Favorite TV/Film Characters – Tuesday, February 12, 2008

My favorite characters from the Silver Screen

I was on my way home from the gym tonight and was thinking about my very favorite characters from television and film. Most of them are from films, obviously- but not all. Here are some of my very favorites…

1. Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz: NYPD Blue) There was no real contest when it came to this top slot. Maybe it’s because I actually watched all 270 episodes of the BLUE, but I think it had more to do with the fact that I really, really loved his character. Through the series, you really see Andy evolve and pass through so many life-altering events that you just feel like you know him so well. He’s so good in this, that he makes the actors around him good too. Solid cast, great writing, and Andy Sipowicz. That is the absolute genius of the show, they focused so heavily on developing the characters that you felt invested in their stories. And there was a big emotional payoff when you see how things ended up. I’ll admit, I actually felt very emotional toward the end- and I don’t think that’s ever happened before. Or since.

2. Guido Orefice (Roberto Benigni: La Vita e bella / Life is Beautiful) This character was very cool. The story is just a very deep and multi-layered one that was written so well. Guido is just a great central figure that really drives not only the plot, but also the funny and softer moments in the story. Balances out all that is going on, with what the story is really about.

3. Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack: Say Anything) I love Lloyd. One line sums up his whole character. When asked “how did you get Diane Cort to go out with you?” he replies, “I’m Lloyd Dobler.” Straight faced and serious. Script available here.

4. Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell: Tombstone) Can you say INTENSE? Single best line in the movie- “Tell ‘em I’m coming and I’m bringing hell with me!” Worth another re-watch or ten. Images here

5. George Kaplan (Carey Grant: North by Northwest) This is seriously Grant at perhaps his best. I love his smooth-talking way with the ladies that only George Clooney comes close to replicating. A gentleman (tall, too- he was well over 6 feet tall) Hitchcock did some good work with this film, directed a really exciting picture.

6. Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell: Miracle) This movie gave me a newly-found respect for Kurt Russell doing drama. Performed in a way that I just didn’t know he could. (By the way, based on this role I think he would have been the best pick for Robert Langdon if Ron Howard wasn’t such a coward)

7. The Sundance Kid (Robert Redford, Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid) Robert Redford. Need we say more? His natural charisma & charm make him a great outlaw. It seems Russell Crowe must have taken notes while watching this movie while preparing for 310 to Yuma.

8. John Bender (Judd Nelson: the Breakfast Club) How can you just not absolutely love the dialogue in this movie? Seriously. “Does Barry Manilow know you raided his wardrobe?”

9. Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart, Mr Smith Goes to Washington) Wow. This is Jimmy Stewart. Its almost like you see through the character right into Jimmy. Just this pure, honest, idealistic man who puts himself out there for the viewer. Truly amazing. It’s probably the only time I have ever experienced that while watching a film. You really feel like you understand Mr. Stewart as a person after seeing this incredible film.

10. Roger “Verbal Kint/ Kaiser Soze (Kevin Spacey : The Usual Suspects) Genius. Suspense like you don’t see often. wow.