Favorite Film Characters Meme

No, I'm not starting a meme. This was actually started by Squish almost two years ago. Being curious/bored, I thought I'd take a crack at it. The rules are simple: name ten (or more if you like) film characters you admire and state your reasons. This should be fun.

Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman) and the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

The ultimate bromance. They get along just fine by their bank robbing skills and their DDG (drop dead gorgeous) looks. They're also not a pair you should mess with. I almost feel sorry for Etta, having to choose who to be with.

Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum), The Night of the Hunter

One quote comes to mind to describe Powell: "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." He may be a "preacher", but he's anything but a honest man.

Tom Ripley (Matt Damon), The Talented Mr. Ripley

He looks like a nice gentleman, but in reality he lies, swindles and eventually kills to keep his true nature hidden. He also takes the phrase "love someone to death" to a new level.

Amon Goeth (Ralph Fiennes), Schindler's List

That quote for Powell can also go for Goeth. If you disobey him, you're dead. If you do something wrong, you're dead. Basically, if you don't do something to his approval you're dead.

Martha (Elizabeth Taylor), Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

She's loud, brash, a drinker and just someone you don't want to be around (the complete opposite of Taylor). And yet, she makes you curious on what makes her tick.

Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), Psycho

Much like Ripley, Bates looks like a nice gentleman. He doesn't look like he'll harm a fly. But if you're not careful, "Mother" has a few things to say...

Sidney Falco (Tony Curtis) and J.J. Hunsecker (Burt Lancaster), Sweet Smell of Success

J.J. is ruthless, remorseless, amoral and just downright cruel. Sidney isn't any better. Both will insult a person that's right in front of them, both have charm that's superficial. In short, they're sociopaths and they could care the less bit.

Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

With a list almost full of killers, liars and unpleasant people, it's a relief that a honest character shows up. Smith is one fellow who wants what's best for others. He won't back off when the going gets rough.

Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando), On the Waterfront

He never thought much of the consequences but when Terry heard about the murder he unwittingly contributed to, one thing struck him: conscience. We see him fighting his troubled mind, something he used to do as a living (the fighting, that is). And when he does admit his guilt, it's a load off his back (and perhaps the audience's too).

Pvt. Robert E. Lee Prewitt (Montgomery Clift), From Here to Eternity

Another innocent soul plunged into the harsh depths of reality. Prewitt is a soldier who has a sensitive nature to him. It isn't shown when he's close to the breaking point, but those closest to him know of it.

So there are my favorite movie characters. I'm not tagging anyone, but feel free to do it if you want.