For many viewers, some of the most compelling characters in cinema are those who defy traditional notions of likability. Take Willie Soke, for instance, the rough-around-the-edges Santa Claus from the 1993 comedy 'Bad Santa'. While his demeanor may be intimidating at first glance, he surprises us with a heroic act that reveals a more vulnerable side to his character.
Similarly, Alex DeLarge from Stanley Kubrick's 'A Clockwork Orange' defies conventional expectations. On paper, he appears to be an unrepentant sociopath who wreaks havoc on the world around him. However, Malcolm McDowell brings a level of charm and charisma to the role that makes us both fascinated and repelled.
In contrast, Emily Bennetto from 'Emily the Criminal' is a more complex character. On the surface, she appears to be ruthless and cunning, but her interactions with other characters suggest a deep-seated vulnerability. It's this complexity that makes her so compelling to watch.
Pulp Fiction's Jules Winnfield is another character who walks a fine line between likeability and despicability. Played by Samuel L. Jackson, he is a morally ambiguous hitman who spouts wisdom on the nature of humanity, making him both relatable and fascinating.
Some viewers also find themselves drawn to the lovably despicable Tommy DeVito from 'Goodfellas'. His charisma and confidence make him an incredibly captivating character, even as we witness his cruel and violent tendencies.
More recent films like 'Uncut Gems' have brought attention to characters who are struggling with addiction and destructive behavior. Howard Ratner, played by Adam Sandler, is a complex figure whose flaws make him both repellent and sympathetic at the same time.
And then there's Sebastian Valmont from 'Dangerous Liaisons', a character whose descent into depravity is both captivating and heartbreaking. His presence has been enough to move audiences to tears in the cinema, demonstrating his ability to evoke strong emotions.
In contrast, some characters are straightforwardly unlikeable. For instance, Harriet Potter from 'Carry On Camping' is an appalling individual who consistently disregards the well-being of those around her. Her callousness is hard to ignore and makes for uncomfortable viewing.
Finally, there's Withnail, a character who embodies the spirit of a cowardly, deluded drunken waster. While his actions are questionable, his relatability factor can't be denied. He's a flawed but ultimately sympathetic figure that leaves audiences both repelled and intrigued.
These complex characters remind us that cinematic characters often exist on a spectrum of likability rather than falling into neat binary categories. They challenge our expectations, evoke strong emotions, and leave us questioning our own moral compasses.
Similarly, Alex DeLarge from Stanley Kubrick's 'A Clockwork Orange' defies conventional expectations. On paper, he appears to be an unrepentant sociopath who wreaks havoc on the world around him. However, Malcolm McDowell brings a level of charm and charisma to the role that makes us both fascinated and repelled.
In contrast, Emily Bennetto from 'Emily the Criminal' is a more complex character. On the surface, she appears to be ruthless and cunning, but her interactions with other characters suggest a deep-seated vulnerability. It's this complexity that makes her so compelling to watch.
Pulp Fiction's Jules Winnfield is another character who walks a fine line between likeability and despicability. Played by Samuel L. Jackson, he is a morally ambiguous hitman who spouts wisdom on the nature of humanity, making him both relatable and fascinating.
Some viewers also find themselves drawn to the lovably despicable Tommy DeVito from 'Goodfellas'. His charisma and confidence make him an incredibly captivating character, even as we witness his cruel and violent tendencies.
More recent films like 'Uncut Gems' have brought attention to characters who are struggling with addiction and destructive behavior. Howard Ratner, played by Adam Sandler, is a complex figure whose flaws make him both repellent and sympathetic at the same time.
And then there's Sebastian Valmont from 'Dangerous Liaisons', a character whose descent into depravity is both captivating and heartbreaking. His presence has been enough to move audiences to tears in the cinema, demonstrating his ability to evoke strong emotions.
In contrast, some characters are straightforwardly unlikeable. For instance, Harriet Potter from 'Carry On Camping' is an appalling individual who consistently disregards the well-being of those around her. Her callousness is hard to ignore and makes for uncomfortable viewing.
Finally, there's Withnail, a character who embodies the spirit of a cowardly, deluded drunken waster. While his actions are questionable, his relatability factor can't be denied. He's a flawed but ultimately sympathetic figure that leaves audiences both repelled and intrigued.
These complex characters remind us that cinematic characters often exist on a spectrum of likability rather than falling into neat binary categories. They challenge our expectations, evoke strong emotions, and leave us questioning our own moral compasses.
I'm all about those morally ambiguous characters in movies - you know, the ones who'll make you go from "ugh" to "wait, what?" in a split second! 
Think of people like Alex DeLarge or Sebastian Valmont - they're so complex and multi-dimensional that it's hard not to be drawn in. And can we talk about how captivating they are when they're being their most despicable selves? 
It's like you're watching a train wreck in slow motion, knowing you shouldn't look but just can't help yourself! 
But what I love is that these characters often make us question our own morals and empathy - it's like they're pushing us to see the world from a different perspective. 
and doesn't really have any redeeming qualities, but at the same time, his act does show a softer side, so yeah, it's kinda ambiguous. And Alex DeLarge, he's definitely charismatic, but you can see the sociopath vibes from a mile away 
. And Emily Bennetto, she's definitely complex, but I think her complexity is overhyped, you know? She's just a normal person with some problems.
. Sebastian Valmont, though, that guy's got some serious issues, but it's hard not to feel for him when he's being so despicable 
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The more complex characters in movies are so fascinating because they make you feel something but can't be summed up by just being likable or despicable. It's like they're made of many layers of messy emotions 
I think these characters are so fascinating because they make us question what we consider 'likable'. Like, who wouldn't love a despicable Tommy DeVito? 
But at the same time, it's refreshing to see complexity in characters that can both repel and attract us. It shows that cinema isn't just about heroes or villains, but about people (or characters) with flaws we can relate to.
. It's crazy how movies can make you root for someone who's, on paper, a total bad guy 
. And I'm so down for watching some of these characters' flaws and imperfections because it makes them all the more real to me 
. Give me a good ol' fashioned anti-hero any day of the week! I mean, what's wrong with a character like Tommy DeVito from Goodfellas? He's got charisma for days and still manages to be a total tool 
. But sometimes I just want a good ol' fashioned bad guy who's gonna make my blood boil 
. You know, like Withnail from the same movie - he's just so... withnaily 
That's when movies started getting really bold and pushing the envelope. I mean, Bad Santa was like, the ultimate anti-Christmas movie 
. And Alex DeLarge from A Clockwork Orange? Forget about it 
some characters are just so complex and multi-layered that we can't help but be drawn to them 
. And Withnail's just so relatable, you're like "same dude" 
. It's like, we get to see the good and the bad in these people and it's really thought-provoking 
. What do you think about characters that walk that fine line between likability and despicability?
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. Give me some actual depth and character development over this whole "we're gonna make you feel uncomfortable, but also kinda empathize with them" nonsense 
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