I came up with the term "cinematic dynamite" when I was writing "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" review in order to describe Penelope Cruz's character. The term means a supporting character so amazing, not only you would love to see separate film just with that person as protagonist, in addition you feel like the movie loses something very special and unique whenever that character is not in the frame and you keep waiting for him/her to appear. There are some movies that you feel would lose a lot without that one performance and one splendidly written character. Here are ten of them:
Characteristics: If you had a boss like that, you would get everything done out of sheer fear. Sarcastic, harsh, unstoppable and uncompromisable, Malcom Tucker not only has some of the best lines ever, he is like a hurricane in both TV series "The Thick of it" and "In the Loop" and he is also one of the funniest character ever. Whenever he is not on screen you keep waiting for him to appear and start his yelling.
Signature line: "Well, it is out there, it's out there now, lurking like a big hairy rapist at a coach station. You know, if I could, I'd punch you into paralysis"
Characteristics: Lively and erratic, typical actress with the passion burning inside her, yelling, screaming and spreading joy and love in the process. Fascinating woman who is the strongest, if not the only one, bright point of this movie.
Signature line: "I'm an actress! I act!"
Characteristics: Constantly swearing extremely violent gangster is a highlight of Scorsese's masterpiece. You are scared of him, but in the same time you want to see him yell at someone, because of how amazing these scenes are. Pesci says his lines with the speed of light, delivering his most amazing performance. "Casino" wouldn't be the same without him.
Signature line: "Get this through your head you Jew motherfucker, you. You only exist out here because of me. That's the only reason. Without me, you, personally, every fuckin' wise guy skell around'll take a piece of your fuckin' Jew ass. Then where you gonna go? You're fuckin' warned. Don't ever go over my fuckin' head again. You motherfucker, you."
Characteristics: The bad grandpa of rock'n'roll - horribly inappropriate and staging his comeback, being, ironically, a breath of fresh air in the music industry, filled with perfect and polite boys. Curtis's film is amazing all around, but Billy is the funniest element of it.
Signature line: "Hiya kids. Here is an important message from your Uncle Bill. Don't buy drugs. Become a pop star, and they give you them for free!"
Characteristics: Sullen and sharp, sarcastic and mysterious Severus Snape managed to be the perfect spy in the magical world and the dark object of desire in the real world for many, many women around the world. When you watch Harry Potter movies you can't wait to see him appear on the screen and order you to open the book on page 394...
Signature line: "You've just earned yourself detention for a month, McClaggen."
Characteristics: A true rock star with horrible behaviour, constant ladies man, drug addict and scandalist, adorned in crazy wardrobe, always stunning people around him with long speeches filled with colorful metaphors and shocking statements.
Signature line: "I mean, I've heard that women do fake orgasms, but I've never seen it... It really, deeply upset me."
Characteristics: Often described as the most charming sociopath in the cinema, Lisa is completely unpredictable, charming and seductive, but underneath all of that - capable of great cruelty and ultimately numb to everyone's feelings. Insightful and smart, Lisa adapts to her situation so well, she is incapable of living outside the secluded world of mental ward and she clashes with reality everytime she escapes.
Signature line: "If I could have any job in the world I'd be a professional Cinderella."
Characteristics: Borderline insane with passion and her love for her ex husband, Maria Elena is an exceptional painter, who never hides her emotions and loves so much it can destory her. When Cruz appears in the movie, in the last third of it, she brings so much fire in her, you hardly remember what happened in the story so far.
Signature line: "You cheated on me! With your eyes!"
Characteristics: Interested only in fame and money, Wayne exploits everything he can in order to have better reatings for his TV show. Come to think of it, he would be a perfect partner for Susan in "To die for". When Wayne is taken hostage by Mickey and Mallory Knox, his completele disregard for the blood and the corpses around him is simply hilarious. He is the funniest character in the film, already filled with characters you can't forget.
Signature line: "I am a professional journalist!"
Characteristics: What makes "Batman Returns" better than "Batman" for me are two things - even more perfect score than in original movie and Michelle Pfeiffer's performance as Catwoman. You can't get enough of her - Pfeiffer is absolutely perfect as shy and clumsy Selina Kyle and as super sexy and dangerous Catwoman. She is the most perfect choice for the iconic character yet, that is the role that will never be better played, by anyone.
Signature line: "I'm a Catwoman. Hear me roar!"
Great picks! Especially Tucker and Santoro, they both steal every scene they're in. Laughed out loud at the Tucker quote you put in
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