and the late Robert Mitchum) are British. Maybe "the Brits" just do bad better than "the Yanks." Tomorrow, I will give you all another of my 10 FAVORITES, but it will be a much happier subject: Sesame Street!
