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A-List: Cinematic KillersMay 7, 2003
Some weeks ago a reader suggested that cinematic killers could be a subject, so thanks go out to James. I’d also like to apologize in advance in that I don’t think that the A-List that has resulted is exactly what the reader had in mind, but as anybody who has ever worked with me knows, you can always expect me to be sidetracked to some degree.
Christian Slater: JD - HeathersRelative lack of body count plus an inability to carry through on the larger plan should probably drop JD to the also-considered list, but it’s my list and Heathers is among my all-time favorite movies as touched upon in my previous column. He did have a rebel without a clue attitude going for him, along with a rationale and even a “perfect” crime methodology.
Jack Nicholson: Jack Torrance - The ShiningIn The Shining, we get to look at a normal, average writer turned killer, not so much by his own madness but by possession of supernatural powers. Jack Torrance takes the writer's dream job of seclusion as the winter caretaker of a summer resort high in the Rockies where the restless spirits of the past turn him into a murderous puppet. The most interesting aspect about Nicholson's memorable character is that his potential victims Danny and Wendy, whom we fear losing the most, escape his clutches and ultimately he becomes the victim rather than the murderer.
Anthony Hopkins: Hannibal Lecter - Silence of the LambsI will grant naysayers that sequel films made the character into a bit of a parody-type character, but the cold, calculating, manipulative and completely brutal Hannibal of Silence of the Lambs is completely worthy of the list.
Michael Rooker: Henry - Henry: Portrait of a Serial KillerThis was the first movie that I can remember attending where people actually walked out of the screening due to the impact of some of scenes. The film was arguably one of the scariest movies I’d ever seen, as I can vividly remember walking through Westwood after the movie and walking right on the edge of the sidewalk and the road, the better to avoid those completely normal-looking people that might be lurking in the doorways and alleys waiting to sadistically murder and mutilate me. Rooker very convincingly plays an average guy who happens to have this driving need to kill people.
Ralph Fiennes: Amon Goeth - Schindler’s ListFiennes is able to make the audience feel the utter lack of respect that Goeth has for the Jews. He is able to kill them for amusement from his balcony or sell them as commodities, since he views them as less than human.On the also considered list, we have the Terminators. “It can't be reasoned with, it can't be bargained with...it doesn't feel pity of remorse or fear...and it absolutely will not stop. Ever. Until you are dead.” Arnold’s original, limited-dialogue T800 unit as well as Robert Patrick’s advanced liquid metal T-1000 seemed perfect for the list until I decided to split hairs and disqualify them for being androids, which is a bit ironic since several list members are there for their inhumanity.
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