Gotta give a shout out to AITH reader Christopher Hennessee for this week’s idea. Obviously horror thrives on a great villain, and sometimes we even end up rooting for them. A couple great examples are Jason, Michael and Freddy in their later series installments.
But even more striking is the occasional instance when we find that the “bad guy or girl” is actually more sympathetic and involving than the protagonists. We’re rooting not for ultra high body counts or lots of ripped clothing, but honestly hoping the villain attains their goal.
So let’s get down with the misunderstood and just plain righteously wrong. If I miss your favorite evil to root for then spit some bullets and set me straight below!
READ PART 1 OF THIS LIST HERE WARNING – GOOD? VILLAINS AHEAD! 5. Roy Batty, BLADE RUNNER Rutger Hauer is one unrelenting sunuvabitch throughout this whole movie, but at the end we see what it’s all been about for him and it’s hard not to take his side. He’s got a dove for goodness sake! The whole construct of Blade Runner is one of the best sci-fi has to offer – at what point does life count? Good stuff, and a very understandable villain.
4. Norman Bates, PSYCHO Can somebody just give this kid a hug? And some Prozac?! Basically a nice guy who’s all wigged out, literally, by sexual issues and mommy stuff. Creepy for sure, but you can’t hate the guy for things that are out of his control. Besides, it’s not like most of the people he’s interacting with are of the highest character anyway. Sometimes a boy’s just gotta get down and dirty.
3. Patrick Bateman, AMERICAN PSYCHO Bateman is fun, and he’s living in a world populated by superficial, annoying, effete, jerkwads and their disposable mates. So seeing him ending some lives with a chainsaw and an axe while dancing to hits from the 80’s is a pure joy to behold. I even want him to feed the cat to that ATM. Let the bodies hit the floor!
2. Hannibal Lecter, SILENCE OF THE LAMBS Anybody looking to defend the census taker? Or Dr. Chilton? Buffalo Bill was kinda sad, depressing and twisted, but Lecter is a mofo I’d love to have dinner and drinks with – provided I could side step him finding me discourteous. The man has style, wit, grace, and most importantly, a purpose. Too bad for Dr. Chilton I suppose.
1. Leslie Vernon, BEHIND THE MASK: THE RISE OF LESLIE VERNON This movie knocked my socks off when I first saw it. Leslie Vernon is easily one of the most compelling slasher’s I’ve ever seen. Not only is he motivated and funny, but he’s got a logic to his approach that has you nodding your head along with what he’s saying. Even when it involves the brutal slaying of a house full of teens. That’s some powerful mojo my friends!
READ PART 1 OF THIS LIST HERE Got a Top 10 idea? Hit me up at mattwithers@joblo.com