The beauty of acting is for actors to become fully immersed in their characters. Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin inThe Batman, and Jared Leto as Paolo Gucci in Ridley Scott’sHouse of Gucci, are recent cases of incredible transformations in which the actors disappear in their roles. Of course, many performers rely on makeup and prosthetics in order to truly capture the look of a character, whether it’s a comic book hero or villain, a real-life figure, an original creation, or a character adapted from literature.
The following performances are prime examples in which the actors are unrecognizable in their roles. These portrayals are not only memorable in terms of the physical features, but also in the power displayed by the performers. Each role is dark, ambitious, and/or disturbing, but that only makes for even greater immersion.
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Stellen Skarsgård as Baron Harkonnen – Dune (2021)
From a young Father Merrin inExorcist: The Beginningto Dr. Erik Selvig in MCU films likeThorandThe Avengers, Stellen Skarsgård is a versatile actor who isn’t usually known for playing villainous characters. However, in his role as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen in Denis Villeneuve’s epic version ofDune, Skarsgård portrays a villain whose freakishly large height and size are intimidating, especially due to the heavy prosthetics and makeup. Skarsgård fits the role well, making Harkonnen a cruel and commanding dictator who craves power over all his enemies.
Harkonnen is a supporting part with few lines and minimal screen time, but whenever this villain speaks, his statements are poignant and serious. He is also an intelligent war strategist, knowing exactly how to manipulate and control those who are beneath him to achieve victory (for example, threatening a doctor’s family to track down House Atreides).Harkonnen will surely have a large impact in the nextDunefilm, and Skarsgård will display more of this dictator’s villainy against Paul Atreides and his allies.
Gary Oldman as Mason Verger – Hannibal
Actor Gary Oldman is one of the best in the businesswhen it comes to transforming himself into challenging roles, such as a pimp inTrue Romance, and Count Dracula in Francis Ford Coppola’s version ofBram Stoker’s Dracula. In Ridley Scott’sHannibal, Oldman portrays Mason Verger, a victim of Dr. Hannibal Lecter who is left heavily disfigured and paralyzed. Initially, Verger appears to be a victim, but as the film continues, Verger’s true intentions to get revenge on Hannibal are revealed.
As Verger, Oldman is so unrecognizable that audiences will have no idea it’s him. He makes the character both charismatic and controlling. Verger is a man with a plan who knows what he wants, especially when ordering his men to track down Hannibal and feed him to his wild boars. Verger is also eerie and articulate when detailing what Hannibal did to him (such as forcing Verger to cut his own face), and what he plans to do to the cannibal.
Steve Carell as John du Pont – Foxcatcher
Carell is best known for his comedic work, especially in NBC’sThe Officeand films likeThe 40-Year-Old Virgin. When Carell takes on dramatic roles, such asBeautiful Boy, he is a revelation to watch because he looks like a completely different person. In 2014, he took on a very dark role in the form of real-life millionaire and philanthropist John E. du Pont inFoxcatcher. In the film, du Pont grabs the attention of professional wrestler Mark Schultz, and intends to help Mark become the best in the world.
Initially, du Pont appears to be a nice guy who genuinely wants to support Mark and help him win world championships with Team Foxcatcher. Mark and du Pont develop a friendship, which includes the use of drugs. However, du Pont’s true madness and villainy are shown when he expresses his anger toward Mark, or when du Pont intentionally upsets his mother when he mistreats his wrestling team. Carell’s portrayal of John du Pont displays a corrupt and selfish figure who cheats his way toward achieving the American dream, taking advantage of anyone who works for him, and gets angry when his goals aren’t met (including treading towards murder).
Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone – The Godfather
Films likeA Streetcar Named DesireandOn The Waterfrontdemonstrate why Marlon Brando is remembered as a man’s man who brought his own style of acting, tackling tough-guy roles and characters with raw emotion.The actor’s Oscar-winning role as Don Vito Corleone inThe Godfathershined a new light on Brando due to his portrayal of a wise crime boss and a sentimental family man. His makeup, hairstyle, and wardrobe are memorable, but the best part about Brando’s performance is how he exhibits Vito’s patience, from having simple conversations about the family business and not committing acts of violence toward his enemies, to mourning the loss of his eldest son.
Many would argue that Al Pacino’s powerful performance as Michael Corleone is truly the lead protagonist in the firstGodfatherfeature, but none of that takes away from Brando’s role. It’s Vito who begins this saga, and it’s his principles that pave the way for the Corleone family. Vito’s mannerisms and the way he talks are also memorable aspects of his character, including the way he conducts himself and respects others, along with his classic one-liners (“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse”). His appreciation for his family is also key, including his final moments when he’s simply playing around with his grandson.
Heath Ledger as The Joker – The Dark Knight
Even before taking on the role of a lifetime, Heath Ledger had already made a name for himself, from starring in funny romantic comedies like10 Things I Hate About You, to dramatic films such asThe Patriot. However,his performance as the Joker in Christopher Nolan’s second Batman feature,The Dark Knight, is considered Ledger’s magnum opus because he completely transforms himself. He departs from nice, charming, good-guy roles, to portray a sadistic killer and criminal mastermind who enjoys living dangerously. Ledger’s Joker is reminiscent of crazed villains like Malcolm McDowell fromA Clockwork Orangedue to the way he jeopardizes people’s safety and has fun threatening individuals in various ways, including a knife and the use of explosives.
Ledger’s Joker even holds his own when confronting Batman, Harvey Dent, and James Gordon because, even though he isn’t the toughest fighter, the clowned criminal knows how to set up tricks and exploit the heroes and police in Gotham. The best part about this Joker character is that he sees through all the corruption in Gotham, recognizing thatBatman’s incorruptible methods will always be tested, and that the police will betray the caped crusader when the time comes to put the blame on someone. Joker’s messy facial makeup, his charismatic tone when he speaks, and the way he puts his hair back and licks his lips, are terrifying and darkly funny elements of the character. The late actor also improvised some memorable moments, such as clapping at Commissioner Gordon from his jail cell, and walking funnily right before blowing up a Gotham hospital.
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