5. Roy Batty in Blade Runner
Sometimes moments surpass your feelings on a film so strongly that you stop praising the film and just praise the moment within the film. It’s especially amazing when the film that you’re talking about is in it’s own way magnificent. That is my story with Blade Runner and even more with the scene in question with Rutger Hauer.
4. Arthur Edens in Michael Clayton
I’m a massive fan of monologues. It’s the kind of thing that makes me want to be a part of film, and even make me consider acting (let’s make that thought settle…), and none better immortalizes it as much as the opening monologue performed by Tom Wilkinson in Michael Clayton.
3. Col. Walter E. Kurtz in Apocalypse Now
Here’s a film that’s deserving of my Pantheon, and will probably take up residence there soon, but since it’s not there yet it’s time for me to bring out my favourite film of all time once again and say nothing more than, “the horror“.
2. Brig. Gen. Jack Ripper in Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learnt to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
My recent years of delving into classic cinema (especially that of the 50s and 60s) has sent me into a world of love for Sterling Hayden and his tough guy demeanor in film. This brilliantly crafted piece of skewed philosophy based on the world as it was during the nuclear arms race gives me such a mind tingling tickle that I can’t refuse it’s inclusion here.
1. Howard Beale in Network
How can you top a monologue that not only slowly cuts open everything about entertainment while at the same time ending with the characters death. Peter Finch I applaud you.