Top Ten Anti-Heroes – Jim’s Picks

I have always been a huge fan of the underdog, or the hero that has a dark side to him, or the horribly bad guy that decides to risk his life to save the lives of others.  With that being said here are my picks for this weeks top ten!

10. Clarence Worley

True Romance (1993)

Believe it or not I went into True Romance not knowing what it was about and came out blown away with one of the most memorable films I had ever seen.  Wonderful characters that acted on impulse and a stellar cast added to the coolness of this film.  Clarence Worley is definitely an anti hero because despite killing a pimp and stealing a mobsters cocaine as the audience you want to root for his success.

I can’t tell you… that was one of the best times I ever had. It was. But, you know, I knew something must be rotten in Denmark. There was no way you could like me that much. Man, I can’t tell you how relieved I was when you took off your dress, you… you didn’t have a dick. – Clarence Worley

9. D-Fens

Falling Down (1993)

While not a major blockbuster success, Falling Down and D-Fens/Bill Foster will always have a place in my heart as a cool anti hero.  A man that just could not take it anymore after being canned from his job goes on a rampage through the city to get to his daughter on her birthday.

I am not a vigilante. I am just trying to get home to my little girl’s birthday party and if everyone will just stay out of my way, nobody will get hurt.

8. J.J. Gittes

Chinatown (1974)

Jack Nicholson is super suave as private detective in this noir mystery classic directed by Roman Polanski.  I have always loved his character.  J.J. Gittes has more enemies than friends as is evident by his nose.

Yelburton: My goodness, what happened to your nose?
Jake Gittes: I cut myself shaving.
Yelburton: You ought to be more careful. That must really smart.
Jake Gittes: Only when I breathe.

7. Gordon Gekko

Wall Street (1987)

What anti hero list would not be complete without Gordon Gekko who was so ingeniously played by Michael Douglas.  He embodied the cutthroat business tycoon perfectly.  There was a true sense of realism because of his character to the corporate raiding and insider trading in the film.  I am looking forward to the sequel!

It’s not a question of enough, pal. It’s a zero sum game, somebody wins, somebody loses. Money itself isn’t lost or made, it’s simply transferred from one perception to another.

6. Henry Hill

Goodfellas (1990)

Henry Hill took us into a life of crime and drugs in the underbelly of the mob and lived to tell about it.  He killed, stole and broke every law imaginable to keep his lifestyle and went against his mob family in court.

Whenever we needed money, we’d rob the airport. To us, it was better than Citibank.

5. Pike Bishop

The Wild Bunch (1969)

Pike Bishop is a gun toting thief at the end of his rope.  The world changing all around him all he has left are his morals, guns and his friends.  This movie has one of the coolest fight scenes at the end of the film.

If they move, *kill ‘em*!

4. The Bride

Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2 (2003, 2004)

I think that The Bride is a bad ass character who is seeking revenge and along with that comes a lot of blood and violence.  There are some awesome action scenes in these films.  Uma Thurman is perfect in this role.

Those of you lucky enough to have your lives, take them with you. However, leave the limbs you’ve lost. They belong to me now.

3. David Dunn

Unbreakable (2000)

Imagine realizing you had superpowers.  What would you do with them?  I love this movie because it puts a regular guy in this situation and sees what happens.  What happens though is completely awesome and has always left me wanting more.

I’ve never been sick, I’ve never been injured… what do I do now?

2. Clyde Barrow

Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

The glint in his eye and the charm of his voice may have you fooled, he has no problem killing you.  Warren Beatty is wonderful as Clyde Barrow.

I don’t think he’s lost. I think the bank’s been offerin’ extra reward money for us. I think Frank just figured on some easy pickin’s, didn’t ya Frank? You’re no Texas Ranger. You’re hardly doin’ your job. You ought to be home protectin’ the rights of poor folk, not out chasin’ after us!

1. Travis Bickle

Taxi Driver (1976)

This is at the top of many a list.  I know I don’t win any originality award for this choice but I still love Travis Bickle.  Robert DeNiro was made as a result of this role in my opinion.  The chilling monologue, the look of not being afraid of death in his eyes and the unforgettable mohawk all add up to be an excellent character and wonderful anti hero.

Loneliness has followed me my whole life. Everywhere. In bars, in cars, sidewalks, stores, everywhere. There’s no escape. I’m God’s lonely man… June 8th. My life has taken another turn again. The days can go on with regularity over and over, one day indistinguishable from the next. A long continuous chain. Then suddenly, there is a change.