Alfred Hitchcock always seemed to have a special relationship with the villains in his movies. Perhaps, that’s why so many of them are memorable. It’s impossible to pick just five Hitchcock villains for a single poll, so I suspect this will be the first of several such polls. If you’d like to recommend other Hitch villains for future polls, please leave a comment. In the meantime, please consider the ones below and cast your vote in the green sidebar at the right. At the risk of causing undue influence, Francois Truffaut identified his favorites in his book
Hitchcock, a series of interviews with the master filmmaker: Joseph Cotten as Charles Oakley, Robert Walker as Bruno Anthony, and Claude Rains as Alexander Sebastian.
Mrs. Danvers (Judith Anderson), Rebecca. Known also as Danny (but only to her closest confidantes), she is the housekeeper at the seaside estate of Manderley. Obsessively devoted to her previous mistress, Rebecca de Winter. Very good at keeping secrets. Her villainy revolves around her efforts to get rid of the new Mrs. de Winter, initially through subtle sabotage, but ultimately by suggesting that her mistress just end it all by jumping out a window.
Charles Oakley (Joseph Cotten), Shadow of a Doubt. Suave, likeable gentleman with a special fondness for his niece, Charlotte (who was named after him). Alas, the police suspect that “Uncle Charlie” may be the Merry Widow Murderer, a serial killer who woos, murders, and robs wealthy widows. His need for self-preservation will drive him to do almost anything.
Alexander Sebastian (Claude Rains), Notorious. Polite, but quietly devious leader of a Nazi group headquartered in Brazil after World War II. Truly loves his wife, but not above slowly poisoning her once he discovers she is an American spy. Has a stressful relationship with his mother, who once told him: “You are protected by the enormity of your stupidity.”
Bruno Anthony (Robert Walker), Strangers on a Train. Charming and rich, but a wee bit on the psychopathic side, Bruno is one of those people who hears what he want to hear. This can be a problem when he thinks that you’ve agreed to exchanging murders. On the other hand, he is intent on keeping his end of the deal—if he thinks one has been made. Unfortunately, he will expect the same of you.
Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), Psycho. Proverbial “Mama’s boy” who runs the Bates Model and indulges in taxidermy as a hobby. Nervous, but pleasant enough during first-time conversations. Has some bad habits (peeping through spy holes), but biggest problem is when the motherly half of his dual personality resorts to jealousy-motivated murder. (Hmm…maybe the real villain here is just Mrs. Bates!)
Mrs. Danvers (Judith Anderson), Rebecca. Known also as Danny (but only to her closest confidantes), she is the housekeeper at the seaside estate of Manderley. Obsessively devoted to her previous mistress, Rebecca de Winter. Very good at keeping secrets. Her villainy revolves around her efforts to get rid of the new Mrs. de Winter, initially through subtle sabotage, but ultimately by suggesting that her mistress just end it all by jumping out a window.
Charles Oakley (Joseph Cotten), Shadow of a Doubt. Suave, likeable gentleman with a special fondness for his niece, Charlotte (who was named after him). Alas, the police suspect that “Uncle Charlie” may be the Merry Widow Murderer, a serial killer who woos, murders, and robs wealthy widows. His need for self-preservation will drive him to do almost anything.
Alexander Sebastian (Claude Rains), Notorious. Polite, but quietly devious leader of a Nazi group headquartered in Brazil after World War II. Truly loves his wife, but not above slowly poisoning her once he discovers she is an American spy. Has a stressful relationship with his mother, who once told him: “You are protected by the enormity of your stupidity.”
Bruno Anthony (Robert Walker), Strangers on a Train. Charming and rich, but a wee bit on the psychopathic side, Bruno is one of those people who hears what he want to hear. This can be a problem when he thinks that you’ve agreed to exchanging murders. On the other hand, he is intent on keeping his end of the deal—if he thinks one has been made. Unfortunately, he will expect the same of you. 
Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), Psycho. Proverbial “Mama’s boy” who runs the Bates Model and indulges in taxidermy as a hobby. Nervous, but pleasant enough during first-time conversations. Has some bad habits (peeping through spy holes), but biggest problem is when the motherly half of his dual personality resorts to jealousy-motivated murder. (Hmm…maybe the real villain here is just Mrs. Bates!)
Rick, it's very very close between Uncle Charlie, and Alexander .But in the end I have to go with Claude Rains. Got to watch out for Nazi Mamas Boys.
ReplyDeleteHitchcock had a definite talent with heavies, and every one you've chosen in this villainy run-off is a classic and a strong contender...I tend to think of Alexander Sebastian (Rains) and his mother (Mme. Konstantin) as a kind of powerhouse pair of villains; the apple didn't fall far from the tree in that family...
ReplyDeleteRick, I voted for Norman Bates, Psycho. The ending is so shocking..
ReplyDeleteThis is a very thought-provoking poll. I think Paul and Eve and Dawn all made excellent points. Ultimately, I choose Uncle Charlie. He not only murders wealthy women whom he has decided are of no value to society but he attempts three times to kill his lovely niece because she knows the truth. Despite her knowledge, she tries to protect her mother and family and even Uncle Charlie but he doesn't show her any love. It is fascinating to watch the light drain from Teresa Wright's glowing countenance.
ReplyDeleteRobert Walker's Bruno Anthony all the way for me!
ReplyDeleteI chose Norman Bates. Most people know who he is, even those who have never seen Psycho. I think I have a soft spot for him though. Watching Psycho for the first time, I was intrigued with his awkward and timid manner, and if you take away the whole crazy cross-dressing killer thing, he seems like a nice guy.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely choose Norman Bates. There is probably no movie character more psychologically disturbed and creepy than Norman. The final scene with Norman in the police station is a classic and bothers me to this day.
ReplyDeleteI chose Norman Bates without a shadow of a doubt. He is the most disturbing character I have ever seen in a movie. He is so fascinating to watch as Psycho unfolds it's plot. Creepy is a great word to describe him. I agree that the police station scene at the end is the biggest shocker in movie history. No one could figure out that ending. I consider it Hitch's best movie.
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