The two most important characters in a horror movie are the despised villain and the beloved hero. Good vs. Evil never gets old and when done correctly can captivate forever. Every Saturday, I’m going to share one of the best villains and one of the best heroes of all time.
The Greatest Villains of Horror: Villains make up some of the most complex characters in film. Their motives are usually insane and their reasoning incomprehensible. Still, they captivate, terrify, and have the audience begging for more. There is The Tall Man from Phantasm, Chucky from Child’s Play, Damien from The Omen, the demons in The Evil Dead, or good old Freddy Krueger, the villains in horror have given so much pleasure to me and it’s time for me to give a little back.
The Greatest Heroes of Horror: When everything is lost and the villain seems to reign supreme the protagonist is able to turn things around and keep the villain at bay – at least for a while. Heroes make us swoon, cheer when they win, and cry when they die. Nancy in Nightmare on Elm Street, Roger in Race with the Devil, Joanna in The Stepford Wives – the list goes on and on and so shall the recognitions here at Scared Stiff Reviews. Suggestions are welcome!
The Greatest Villain:
Norman Bates:
Favorite Quote: “We all go a little mad sometimes..”
Motive: He went crazy after killing his psychotic mother and thought he was her.
Why He’s Great: He’s sympathetic, sensitive and sexy. Played by the brilliant Anthony Perkins he was able to capture both the innocence of a doting son and the insanity of an overbearing and psychotic mother. His ability to portray such a nice guy still makes the revelation that he is the killer shocking. I have seen this film 1000 times but it never fails to pack a punch. The final shot of him sitting in a chair smiling while silently speaking to himself remains one of the creepiest scenes ever filmed.
Sentence: Released for good behavior and only permitted to kill a few other people who attempt to make him crazy again.
The Greatest Hero
Dr. Sam Loomis
Favorite Quote: “Death has come to your little town, Sheriff. Now you can either ignore it, or you can help me to stop it.”
Inspiration: He was the doctor of the psychotic Michael Myers and knew what the madman was capable of. He risked his life and eventually lost it trying to stop the unstoppable.
Why He’s Great: He was portrayed by Donald Pleasance. That really says it all. His passionate portrayal of a man who attempts to convince the police to chase down Michael Myers and stop his reign of terror is amazing. His delivery of some of the best dialogue ever written creates an atmosphere where the audience cheers for his victory. It doesn’t matter that he’s not big, physically strong, or young. His determination makes up for all of that. Dr. Sam Loomis is the greatest hero of all time.
Award: Medal of Courage, Bravery and Complete Bad Ass-ery
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