Reservoir Dogs – Michael Madsen
We are now at a point where a true unrepentant, blasé, psychopath must also be a demon on the dance floor to be bone chillingly scary.
Step in none other than Quentin Tarantino with Reservoir Dogs, a film simple in concept but executed to perfection. A botched heist and growing suspicions of a traitor in the midst all make for gruesome consequences.
What better way to relieve some tension than Michael Madsen’s Mr Blonde unhinged coping mechanism. A clueless cop, a chair, some fuel and a sharp knife is all that’s needed not to mention Stealers Wheel, Stuck In The Middle With You.
The song coupled with the audacious dance moves of Mr Blonde makes this whimsically disturbing as we know exactly what is about to happen.
Beetlejuice – Catherine O’Hara
A lot can be said about Beetlejuice and how it’s many defining scenes has made it one of Tim Burton’s best films.
It’s gothic, funny with elements of horror all to the backdrop of paranormal activity. All of these combined give way to an unusual, to say the least, scene where a dinner party descends into uncontrollable dance.
Catherine O’Hara’s Delia Deetz unexpectedly begins singing Harry Belafonte’s Day-O [The Banana Boat Song] with each guest at the table eventually joining in.
It is not a particularly scary dance sequence but adds to the overall playful tone of the film.
The grand finale, however, has a little fear factor to it with the bowl of prawns leaping to life to grab the dinner guests in spectacular fashion.
Stardust – Robert De Niro
We all have some actors we hold dear that we will never be used to seeing in certain roles or do certain things.
It is our own, very conscious, form of type-casting, if you will.
Stardust was one of the surprising successes of 2007 with a remarkable cast including Robert De Niro in a role as a tough pirate captain.
Coincidentally, or not, it is a certain scene featuring Mr De Niro that was surprising and unexpected. Mr Robert De Niro in a pink tutu you would think should never go together – ever.
Well, it would seem that is not the case as prancing around to classical music proves. It is one of the most memorable scenes in the film but for all the right reasons. De Niro showcases his acting but also comedic skills and proves he does not take himself too seriously.
There is no doubting it is funny despite De Niro track record in ‘comedic’ roles, with Mark Stone’s character adding to the shock where he finds his nemesis in such an unusual position.
It is a bewildering, unnerving, spectacle to witness but must be embraced and appreciated.
