5. Darth Vader (Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back)
In Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, we met Anakin and were not sure how such a boy could end up where he did. In Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, we began to witness his hatred and rage. And finally, in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, Darth Vader was born. We met Vader in full form in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope and loved his sinister dark ways, including his costume. But, above all, in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, Vader's quote comes to light, even he bathing in its glory. There's no other reason to rule out why Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi wasn't chosen, because Vader's fate is ultimately one of depression yet of victory, one of mourning however at the same time, representing triumph. This has always sparked me. When I watch a movie, I literally understand every single frame that I am watching. I understood Donnie Darko when I first saw it, Southland Tales when I first saw it, and many others, including Inception and its ending. The reasoning behind this is that you must contain an open mind. Don't take anything that seriously but, don't understate your emotions. Keep it all there, and remember that the movie is most likely trying to be symbolic and represent meaning behind its film grain. Vader's fate in the final film, for example, made me realize this. Film is mostly all about symbolism - and even when a film doesnt have symbolism in it - that's symbolic as well because, they usually do.
4. The Joker (The Dark Knight)
This role cost Ledger his life. To be blunt, and with no dis-respect to Mr. Ledger, I can see why. Such effort is thrown into not only Ledger's performance but, his The Joker's character. It's interesting to watch The Dark Knight unfold on screen. The truth is, whether you admit it or not, The Dark Knight is more of a remake than a sequel. It is a remake, in my opinion, to Burton's original Batman. Remakes set out to either "update" or "better" a film due to time. As in this case, Ledger takes up Nicholson's grand performance with a more sinister and sadistic criminal than Ledger himself probably couldn't have predicted. It's times I view the film, that I wonder whether or not Heath Ledger has lost himself in the role, as if he's become The Joker and not simply acting. It sounds ridiculous I know but, looking back at how devoted he was into pulling an absolutely incredible performance off in this, it seems probable.
3. R.P. McMurphy (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest)
Nicholson's best movie and best performance period. If there was ever a film character that perfectly suited Jack Nicholson, R.P. McMurphy would fit the bill. Outrageous, hilarious, clever, yet abusive, cruel, and selfish - there's no one quite like McMurphy out there. Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the novel upon which the film is based, even reminds you of Nicholson's face while reading the dialogue, for some odd reason. It's because if you've seen the movie, you know how well you connected to him, and in the book, we get more of what we miss. By far one of the best performances of all time in film, Nicholson has always gained my respect, whether in How Do You Know or Chinatown, his performances always benefit.
2. James Bond (Dr. No)
Yes, I am aware that Pierce Brosnan did not play in Dr. No; you may be asking yourself why I even chose a specific film since so many have played the iconic character in so many sequels. My main reason for this is when it was the first time general audiences were introduced to this character. He's always been MI6's top agent and he's always been our favorite action hero.
1. Ash (The Evil Dead)
There's almost nobody more badass, more comic, or more clever than Ash. I watched this film for the first time yesterday, and The Evil Dead is now one of my favorite movies, and I plan on watching Evil Dead II and Army of Darkness in the meantime. Bruce Campbell defines Ash. There's no doubt about that. Ash is the manliest movie character ever to embrace the screen.
Last edited by Redux; 07-14-11 at 01:21 AM.