There are a few different ways in which we could approach the character of our main
antagonist. This is the face behind the evil-doing in the film and the boss to our initial
antagonist. He ought to be in some way intimidating and certainly
demonstrate the keen intellect required to
mastermind a criminal underworld
One option for the sort of character we could use would be Ben Kingsley.
In films like Sexy Beast and Shutter Island he is wonderfully sinister, and manages to appear
simultaneously scary and calm. His characters tend to be well dressed and well spoken, suggesting
an education and gives him an even more psychopathically terrifying edge.
Jason Flemyng is another example of the sort of actor we could use, as he naturally
appears fairly intimidating. Less of the refined figure of Kingsley, but with similarly
threatening tones, often spoken softly to accentuate the danger.
Tim Pigott-Smith is another wonderful actor, generally typecast as an upper
class man (a ruthless politician in V For Vendetta, Lord Ascot in Alice In Wonderland, et cetera)
he is certainly the 'poshest' sort of actor we could try and use. He can be extremely menacing
whilst maintaining the classic British 'stiff upper lip'.
John Malkovich is another view at the arch villain, Similar to Flemyng in his distinctive appearance,
and to Kingsley and Pigott-Smith in his sense of ominous danger.
A younger actor, and thus possibly closer to the sort of image we will
end up with, Daniel Mays is not known for playing villains. However in
Ashes To Ashes he has a terrific turn as a psychotic DCI, and this dangerous
edge is exactly the sort of feature our key villain could use to great effect.
Less of the cold, unfeeling psychopath seen in Pigott-Smith characters, and a more
youthful dramatic feel.
This character will be our most difficult to cast (except perhaps the lead) due to the
requirement for a figure commanding respect, authority, and fear. These things in
most crime films come from experience, age, or ruthlessness. Experience and age
require an older actor which, although possible, is less convenient than someone our own age.
Ruthlessness requires a good actor, making this a harder role to cast than our more minor
villain, who will require less screen time and less acting ability.
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