You know, with all the Harry Potter stuff going around these days, particularly on Tumblr, it is easy to forget what an awesome career Alan Rickman has had. My first experience with him was as German thief/terrorist Hans Gruber in Die Hard, but my favorite early experience was his portrayal of the Sheriff of Notingham in the otherwise crappy Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. In that he got to do all the things I hate in films, but did it with an uncommon awesomeness. It was over-the-top, yet hilarious.Another role I really enjoyed, from I film I never intended to like, was as villain Elliot Marsten in the Tom Selleck vehicle, Quigley Down Under. This was the story of an American sharp-shooter hired by and Australian land owner (Marsten) to rid his land of pesky animals. Turned out those pesky animals were in fact aboriginal Australians. When Quigley (Selleck) refuses, Marsten goes after him It was a remarkably good film which shows up on television once in a while. Laura San Giacomo co-stars. Check it out if you see it on.
Of course, there is also the role that he is best known to younger interwebz folks, that of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films. While he was not initially how I pictured Snape he certainly came to own the character. Now I only see Rickman as Snape when I think about it. The character is a great one for him. Snape is icy and tormented, callous and cruel, yet hiding an inner goodness underneath an arrogant calm. He is likely the perfect actor for the role, as Snape has to be hated yet appealing.
So three cheers for Alan Rickman. Check out his other roles on the IMDb.
6 comments:
He also played the Metatron in Dogma, which is one of his more humorous roles and also shows his diversity.
I didn't know him before Harry Potter, but then again I was only about 10/11 when the first HP came out, which makes me one of the younger folks ;)
And I agree with the Snape character. I could not imagine Snape any different than the way Alan portrays him, although I had a completely different image in mind before.
The most amazing thing about Alan is his voice- if he started a phone sex hotline I'd definitely be a good costumer.
I did like him in Dogma. Despite my Atheism, I enjoyed that movie a lot.
Same here. I have to cringe now and then, but all in all it is enjoyable and very funny.
And let's not forget Galaxy Quest:
"By Grabthar's Hammer...what a savings."
He will always be Hans Gruber first and foremost to me... he's perfect for that role. I agree on Quigley Down Under too- not a film I expected to enjoy, but went for Rickman. Ended up liking the whole thing, even Tom Selleck.
@MC - I have not seen Galaxy Quest. I avoided it for the Tim Allen factor, which is odd because I actually like him. I'll have to check it out.
@Lockwood - I watched Quigley for Laura San Giacomo (widow's peak, front gap teeth, and the other obvious attributes). I may have to watch Die Hard again. One of the better Willis roles, and Hans is so awesomely awful. :-)
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