Actors like Christoph Waltz, Helena Bonham Carter, and Javier Bardem are known for mastering the art of playing villain characters. Thanks to their amazing performances, some of their most iconic characters never fail to send chills down one’s spine when watching them on screen. But, in recent years, various actors who are often cast as positive characters have taken on antagonist roles, making their performances as villains a shocking yet captivating deviation from the norm.
1. Robin Williams – Insomnia
Who would have ever imagined that the actor who is known for his portrayal of jolly and well-mannered characters on the screen could also play a cold-blooded killer with conviction? Well, that is exactly what happened in the 2002 Christopher Nolan directorial Insomnia.
The late Robin Williams is widely admired for his heartwarming and comedic roles. Some of the most notable films in this regard include Dead Poets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, and Good Will Hunting. But in Insomnia, Williams played the main antagonist, Walter Finch, an inhumane criminal who goes head-to-head with a cop (Will Dormer), played by Al Pacino.
Besides Insomnia, Robin Williams also took on the role of the bad guy in the thriller film One Hour Photo, released in the same year.
2. Meryl Streep – The Devil Wears Prada
One of the best actors of this generation, Meryl Streep, is well-known for her performances in various drama and romantic films. She won Academy Awards for her roles in Sophie’s Choice, Kramer vs Kramer, and The Iron Lady. But it was in 2007 when she played a character that audiences could not help but despise. This character is the (in)famous Miranda Priestly, the editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine in the film The Devil Wears Prada. Despite the character being so ruthless, the audience is still in awe of the nuanced performance that Streep delivered.
3. Leonardo DiCaprio – Django Unchained
The Titanic star has many notable performances and characters across several genres to his credit. But, he is mostly known for his heroic characters. Even when DiCaprio has played morally questionable characters (like in Catch Me If You Can, Shutter Island, and The Wolf of Wall Street), he has still been the protagonist. But, in 2012, he portrayed the role of Calvin J. Candie – a ruthless antagonist – in the Quentin Tarantino directorial Django Unchained, which was a significant departure from the roles that made him a household name. Interestingly, the film also starred Christoph Waltz, who was, for a change, not playing the main antagonist.
4. Sarah Michelle Gellar – Cruel Intentions
Despite having numerous films and TV shows to her credit, Sarah Michelle Gellar continues to be best known for her role as the heroic Buffy Summers in the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Gellar is also loved for her live-action portrayal of Daphne Blake in the movie Scooby-Doo and its sequels. With such admirable and goody-two-shoes characters in her portfolio, it can be hard to imagine her in a negative role. But, Sarah has delivered a stellar performance as a villain (Kathryn Merteuil) in the 1999 film Cruel Intentions. In the movie, Gellar essays the role of a privileged socialite who engages in twisted mind games for her own personal amusement. Gellar also won multiple accolades for her portrayal of Kathryn.
5. Christian Bale – American Psycho
Before Bale became Batman, he was Bateman. Christian Bale is highly admired for playing the caped crusader in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. He has also received a lot of praise for her performances in The Machinist, Public Enemies, and The Big Short, among other films. But before he came to be admired for these movies and the role of the Gotham hero, Bale starred as the psychopathic menace, Patrick Bateman, in the satirical slasher-horror film American Psycho. Directed by Mary Harron and based on a novel by Bret Easton Ellis, the film revolves around an investment banker who hides a dark secret, which is his callous personality.
6. Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone – The Favourite
Emma Stone is one of the most loved actors in recent times, especially for her role in the musical La La Land. She is also widely admired for her performances in Birdman and Poor Things. But in her filmography, one of her most noted performances is as Abigail Masham in The Favourite. Now, the thing with this film is that it does not have a conventional antagonist. The movie starts with Abigail being perceived as a good person, but as the plot progresses, she soon starts showing her cruel, dark side. Rachel Weisz, renowned for her roles in The Mummy, The Constant Gardener, and Enemy At The Gates, also stars in a similar role. She portrays Sarah Churchill in the film, who initially seems villainous, but as the story moves forward, many other layers are unveiled.
7. Denzel Washington – Training Day
After starring as the heroic Malcolm X in the titular biopic, it can be hard to imagine Denzel Washington playing an antagonistic role. In fact, Washington is also highly admired for his roles as the protagonist in films like The Hurricane and Remember The Titans. So, when he played the not-so-ideal cop Alonzo Harris in the movie Training Day, the audience was rightfully astounded. Regardless, Washington still delivered a powerful performance that is praised to date, and he even won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the film.