The Dark Side of Cinema: 20 Movies Where the Villain Actually Wins (2/2)

11. The Devil’s Advocate 1997

IMDB Rating: 7.5，Douban Rating: 8.3，ID: tt0118971

The Devil’s Advocate 1997 is a supernatural thriller that explores the themes of temptation, morality, and free will. The film stars Keanu Reeves as Kevin Lomax, a successful Florida lawyer who is recruited by John Milton (Al Pacino), the charismatic and mysterious head of a New York law firm. Kevin soon discovers that Milton is not only a brilliant and ruthless lawyer, but also the Devil himself, who has a sinister plan to use Kevin as his instrument to bring about the apocalypse.

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Andrew Neiderman, and draws inspiration from various sources, such as John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost, Dante’s Inferno, and the legend of Faust. The film also features several references to biblical stories, such as the Garden of Eden, Cain and Abel, and Job. The film examines the moral dilemmas that Kevin faces as he is seduced by Milton’s offer of wealth, power, and fame, while his wife Mary Ann (Charlize Theron) suffers from terrifying visions and mental breakdowns.

The film is a gripping and provocative drama that challenges the audience to question their own values and choices. The film also showcases the impressive performances of Reeves and Pacino, who have a dynamic and intense chemistry on screen. The film has a shocking and controversial twist ending that reveals Milton’s true identity and motive, as well as Kevin’s ultimate fate. The film was a commercial and critical success, earning over $153 million at the box office and winning the Saturn Award for Best Horror Film.

12. Gone Girl 2014

IMDB Rating: 8.1，Douban Rating: 8.7，ID: tt2267998

Gone Girl is a psychological thriller film directed by David Fincher and based on the novel by Gillian Flynn. It tells the story of Nick Dunne, a man who becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife, Amy, on their fifth wedding anniversary. The film explores the themes of marriage, media, manipulation, and identity through the perspectives of Nick and Amy, who reveal their secrets and lies through flashbacks and diary entries.

The film has a twist ending that reveals that Amy is not a victim, but a mastermind who faked her own kidnapping and murder to frame Nick for cheating on her. She returns to him after killing her ex-boyfriend, who helped her escape, and blackmails him into staying with her by claiming to be pregnant with his child. The film received critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, performances, and score. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for Rosamund Pike, who played Amy. It was also a box office success, grossing over $369 million worldwide. The film is considered a cult postmodern mystery and one of Fincher’s best works.

13. Memento 2000

IMDB Rating: 8.4，Douban Rating: 8.6，ID: tt0209144

Memento is a film that challenges the conventional structure and narrative of storytelling by presenting two sequences of scenes in reverse order. The film follows Leonard, a man who suffers from anterograde amnesia, which prevents him from forming new memories. He uses notes, photos, and tattoos to remind himself of his quest to find and kill the man who raped and murdered his wife. However, as the film progresses, we learn that his condition and his mission are not as simple as they seem.

The film is related to the topic of 30 fan favorite movies where the villain actually wins, because it reveals that Leonard is not a hero, but a victim of his own self-deception and manipulation by others. Leonard has been used by Teddy, a corrupt cop, to kill several people who had nothing to do with his wife’s death. Teddy claims that Leonard already killed the real culprit a year ago, but he forgot about it and created a false story to cope with his guilt and grief. Teddy also reveals that Leonard’s wife survived the attack, but died later because Leonard accidentally gave her an overdose of insulin, due to his memory loss. I found this film to be a brilliant and original work of cinema, that explores the themes of memory, perception, identity, and morality in a complex and engaging way.

The film keeps the audience guessing and questioning the reliability of the narrator and the characters, as well as their own understanding of the story. The film also evokes sympathy and pity for Leonard, who is trapped in a cycle of violence and confusion, without any hope of closure or redemption. The film is a masterpiece of neo-noir mystery and psychological thriller, that deserves its acclaim and cult status.

