From the dawn of film, there has come a multitude of villainous characters over the years, from the cartoonish to the more sinister. But then there are the ones with, shall we say, a bit of a screw loose. . .
Making an appearance in all genres, as villains, side characters, even heroes in some cases. These characters can generally be defined by their lack of remorse, egocentric or antisocial personality. From chilling our spines to winning us over with their devilish charm, even making us laugh at their dark sense of humour, we’ll be taking a look at the most memorable big-screen psychopaths that should definitely consider seeing a counsellor.
Sean Bateman – ‘The Rules of Attraction’
Another one of Brett Easton Ellis’ twisted creations brought to life, we have Sean Bateman (James Van Der Beek). Perhaps not as psychotic as his older brother, Patrick but that doesn’t mean you can’t tell they’re related.
Somewhat of a sociopath, from double-crossing drug dealers, putting people’s lives in jeopardy and crushing hearts (not literally. . . if it were someone who wasn’t related to Patrick Bateman, this definitely wouldn’t need clarifying) all the while finding some sinister humour in it all. Sean just seems out for his own ends.
However, the best way to describe the oddity that is Sean Bateman is probably best summed up by the man himself:
A great numb feeling washes over me as I let go of the past and look forward to the future. Pretend to be a vampire. I don’t really need to pretend, because it’s who I am, an emotional vampire. … Vampires are real.
Amy Dunne – ‘Gone Girl’
Originally portrayed as a victim of an abusive relationship, it soon becomes clear that Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike) is quite a manipulative individual. Pretending to off herself to get her husband thrown in jail, even offing her long-time friend to continue portraying herself as a victim. All the while having the stone-cold expression of someone that believes they’re in the right. In short “Amazing” Amy is someone you don’t want to get on the wrong side of.
Especially seeing as she never got her comeuppance! Instead, upon finding out Amy was pregnant (so she says) her husband, in the end, remained trapped in her psychotic narrative.
Detective Bruce Robertson – ‘Filth’
When we’re initially introduced to Detective Bruce Robertson (James McAvoy), he’s a depraved, perverted, xenophobic, drug-addicted Scottish copper with quite the temper. As the story progresses, however, we begin to see just how far down the rabbit hole Robertson’s mind goes.
Not only was he responsible for the fatality of his younger brother, but we also find out why we never see Bruce’s child or his wife and him in the same room. Given that he doesn’t take his prescribed medication (substituting it with cocaine), his mental condition has progressed to such a stage, that he actually imitates his wife. Wearing her clothing, going far beyond simply pretending to be her, but in some cases actually believing he is his wife, Carole Robertson.
We last see Bruce when his world comes crashing down around him and he takes his own life. Immediately regretting his decision before the chair falls from underneath him.
Nancy Downs – ‘The Craft’
Originally living in a trailer with quite an abusive stepfather, aspiring witch, Nancy (Fairuza Balk), although cynical and sarcastic, was still quite helpless. That was until, during her extracurricular witching activities, she was given the all-knowing and all-powerful gifts of Menon. Thus, causing her stepfather to have a fatal heart attack. . . And that was just for starters.
The power quickly went to her head and she started using her powers against anyone that disagreed with her in the slightest. Unfortunately for Nancy, this ended up being her undoing, after trying to take on a more powerful witch, Sarah (Robin Tunney).
Nancy not only ended up losing her abilities but was even committed to a psychiatric ward due to her insistent ramblings about the power she once possessed.
Norman Stansfield – ‘Leon’
Norman Stansfield (Gary Oldman), a corrupt DEA agent with a bit of a substance abuse problem and that’s putting it lightly.
As the movie progresses, we start to see this isn’t your average dirty cop. From popping pills to taking pleasure in hunting people down like cattle, even taking pleasure in the premise of ending a young girl’s life, this is one DEA agent you don’t want raiding your house.
Thankfully, Stansfield eventually has a run-in with the infamous French hitman, Leon. It’s fair to say Stanfield’s last words speak volumes as he realizes he’s about to be blown to smithereens:
Oh…sh*t!
Pvt. Pile – ‘Full Metal Jacket’
Initially, Private Pile’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) biggest crime was that he wasn’t as quick when it came to adjusting to his new cadet surroundings as his peers. Unfortunately, the negative torment he suffered from his commanding officer, Sgt. Hartman and fellow cadets, caused private Pile to mentally break.
