The top ten movie psychopaths

[batman]

As part of the aforementioned Dr Hare's extensive research into psycopathy/sociopathy, he discovered that most of the leading US business executives he interviewed (this was in the 80s) fell into the category of psycopath/sociopath. They were not violent etc but channelled their energies into business with remorsless efficiency. The epitome of 'The Ruthless Businessman'.

Step forward JJ Hunsecker.

[Shadwell]

True J.J. doesn't actually kill anyone but it's pretty obvious he has destroyed other peoples' lives and shown no remorse whatsoever. "I love this dirty town...." , "You want information, ask for it like a man, instead of scratching for it like a dog." I could just go on and on about J.J. Hunsecker. Cracking film. J.J. is clever, manipultive, utterly ruthless, uses and abuses everyone around and has questionable motives towards his own sister! Hunsecker's sister and her boyfriend are weak and hopeless, completely unable to keep up with his manipulations and never ending cruelity of a man who is quite frankly, a monster. Credit must go to Tony Curtis for playing a grotesque but believeable role as J.J.'s lapdog who will do anything to get ahead. The film is brutal, menacing and demands to be watched! After all, "It's later than you think..."

[batman]

Originally Posted by Shadwell I Credit must go to Tony Curtis for playing a grotesque but believeable role as J.J.'s lapdog who will do anything to get ahead. The film is brutal, menacing and demands to be watched!!!

Absolutely!

[Third Man]

Hunsecker was actually based on the New York columnist and critic Walter Winchell there's a good book about him called 'Walter Winchell: Gossip, Power and the Culture of Celebrity' by Neal Glaber.

While were on the subject of people with vicious mouths in films how about Kirk Douglas as Charles 'Chuck' Tatum in 'Ace in the Hole' now there was a devious misanthropic bastard if there ever was one "I'm in the boat. You're in the water. Now let's see how you can swim."

Simon

[batman]

Originally Posted by Third Man Hunsecker was actually based on the New York columnist and critic Walter Winchell there's a good book about him called 'Walter Winchell: Gossip, Power and the Culture of Celebrity' by Neal Glaber. While were on the subject of people with vicious mouths in films how about Kirk Douglas as Charles 'Chuck' Tatum in 'Ace in the Hole' now there was a devious misanthropic bastard if there ever was one "I'm in the boat. You're in the water. Now let's see how you can swim." Simon

Another great film with a fine performance from Kirk.

[Shadwell]

I briefly mention Tuesday Weld in Pretty Poison (1968) as a female psycho earlier. To add to the female list I'd like to mention the wonderful Peggy Cummins in "Gun Crazy" or it's alternative title, "Deadly is the Female." Made in 1950, this film predates "Bonnie and Clyde" and is a film noir classic. Much like Tuesday Weld, Cummins is fantastic as the gun crazed maniac who demands excitement, luxuary, blood!!! The two meet in a carnvial side show. She is Annie Starr, a sharp shooter par excellence whom John Dall manages to beat in a sharp shooting contest. Needless to say it isn't long before goaded by her the pair embark on robbing banks. The plot may be thin but that doesn't matter as the movie has atmosphere in spades. And Cummins is superb as the amoral and deadly Annie Starr....

[MIAPUSS]

Brian Cox as Dr Lecktor in Manhunter, was I think superior to Hopkins' now much charactured psycopath in the Silence of the Lambs films.

[Shadwell]

How about "White Heat" starring James Cagney as the mother fixated , psychopathic killer Cody Jarret? Superb film....

[batman]

Also, Franchot Tone in Phantom Lady and The Man On The Eiffel Tower.

[scholes]

Originally Posted by MIAPUSS Brian Cox as Dr Lecktor in Manhunter, was I think superior to Hopkins' now much charactured psycopath in the Silence of the Lambs films.

"Have you ever seen blood in the monnlight Will?.It appears quite black."
Interesting point about Cox but hard to say he was better than Hopkins.
Certainly Noonan is far better cast as Dollarhyde.

Red Dragon, Manhunter

[batman]

Originally Posted by scholes "Have you ever seen blood in the monnlight Will?.It appears quite black." Interesting point about Cox but hard to say he was better than Hopkins. Certainly Noonan is far better cast as Dollarhyde. Red Dragon, Manhunter

I prefer Cox to Hopkins .... Hopkins performance is more theatrical while Cox is more down to earth and 'matter of fact' about things, which I personally find more chilling. I agree about Noonan/Fiennes and also think Peterson is far better as Will Graham than Norton. Manhunter is IMHO a fine film while Red Dragon is a bit of a plod.

[scholes]

If I see you talking to anyone ,the girl dies
I don't care if it's a pekinese pissing against a lampost, the girl dies.

Do'you know the station on 44th, you better make it you've got ten minutes, otherwise dead girl ,yeah..........hubba hubba hubba.....pig bastard.........

Go on, push you're nose right up against the cement

[stevie boy]

Originally Posted by DB7 Ben Kingsley in Sexy Beast, and Paul Bettany in Gangster #1. Two certifiable screen fruit loops you wouldn't wish to cross.

I actually think that Kingsley was not at all frightening, in my experience people who resort to swearing left right and centre are all bluff and bluster. I would have kicked him in the balls as soon as he started.

[scholes]

Row row row your boat .
gently down the stream
merrily merrily merrily merrily
life is but a dream
....SING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[stevie boy]

The exchanges between Bats and Third Man are superb. I feel as if I have learnt something, thanks to you both. Would Molly in Charley Varrick be classed as a physco or just a nasty piece of work. Similar with William Smith as Falconetti in Rich Man Poor Man was he just a violent thug?? That would have been a good scrap between those 2. Cheers Bats and Third Man, great reading