This might be a little old, but in case you haven't seen it, someone made a list of Hollywood's "10 Most Evil Actors," that is, actors who just look evil and always play the villain. See it here. 10 Most Evil Actors in Hollywood. No surprise with some of these names.
Jason Isaacs, for example, is just pure evil. His British General in "The Patriot," is still one of the most villainous performances of all time. That guy did everything. He killed two of Mel Gibson's kids, burned down a church full of people, and would have killed Mel Gibson too if he had just swung his sword diagonally so that Mel Gibson couldn't dodge it, instead of doing the stupid movie move of swinging a weapon in a way that is easily dodged. In terms of villains, that guy is just straight EVIL! But, I digress...
Sean Bean made the list as well, which probably isn't a surprise to the untrained eye. But to the trained, watchful eye, it's easy to see just how "not evil" he is. "Bean squints, scowls and glares his way into villainous roles with such flair that the tiniest narrowing of his eyes can scare an audience," the article notes.
And while he does squint and scowl and glare his way into roles, its not because he's a villain. He's squinting and scowling and glaring because of how confused he is, confused at the way he's being treated by other characters in the movie. Sean Bean does everything with the best intentions. He is the master of the justifying speech, and if you listen to his speeches, you might just agree with him as well.
Listen to him in Goldeneye or in National Treasure, and try to understand where he is coming from. Watch the beginning of "Don't Say a Word" and tell me you aren't hurt when you see the look on his face after he is betrayed. (Don't even get me started on how he was treated in that movie!). Listen to Boromir and what he has to say. He's not evil, he's just being misunderstood.
I've got more to come, but thought this was an interesting list, and one that I most vehemently object to, and hopefully, in the near future, you will too.
4 comments:
Thanks so much for this excellent site, Kevin. As a long time Sean Bean fan I totally agree with you. He's misunderstood a lot of times. Can't wait til you tackle Boromir. I know a thing or two about Tolkien so if you need any ideas ... ;o)
I think you may be taking this topic too much to heart! Sean's roles as villians are all of his choosing. He decides what parts to play and he has himself admitted that he prefers these roles as it's more fun to be the bad guy. He signs the contract and gets well paid for his work. He has never complained about being typecast. I do agree that even a scowl or squint from him can scare an audience - he has tremendous presence on the screen. He doesn't need dialogue to show emotion, his body language is enough to do that. I, for one can never get enough of him and admire him all the more for his understated performances!
O believe me, I don't take this too serious. I know a joke when I see one. :D But I was referring to those people who only know and mention him as "the villain". They just don't get it. That's where I was coming from. No worries, I don't take it too much to heart. ^^
Please, Please, Please!!!! Post some more entries! For years I have viewed Sean Bean as the villain, but you have completely turned my world around. He is the victim! haha. Great job with this blog! My friends love it too! Please write about Sean Bean in Lord of the Rings and Ronin and other movies!
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