Villains in Suits
Charming, intelligent with greed behind their smile. "Wolves in sheep clothing" making a big impression and enjoying the finer things of life at others expense. Their victims don't see their bad intentions until its too late. These are the "villains in suits" that I will be talking about in this article.
"The Big Kahuna" (2000) Director: John Swanbeck Starring: Kevin Spacey, Danny DeVito, Peter Facinelli
Two veteran salesmen dissect a sales pitch to a particular client, through their young protege.
Roger Ebert gave this one 3 1/2 stars. He comments, "There are two religions in America, one spiritual, one secular. The first worships in churches, the second at business conventions. Clergy of both religions wear dark suits and ties (or roman collars). They exchange a lot of business cards. "The Big Kahuna" is about an uneasy confrontation between these two systems of faith.
The film mostly takes place within that one hotel room. Yes. It is based on a play. I like that. I like the fact that it is mostly dialogue between three people on one set. That is the way to tell this story." Read more of Ebert's insightful review here
"Wall Street" (1987) Written and Directed by: Oliver Stone Starring: Charlie Sheen, Michael Douglas, Martin Sheen, Daryl Hannah
"Greed is Good" is the motto of Gordon Gekko, (Michael Douglas), the "antihero" of Oliver Stone's Wall Street. Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) pushes his way into Gekko's inner circle and quickly learns to "swim with the sharks"and incorporate their shady business practices. His ethics accidentally disappear.
Based on knowledge of the stock market, as Olive Stone's father was a stock broker with 50 years in the business, we get a clear picture painted for us of this spiraling world of wall street high rollers and greed.
"Daredevil" was the first of Marvel's superheroe series that was released to Netflix. The cinematography, acting and writing are top notch and addicting. The third season of "Daredevil" is where the villains rule.
The "bad guy" character that got my attention was Wilson Fisk played byVincent D'Onofrio. (see photo below) With a new image and a bald head, I did not recognize him! He nails this character as a spoiled, messed up child dressed up like a grown-up business man. D'Onofrio's acting drew me into his world where it was fun to watch his celebration of "the good life" with material items such as his impressive collection of suits. Sensitive and bullish with cruel mobster ways, this character finds a love interest who is strange like him. The courtship is woven into the story showing his tender, kind side as he deals with his new love. All the while, he is cruel to his enemies destroying them like a human bull dozer. Read more about "Daredevil" and the other Marvel characters in my article called "Superheroes on TV" click here:
https://earthoceanfire.blogspot.com/2017/11/superheroes-on-tv.html
"American Psycho" (2000)
Director: Mary Harron Starring: Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, Reese Witherspoon, Samantha Mathis, Chloe Sevigny
A wealthy New York City investment banking executive, Patrick Bateman, hides his psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends. He is a wall street yuppie obsessed with success. He also is a psychotic killer who tapes murders and acts of cruelty that are senseless with no provocation.
Roger Ebert comments, " Most men are not chain-saw killers; they only act that way while doing business." Read more of Ebert's review here:
https;//www.rogerebert.com/reviews/american-psycho-2000
"The Talented Mr. Ripley" (1999) Director: Anthony Minghella Starring: Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Cate Blanchett, Philip Seymour Hoffman
In late 1950's New York, Tom Ripley, is sent to Italy to retrieve Dickie Greenlead, a rich and spoiled millionaire playboy. The character Tom Ripley is the prime example of a villain in a suit. He studies handwriting and impersonations. He is a criminal who is talented at identity theft.
"With Matt Damon's unsettling performance offering a darkly twisted counterpoint to Anthony Minghella's glossy direction, "The Talented Mr. Ripley" is a suspense thriller that lingers." Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
"The Night Manager"
Executive Producers: John Le Carre, David Farr, Polly Hill, Simon Cornwell, Stephen Cornwell, Stephen Garrett, Susanne Bier
TV Series (2016-2018) A night manager of a Cairo hotel is recruited to infiltrate and arms dealer's inner circle. Starring: Hugh Laurie, Tom Hiddleston, Elizabeth Debicki, Olivia Colman
"The Night Manager's smart writing and riveting story are elevated all the more by Hugh Laurie and Tom Hiddleston's captivating performances." - Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Hugh Laurie plays an intimidating, corrupt businessman who is in the business of secret arms trade. Tom Hiddleston's hotel management training comes in handy when Laurie recruits him into his business. Together these two seems to have all the bases covered. A series that you will want to watch over and over!