14. No Country for Old Men 2007

IMDB Rating: 8.1，Douban Rating: 8.3，ID: tt0477348

No Country for Old Men is a neo-Western crime thriller film by the Coen brothers, based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy. It tells the story of Llewelyn Moss, a hunter who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and a suitcase full of money in the Texas desert. He decides to keep the money, but soon becomes the target of Anton Chigurh, a ruthless hitman who uses a coin toss to decide the fate of his victims. Meanwhile, Sheriff Ed Tom Bell tries to stop the violence and catch Chigurh, while reflecting on the changing nature of crime and justice in his country.

The film is one of the fan favorites where the villain actually wins, as Chigurh manages to kill Moss and escape with the money, leaving behind a trail of corpses and chaos. The film explores themes such as fate, free will, morality, greed, and nihilism, and challenges the conventions of the Western genre. The film is widely praised for its direction, screenplay, cinematography, editing, and performances, especially by Javier Bardem as Chigurh. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Bardem. I think No Country for Old Men is a masterpiece of filmmaking that offers a bleak and realistic view of human nature and society. The film is gripping, suspenseful, and unpredictable, with moments of dark humor and irony.

The film does not provide easy answers or resolutions, but rather invites the viewers to think and question their own values and choices. The film also showcases the talents of the Coen brothers and their collaborators, who create a vivid and authentic world with minimal music and dialogue. The film is not for everyone, as it can be violent, disturbing, and depressing, but I think it is a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience that deserves to be seen.

15. The Usual Suspects 1995

IMDB Rating: 8.5，Douban Rating: 8.6，ID: tt0114814

The Usual Suspects is a 1995 thriller film that features one of the most famous plot twists in cinema history. The film revolves around the interrogation of Roger “Verbal” Kint, a con man who claims to be one of the only survivors of a massacre on a ship, where a group of criminals were hired by a mysterious mastermind named Keyser Söze. As Verbal narrates his story, we learn how he and his four accomplices met in a police lineup, pulled off a series of heists, and ended up on the ship, where they were supposed to destroy a shipment of cocaine for Söze. However, things are not what they seem, and Verbal’s story is full of lies and deception. The film is a brilliant example of how to use an unreliable narrator to create suspense and surprise.

The screenplay by Christopher McQuarrie is clever and intricate, weaving together flashbacks, clues, and red herrings to keep the audience guessing until the very end. The direction by Bryan Singer is stylish and tense, creating a dark and gritty atmosphere that suits the film’s neo-noir genre. The cast is superb, especially Kevin Spacey, who won an Oscar for his performance as Verbal. He delivers his lines with charm and wit, making us sympathize with his character, even as we doubt his credibility. The other actors, such as Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri, Benicio Del Toro, and Kevin Pollak, also give memorable performances as the other criminals and the law enforcement agents.

The film is not only a thrilling mystery, but also a commentary on the power of storytelling and myth-making. Verbal uses his imagination and intelligence to manipulate his interrogator and escape justice. He also creates a legend out of Keyser Söze, a ruthless and elusive criminal who may or may not exist. The film challenges us to question what we see and hear, and to realize that sometimes the truth is hidden in plain sight. The Usual Suspects is a masterpiece of cinema that deserves its reputation as one of the best films of the 1990s.

It is a film that rewards multiple viewings, as each time we can discover new details and appreciate its complexity and craftsmanship. It is also a film that stays with us long after it ends, as we ponder over its final revelation and its implications. The Usual Suspects is a film that proves that sometimes the villain actually wins.

16. Inside Man 2006

IMDB Rating: 7.6，Douban Rating: 7.7，ID: tt0454848

Inside Man, a 2006 crime thriller directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, and Jodie Foster. The movie follows a bank robbery-turned-hostage situation in Manhattan, where the mastermind Dalton Russell (Owen) executes a perfect heist while being confronted by the hostage negotiator Keith Frazier (Washington) and the mysterious fixer Madeleine White (Foster). What makes this movie stand out from other heist films is the clever and unconventional plot that keeps the audience guessing until the end.

The robbers are not after money or jewels, but something much more personal and valuable: a document that proves the bank’s founder Arthur Case (Christopher Plummer) collaborated with the Nazis during World War II and stole gold from Jewish victims. Russell wants to expose Case’s crimes and blackmail him, while White wants to protect Case’s reputation and interests. Frazier is caught in the middle, trying to figure out what is going on and who to trust. The movie also explores themes such as racism, corruption, morality, and justice, through the interactions of the diverse and complex characters. Lee uses his signature style of humor, music, and social commentary to create a dynamic and engaging film that challenges the conventional notions of good and evil.