In his final moments, with a soulless stare in his eyes, Pile bellowed the description that was drummed into him by Hartman for his rifle. Then he proceeded to gun down his mental abuser before taking his own life. Signifying Pile was a monster sculpted by the united stated marine core.
Danny McGrath – ‘Billy Madison’
Although only featured briefly, that just makes Billy Madison’s Danny McGrath (Steve Buscemi) all the more sinister. We are introduced to Danny when Billy (Adam Sandler) is trying to make amends for his past. Billy calls him up to apologise for the torment he put him through when they went to school together.
Initially, Danny seems unfazed by the call and tells Billy “it’s no problem”, the two agree to grab a coffee sometime and all seems well. That is until Danny hangs up the phone and turns to a list Titled ‘PEOPLE TO KILL’ and crosses out Billy’s name. He then proceeds to apply lipstick to ELO’s song Telephone Line as if nothing were out of the ordinary.
And just in case the audience thought he wasn’t serious, he shows up in the last act and shoots Billy’s foe, Eric, with a sniper rifle. Man, are we glad he called that guy!
The Comedian – ‘Watchmen’
Edward Blake AKA The Comedian, a sociopathic, nihilist, vigilante with a dark sense of humour and a distorted view of the world around him. Abusing his power on the regular, Blake isn’t afraid to take out innocent protesters with brute force, sexually assault a fellow hero or execute the mother of his unborn child. On the contrary, he seems to enjoy it.
When you’ve got a “hero” like this, you must wonder what on earth he’s protecting society from, but when the Comedian was asked that very question, he simply quipped “Are you kidding me? From themselves.”
In the end, even Blake’s remorse for the life he led wasn’t enough to save him from being thrown through his apartment window to his fate.
Anton Chigurh – ‘No Country For Old Men’
Quite intelligent and he certainly knows how to handle himself but, to put it simply, Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), is a psychopathic hitman. Showing no remorse for the people (often victims) around him, Anton is almost like a killer whale of sorts. In that, he doesn’t always execute his targets, but in some cases, plays with them, making them choose their own fate in a game of heads and tails.
It’s only in the final act that we see his game of chance challenged by a third party on his hit list. This gives us an insight into how things would go down if Anton were allowed to choose. . . and it’s not in the target’s favour that’s for sure.
As he limps off into the sunset, it’s unknown what happened to this emotionless assassin. However, if you ever stumble across him at one point or another, word of advice, if he offers you a chance in a coin toss, just politely decline.
Richard “Richie” Gecko – ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’
Although the Gecko brothers share certain similarities when it comes to their dedication to a life of crime. Richard (Quentin Tarantino) AKA Richie has a few more twisted desires than that of his brother, Seth (George Clooney). Especially when it comes to hostages of the female variety.
When Seth comes back to the mess Richie has made from his latest victim, followed by a completely BS story to justify it, Richie is just your “ordinary” run of the mill movie psycho. However, after looking from Richie’s perspective after his desires kick in once again, it seems he suffers these delusions which obscure his reality, not to mention, support his narrative when committing these awful atrocities.
He eventually met his maker in a way he (and audience members for that matter) never saw coming. Turning into a vampire and having to be staked by his brother, Seth, giving him the peace in death, he could not give him in life.
Ben – ‘Man Bites Dog’
Man Bites Dog AKA C’est arrivé près de chez vous sees a film crew follow the life of a serial killer (Ben) as he goes about his daily routine. Almost as if you were a fly on the wall watching any standard blue collared worker, the sociopathic Ben approaches his executions as if there was nothing was untoward. Showing no discrimination, Ben takes out people of all ages, as well as this he enjoyed poetry, architecture and playing music with his girlfriend. As well as this he was even able to hypnotise the camera crew with his charm, luring them into committing some of his horrendous atrocities alongside him.
Unfortunately, due to the number of lives Ben extinguished, it was only a matter of time before he took out the wrong person. Sadly, this ended up being his undoing as he was shot down in an act of revenge for his most recent target.
The Kurgan – ‘Highlander’
Now, living the life of an immortal could go either way really. Being around for centuries could give you time to reflect on your wrongdoings, have a more open-minded perspective, not to mention intelligence. Or, in the Kurgan’s (Clancy Brown) case it could just evolve your warped mind, making you more sociopathic with each passing year.
