An exploration of the trend in modern film to explore the origins of iconic villains, from Darth Vader to Scar. The article argues that while these backstories often humanize the antagonist, not all villains need an explanation for their actions.
The success of Wicked is proof that a movie musical still has the power to draw moviegoers. But is there more to it? Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story was critically well-received but failed at the box office. Granted, Wicked is more contemporary, but still. I believe that its success lies, at least in some part, in a fascination with the origins of movie villains.
It's the latest in a trend of films that either explore those origins or whose origins are contained within the movie itself, and with Mufasa: The Lion King imminent, that trend continues by looking at the origins of Taka, aka Scar, the villain Jeremy Irons made so deliciously evil in The Lion King. The problem with these films is that more often than not, they give the villain of the original film a sympathetic backstory, weakening the character in hindsight by providing context as to why they are who they are. But not all villains need, or even should, have an explanation for their actions. Why can't a movie villain simply be evil? Redeeming Villains Begins in a Galaxy Far, Far Away There are exceptions, but the genesis of these films arguably begins with Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi in 1983, and the iconic villain Darth Vader, voiced by the late James Earl Jones. When Darth Vader first appeared in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, he was unlike any villain before him: a large, menacing and faceless presence with that infamous mechanical breathing which, combined with Jones' deep, sinister voice, was an embodiment of evil. Then came Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, and the revelation that not only is Vader evil, but he's Luke Skywalker's (Mark Hamill) fother-muckin' dad, pulling on Luke's fragile state to join him on the Dark Side of the Force. What kind of evil d**k of a father encourages his child to be evil themselves? Then comes Jedi, and,'There is still good in him,' and sure enough, there is
Villains Backstories Movie Trends Star Wars The Lion King
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