The performances are excellent, especially Owen as the charismatic and cunning Russell, who manages to outsmart everyone and escape with his loot. Washington is also great as the witty and determined Frazier, who eventually uncovers the truth and confronts Case. Inside Man is a smart and entertaining film that subverts the genre expectations and delivers a satisfying twist. It is not only a thrilling heist movie, but also a witty and skillful commentary on society and history. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good crime story with a dose of humor and irony.

17. Saw 2004

IMDB Rating: 7.6，Douban Rating: 8.7，ID: tt0387564

Saw is a 2004 horror film that introduced the world to the twisted games of Jigsaw, a serial killer who tests his victims’ will to live by putting them through gruesome traps. The film is one of the 30 fan favorite movies where the villain actually wins, according to various articles and lists . The film follows two men, Adam and Dr. Lawrence Gordon, who wake up chained in a filthy bathroom with a corpse between them. They find tapes and clues that reveal they are part of Jigsaw’s game, and that Gordon must kill Adam before six o’clock, or his wife and daughter will die.

As they try to escape, they learn more about Jigsaw’s motives and methods, and how they are connected to him and his other victims. I watched Saw as part of my blog theme this month, which is 30 fan favorite movies where the villain actually wins. I was curious to see how this film fits into the theme, and how it relates to the concept of villainy and morality. I found some articles that discussed these topics, and how Saw subverts the expectations of the horror genre by making the villain more complex and sympathetic than the typical slasher .

Jigsaw is not a mindless killer, but a dying man who wants to teach his victims a lesson about appreciating life. He does not directly kill anyone, but forces them to make choices that can either save or doom them. He also targets people who he believes are wasting their lives or harming others, such as drug addicts, adulterers, or corrupt cops. My opinion of Saw is that it is a clever and original film that delivers a shocking twist at the end. The film is not for the faint of heart, as it contains graphic violence and gore that can make anyone squirm.

However, the film also has a strong psychological element that makes it more than just a torture porn flick. The film explores themes such as survival, guilt, redemption, and justice, and challenges the audience to question their own morality and values. The film also has a great cast, especially Cary Elwes and Leigh Whannell as the main protagonists, who convey a range of emotions from fear to anger to desperation. The film also features Danny Glover as a detective obsessed with catching Jigsaw, and Tobin Bell as the voice of Jigsaw himself.

I think Saw is a film that deserves its status as a fan favorite where the villain wins, because it offers a different perspective on what makes a villain and what makes a hero. Jigsaw may be a twisted and ruthless killer, but he also has a code and a purpose that make him more interesting and compelling than most villains. He also manages to outsmart and outplay everyone who tries to stop him, and reveals himself to be the mastermind behind everything in the final scene. The film ends with Jigsaw locking Gordon in the bathroom with no way out, while Adam lies dead on the floor. Jigsaw then utters his iconic line: “Game over.”

18. Primal Fear 1996

IMDB Rating: 7.7，Douban Rating: 8.5，ID: tt0117381

Primal Fear is a legal thriller that explores the themes of deception, manipulation, and justice. The film follows Martin Vail, a Chicago defense attorney who takes on the case of Aaron Stampler, a young altar boy accused of murdering and mutilating Archbishop Rushman, a prominent and influential figure in the city. Vail believes that Aaron is innocent and suffers from amnesia, but he soon discovers that Aaron has a hidden personality named Roy, who is violent, cunning, and responsible for the crime.

Vail tries to prove that Aaron has dissociative identity disorder and was not aware of his actions, but he faces opposition from the prosecution, led by his former lover Janet Venable, and the corrupt state’s attorney John Shaughnessy, who has a personal vendetta against Rushman. Vail also uncovers a dark secret involving Rushman’s sexual abuse of Aaron and other altar boys, which was recorded on a videotape that becomes a key piece of evidence.