It was noted by Ramirez (Sean Connery) back in 1536 that the Kurgan’s clan were known for their cruelty and would “toss children into pits full of starved dogs and watch them fight for [the] meat” for amusement. In short, this immortal individual isn’t the nicest.
The list goes on for the Kurgan’s atrocities, he has many cold-blooded executions under his belt in his conquest for “The Prize”. Not to mention having his way with our hero, Connor MacLeod’s (Christopher Lambert) beloved Heather against her will. And who can forget his raunchy gestures to some innocent nuns!
As he flails his manic tongue towards McLeod before finally being beheaded, it’s pretty clear he was a twisted individual till the very end. . . It’s better to burn out, than to fade away!
Francis Begbie – ‘Trainspotting’
Given the social circle he hangs around in, you’d think because, unlike his friends, Francis Begbie (Robert Carlysle) doesn’t take illegal substances – or as he so eloquently puts it “No way I would I poison my body wi’ that sh*te” – that it would make him the most upstanding of the bunch. Far from it, as Renton (Ewan McGregor) states “Begbie didn’t do drugs, he did people,”
A short temper would be an understatement where this irate Scot is concerned. Whether you’re eating your crisps slightly too loud, accidentally spill Begbie’s drink or are standing in the landing space of his pint glass. You better believe you’ll be the one in the wrong, as he beats you to a pulp. But. . . he’s a mate, so what can you do?
Travis Bickle – ‘Taxi Driver’
Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), a military veteran lacking intelligence, social skills and suffering constant paranoia. Travis takes up a Taxi job to keep his mind busy, all the while becoming increasingly disgusted by the world around him.
He eventually progresses to having guns about his person and tries to intentionally aggravate people in order to justify taking them out. This is precisely where the third act takes us as Bickle opens fire on a pimp’s establishment in a bid to free a young prostitute, so I guess his heart was kind of in the right place. . .
Tyler Durden – ‘Fight Club’
Not really on the list because Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) is *SPOILERS* our narrator’s (Edward Norton) schizophrenic projection, but more for Tyler’s actions and motives.
Believing society has become enslaved by materialism and subservience, Tyler decides to shake things up. First by creating the infamous Fight Club as a means for people to cut loose, then by evolving it into a terrorist organisation, set on destroying the structures he has grown to detest.
With little to no concern for the well being of those around him and a cult-like mentality when it comes to his vision. It is fair to say, despite being imaginary, Tyler Durden is a force to be reconned with.
Alex – ‘A Clockwork Orange’
An individual with all manner of extracurricular activities, including ultraviolence, sexual assault and of course, the glorious Ludwig Van Beethoven. Alex (Malcolm McDowell) is a bit of a sociopath, to say the least. After ending a woman’s life, Alex was imprisoned and conditioned in a bid to get him to associate a sickly feeling with his usual violent impulses.
However, the treatment ends up working too well, in that Alex can’t even defend himself if in danger. After eventually reaching the end of his tether, Alex (unsuccessfully) attempts to take his own life, an act that ended up working out in his favour. Once he regained consciousness, it would seem all the symptoms brought on by the conditioning had been undone, causing him (much to the dismay of others) to go back to his old ultraviolent self again. . . Viddy well little brother, viddy well.
Lord Summerisle – ‘The Wicker Man’
Lord Summerisle (Sir Christopher Lee), not only the landholder but also the leader for the island of Summerisle and its societies “rituals”.
Not necessarily threatening in the physical sense but his delusional, cult leader mentality, along with his loyal followers make Summerisle’s twisted mind extremely dangerous.
Not even the movies protagonist, Sergeant Howie manages to escape the Lord’s demented clutches. Meeting his end being burned alive in a ceremonial wicker man. What’s troubling isn’t that Lord Summerisle shows no remorse, but perhaps what could be considered even worse, he believes what he’s doing is for the greater good.
Col. Hans Lander – ‘Inglorious Basterds’
Colonel Hans Lander (Christoph Waltz) AKA The Jew Hunter embodies all of the characteristics for one of the worst groups in History.
Using his detective skills to aid Nazi Germany in the aim of hunting down the Jewish community, Hans Lander not only shows no remorse for his actions but seems to show pride in his skillset.
Thankfully, when it seems he’s going to come out of it all squeaky clean, Lt Aldo Reign (Brad Pitt) carves a nice little reminder into the Colonel’s forehead so he can never forget his horrendous past.
