A timely read as I’ve recently been sucked into the Netflix series Ginny and Georgia and have been pondering Georgia’s multi-faceted character--a woman who clawed her way from a childhood of poverty, abuse, and neglect through questionable mean that she justifies at every turn. I’m going to have to rewatch some of these films--especially The Sound of Music--with an eye on the villains.
(Also, Mother Superior was nominated for an Oscar?! Awful!)
At our house, the kids were taught how to do a terrible impersonations of “Climb Every Mountain” by grabbing the skin on your neck and shaking it while singing. It gets close to her version.
Great post! I too love to think about the moral gray areas between the villains and the heroes in stories. In general, my favorite type of villain is the one who thinks they're the hero. Or whose actions are always justified in their own mind. In pro wrestling they're called "delusional heels."
I know you said you don't like comic books, but the best example in that genre is Magneto -- his family was killed in the Holocaust, so he despises humanity. That's reasonable, but in his rage he desires to eradicate humanity, becoming the very thing he purports to hate.
Hannibal is also criminally underrated. IMHO it's a top five show ever.
I DID like comic books, and I used to like superheroes -- I'm just very very VERY sick of them. They seem repetitive now.
But! I used to read the X-Men faithfully (in college), and I agree with you abut Magneto -- a great character, and a nice counter to Xavier. Sort of like the first Killmonger and Black Panther.
Michael used to be friendly-ish with Bryan Fuller, who (I think) created that show.
I agree on the superhero take. The movies and shows and constant saturation have worn me out too. But, since I have little kids at home I still read comic books to them, and modern comic book writing and storytelling is as strong as ever. We use Marvel Unlimited if you're ever interested in getting back in the saddle.
Great thought-provoking article about people we love to hate. A couple of things I’d like to add. You missed mention of the two great villains in Handmaids Tale: Serena Joy and Aunt Lydia, both of whom may indeed have compelling backstories. But I’m not so sure a completing back story is enough to redeem either of them.
And if you ever get to LA in the fall, please time your visit to catch the showing of the singalong SOM at the Hollywood Bowl. It’s great fun, not only for the chance of an original cast member to appear live, the audience happily singing, the costume contest (many men dressed as nuns), but also for the entire audience hissing loudly every time the Baroness comes onscreen. Well worth the hassle of visiting LA.
I look forward to seeing your version on screen. But I will still hiss.
Thanks! Oh, I've never watched that show -- seemed to depressing, and a bit too real these days.
I've heard about the Hollywood Bowl thing. Would love to go! I maintain the movie works as camp, but it's also not nearly as saccharine as we're led to believe. Or maybe it is but it also has some genuine wit!
"I thought you gave your clothes to the poor. Why do you have that dress?"
Ha! It was a horrid dress. My daughter and I spent many days painting each others’ interiors as we sang along to two movies while we painted: SOM and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Can’t hear music from either without searching for my paint roller. “I think you want to marry my son for his money.” “No, I want to marry him for YOURS!” I miss Marilyn so much…..
A timely read as I’ve recently been sucked into the Netflix series Ginny and Georgia and have been pondering Georgia’s multi-faceted character--a woman who clawed her way from a childhood of poverty, abuse, and neglect through questionable mean that she justifies at every turn. I’m going to have to rewatch some of these films--especially The Sound of Music--with an eye on the villains.
(Also, Mother Superior was nominated for an Oscar?! Awful!)
I've seen that but haven't watched it yet.
I suspect Peggy Wood's nomination was a "career" one, as she was a respected character actor. But...yeah.
At our house, the kids were taught how to do a terrible impersonations of “Climb Every Mountain” by grabbing the skin on your neck and shaking it while singing. It gets close to her version.
hehehe!
Great post! I too love to think about the moral gray areas between the villains and the heroes in stories. In general, my favorite type of villain is the one who thinks they're the hero. Or whose actions are always justified in their own mind. In pro wrestling they're called "delusional heels."
I know you said you don't like comic books, but the best example in that genre is Magneto -- his family was killed in the Holocaust, so he despises humanity. That's reasonable, but in his rage he desires to eradicate humanity, becoming the very thing he purports to hate.
Hannibal is also criminally underrated. IMHO it's a top five show ever.
Good luck selling your screenplay!
Thank you!
I DID like comic books, and I used to like superheroes -- I'm just very very VERY sick of them. They seem repetitive now.
But! I used to read the X-Men faithfully (in college), and I agree with you abut Magneto -- a great character, and a nice counter to Xavier. Sort of like the first Killmonger and Black Panther.
Michael used to be friendly-ish with Bryan Fuller, who (I think) created that show.
I agree on the superhero take. The movies and shows and constant saturation have worn me out too. But, since I have little kids at home I still read comic books to them, and modern comic book writing and storytelling is as strong as ever. We use Marvel Unlimited if you're ever interested in getting back in the saddle.
Huh, had never heard about that. Doubtful. Too many books I wanna read! But thanks for the reminder about Magneto...
Great thought-provoking article about people we love to hate. A couple of things I’d like to add. You missed mention of the two great villains in Handmaids Tale: Serena Joy and Aunt Lydia, both of whom may indeed have compelling backstories. But I’m not so sure a completing back story is enough to redeem either of them.
And if you ever get to LA in the fall, please time your visit to catch the showing of the singalong SOM at the Hollywood Bowl. It’s great fun, not only for the chance of an original cast member to appear live, the audience happily singing, the costume contest (many men dressed as nuns), but also for the entire audience hissing loudly every time the Baroness comes onscreen. Well worth the hassle of visiting LA.
I look forward to seeing your version on screen. But I will still hiss.
Thanks! Oh, I've never watched that show -- seemed to depressing, and a bit too real these days.
I've heard about the Hollywood Bowl thing. Would love to go! I maintain the movie works as camp, but it's also not nearly as saccharine as we're led to believe. Or maybe it is but it also has some genuine wit!
"I thought you gave your clothes to the poor. Why do you have that dress?"
"The poor wouldn't take this one."
Ha!
Ha! It was a horrid dress. My daughter and I spent many days painting each others’ interiors as we sang along to two movies while we painted: SOM and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Can’t hear music from either without searching for my paint roller. “I think you want to marry my son for his money.” “No, I want to marry him for YOURS!” I miss Marilyn so much…..
Lovely memories!