In a shocking twist, Vail manages to get Aaron acquitted by convincing the jury that Roy was in control during the murder, but he then learns that Aaron was faking his disorder all along and that Roy is his true identity. Aaron reveals that he planned the murder and the trial as a revenge against Rushman for abusing him and his girlfriend Linda, who committed suicide. He also admits that he killed another altar boy named Alex, who tried to expose him. Aaron thanks Vail for his help and leaves him stunned and speechless.

19. Basic Instinct 1992

IMDB Rating: 7.0，Douban Rating: 7.8，ID: tt0103772

Basic Instinct is a 1992 neo-noir erotic thriller film directed by Paul Verhoeven and written by Joe Eszterhas. It stars Michael Douglas as Nick Curran, a San Francisco police detective who investigates the murder of a wealthy rock star, and Sharon Stone as Catherine Tramell, a seductive and enigmatic writer who is the prime suspect. The film is one of the fan favorites where the villain actually wins, as it ends with the implication that Catherine is the killer and that she will murder Nick as well.

The film explores the theme of 30 Fan Favorite Movies Where The Villain Actually Wins by showing how Catherine manipulates Nick and everyone around her with her charm, intelligence, and sexuality. She uses her writing skills to create fictional scenarios that match the real crimes, making her seem innocent and creative. She also plays with Nick’s emotions and desires, making him obsessed with her and unable to resist her. She exploits his weaknesses, such as his addiction to alcohol and drugs, his troubled past, and his professional rivalry. She also frames other people for her murders, such as her ex-lover Roxy and her psychiatrist Dr. Beth Garner, who happen to be Nick’s former girlfriend.

The film challenges the conventional expectations of the audience by making them root for the villain instead of the hero. Catherine is portrayed as a charismatic, confident, and independent woman who enjoys her life and does not care about the consequences of her actions. She is contrasted with Nick, who is a flawed, insecure, and dependent man who suffers from his guilt and addiction. The film also subverts the typical gender roles by making Catherine the dominant and aggressive partner in their relationship, while Nick is the submissive and passive one.

The film also questions the morality and justice of the law enforcement system, as Nick is corrupted by his involvement with Catherine and fails to uphold his duty as a detective. My review of Basic Instinct is that it is a captivating and provocative film that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with its twists and turns. The film has a brilliant script, direction, and cinematography that create a tense and stylish atmosphere. The film also has excellent performances from the cast, especially Stone, who delivers a stunning and iconic portrayal of Catherine. The film is not for everyone, as it contains graphic scenes of violence and sex that may offend some viewers. However, for those who enjoy a dark and erotic thriller with a clever and surprising ending, Basic Instinct is a must-see.

20. Nightcrawler 2014

IMDB Rating: 7.9，Douban Rating: 8.3，ID: tt2872718

Nightcrawler is a neo-noir thriller that explores the dark and twisted world of crime journalism in Los Angeles. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Lou Bloom, a sociopathic con man who becomes a freelance videographer, capturing gruesome and sensational footage of accidents, crimes, and violence. He sells his work to a struggling local TV station, where he forms a manipulative relationship with the news director, Nina Romina (Rene Russo). As Lou becomes more obsessed and ambitious, he crosses ethical and legal boundaries, staging and altering scenes, interfering with police investigations, and endangering himself and his assistant, Rick (Riz Ahmed). The film is a scathing critique of the media’s exploitation of human suffering and the public’s appetite for sensationalism.

It also examines the themes of unemployment, capitalism, and moral decay in contemporary society. Nightcrawler is a gripping and disturbing film that keeps the audience on edge with its suspenseful plot, stunning cinematography, and brilliant performances. Gyllenhaal delivers one of his best roles as the charismatic and creepy Lou, who is both fascinating and terrifying to watch. Russo is equally impressive as the desperate and ruthless Nina, who is willing to compromise her integrity for ratings. Ahmed is also memorable as the naive and sympathetic Rick, who becomes Lou’s reluctant partner and victim.

The film is written and directed by Dan Gilroy in his directorial debut, who creates a compelling and original story that challenges the viewers to question their own morality and complicity in the culture of violence. Nightcrawler is a film that will haunt you long after it ends.