Annie Wilkes – ‘Misery’
Definitely one of the more caring movie Psycho’s out there, if you find yourself bed-bound and you’ve got Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates) by your side, rest assured, she’ll take good care of you. The only problem is, that’s how it’s going to stay. If you start to recover, you better believe she won’t think twice about taking a sledgehammer to your legs. . . Swings and roundabouts.
After holding hostage author Paul Sheldon, with whom she was deeply obsessed, Annie met her end with blunt force trauma to the head. Paul, still in shock to this day, is haunted by visions of Annie on a daily basis. Stalking him even in death, so who knows, maybe in the end, she won.
Jack Torrance – ‘The Shining’
Originally starting out as somewhat of a sane individual (it is Jack Nicholson after all), whilst looking after the unoccupied Overlook hotel during its down season. We begin to see a combination of cabin fever and spiritual interference which causes Jack Torrence to descend into madness.
After being convinced by the “ghosts” at the Overlook, Mr Torrance takes it upon himself to try and execute his wife and child. Taking out Mr Halloran (Scatman Crothers) in the process with an axe to the chest. Thankfully, he was outwitted at the last minute, leaving him to freeze within the hotel’s maze. Although perhaps that just sent him back to where he’s “always been”. . . The Overlook Hotel.
The Joker –‘Batman’/‘The Dark Knight’/‘Joker’
An iconic villain such as the Joker in terms of how warped his mind is can’t be limited to just one interpretation, and with that:
Batman’s (1989) Joker (Jack Nicholson), originally Jack Napier, but after being dropped in a vat of toxic waste, became (more) murderous, madly eccentric, and now finds the most twisted things hysterical. However, whenever on the receiving end of something which impacts him negatively, he definitely has a bit of a temper to accompany his manic side.
Whereas in The Dark Knight, we know little to nothing about this Joker’s (Heath Ledger) past, making him more sinister. Contrary to his words, he is definitely a guy with a plan, but perhaps the best demonstration of how unhinged he is as well as intelligent is when he is seemingly thrown to his fate. Whilst falling, he laughs all the way down, showing how mad he truly is, before being caught by Batman at the last minute.
Joker (2019) featuring Arthur Fleck’s (Joaquin Phoenix) interpretation of the clown prince of Gotham, goes in a completely different direction yet again. Instead of leaving a lot to the imagination in terms of mystery, we get a full in-depth look at the Joker’s abusive childhood and the reasons that explain his mental state. Combining the zaniness of the character with which audiences were familiar, with a darkness never seen before on the big screen.
All vastly different interpretations, but all beautifully deranged in their own unique way.
Patrick Bateman – ‘American Psycho’
Bringing Brett Easton Ellis’ twisted work of art to life we have American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale). Most definitely a sociopath, Patrick’s only real emotions are that of vanity, his uncontrollable blood lust and his love of 80s’ music.
Portraying a normal businessman, simply to “fit in”, Patrick spends his personal time fulfilling his darkest desires (murders and executions, mostly). Although, perhaps the best explanation for this “Happy Camper” is best described by the man himself:
There is an idea of a Patrick Bateman; some kind of abstraction. But there is no real me: only an entity, something illusory. And though I can hide my cold gaze, and you can shake my hand and feel flesh gripping yours and maybe you can even sense our lifestyles are probably comparable. . . I simply am not there.
Hannibal Lector – ‘Silence of the Lambs’
Given his educated background and the way in which he presents himself, one would initially think Hannibal Lector (Sir Anthony Hopkins) is quite a well to do individual. There’s only one thing that generally stops people making that their final opinion about Dr Lector. . . he eats people.
Aside from his diet, he has also been known to mentally break his fellow prisoners to the point in which they take their own life and beating guards to a pulp until lifeless. . . And he only gets worse in further instalments!
All in all, there’s definitely a lot of variety in how this particular movie psycho, meets the specifications.
Norman Bates – ‘Psycho’
One of the all-time originals, exactly as the movie’s title describes him, we have Psycho’s Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). The man who is responsible for making people afraid of taking a shower from this point on. Originally thought to just be a bit of an oddball with an unusually close relationship with his murderous mother. It is then revealed that Norman’s mother actually passed away years ago and rather than accept it, Norman instead chose to embody her.
Wearing his mother’s clothes, acting out a twisted version of her persona, Norman would off people that upset his jealous “mother”. All the while, the real one sits decaying in his basement. A bit unhinged to say the least, but then again, I suppose we all go a little mad sometimes. . .
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