My favorite villains win me over either because they make me relate to them on a human level or because they have a change of heart--or both.
3. Ebenezer Scrooge
3. Ebenezer Scrooge
Ebenezer Scrooge is callous and stingy, but he is also lonely. When the Ghost of Christmas Past takes him to visit his childhood, it wrings my heart to see how the young Scrooge became the man who sits alone, over a bowl of soup, in a large, drafty house with no company except for the frightening spirit of his old business partner. These serious realities depicted in the format of a hilarious and fun children's movie, as done in "The Muppets Christmas Carol," especially haunt me because of that juxtaposition of lighthearted innocence and soulless despair. When Belle sings "When Love is Gone," it brings me to tears every time. It also makes me believe in Scrooge's ability to take a deeper look at himself and the lives he impacts with his decisions, and find the strength to make new ones.2. Miss Hannigan
Miss Hannigan in the 1982 film "Annie" is memorably quirky and horrible to the orphans she's in charge of looking out for. She even joins forces with her brother and his girlfriend when they plan to pose as Annie's missing parents to get their hands on Warbucks' reward money. But once the plan is in motion and things turn dangerous for Annie, Miss Hannigan comes to her rescue, despite the consequences for herself. 1. Miss Minchin
Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess has elements not found in the 1995 film adaptation, but the film has its own special components. For one, Miss Minchin's character reveals a depth behind her cruelty toward Sara in one particular scene. Sara faces Miss Minchin in the attic and says "Didn't your father ever tell you that [all girls are princesses]?" Miss Minchin lashes out, but after she leaves and locks the door, her face crumples and she wipes a single tear from her cheek. She was no one's princess. There is a story in that small moment, and it fits perfectly with Sara's.
What villains resonate most with you?
Laura
The Muppets Christmas Carol: http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/When_Love_Is_Gone
Miss Hannigan: http://hero.wikia.com/wiki/Miss_Hannigan
A Little Princess: http://sanmiao.wikia.com/wiki/File:A-little-princess-original.jpg
I love your list, Laura! I feel like these are characters I wouldn't have thought of, but they're all so memorable in their own way. Scrooge has such a beautiful redemption story, Miss Hannigan is so awful at times, but her quirkiness makes her endearing, and I'll admit I don't remember much about A Little Princess but I can picture the moment you described - I recall being very moved by it, too. It's so fun to see how different everyone's lists are - there are so many great villains out there!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Laurie that it is great to have such varied opinions! These certainly are very memorable villains. I find it interesting that you label Scrooge as a villain, since he is the protagonist of his story. But you are right in that he is certainly not a good character. Good choices!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura! This is a great list! We just watched the George C Scott version of A Christmas Carol the other night. . . thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Laurie, Hannah, and Erin! I agree that it's fun to see the different characters everyone is coming up with.
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