Great Characters in Terrible Movies

Often, the most captivating aspect of a film is not the overarching narrative or the special effects, but rather the characters that inhabit the story. Even in movies that may not meet the highest standards of quality, certain characters shine through, drawing audiences in with their complexity and depth.

David Dunn from Unbreakable (2000)

One notable example of a great character in an overall terrible movie is David Dunn, played by Bruce Willis, from Unbreakable (2000), directed by M. Night Shyamalan. While Unbreakable is often regarded as a classic in the superhero genre and has received critical acclaim, some of Shyamalan's later films like Glass (2019), which features Dunn, did not meet the same standards and received mixed to negative reviews. Nevertheless, David Dunn is a compelling character with a strong moral compass, grappling with his identity as a superhero. His internal struggles and the exploration of his abilities provide depth even if the films surrounding him may not have achieved the same level of storytelling or coherence.

Dr. Ian Malcolm from The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

Another example is Dr. Ian Malcolm, played by Jeff Goldblum, from The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997). While the character is charismatic and memorable, the movie itself was criticized for its plot and execution compared to the original Jurassic Park (1993). Dr. Malcolm’s witty dialogue and philosophical insights stand out, making him a fan favorite despite the film’s shortcomings. His dialogue and attempts at wisdom contrast sharply with the glibness of the film's other characters, making him a standout even in a movie that underwhelmed some critics.

Roland Tembo from The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

Lastly, Roland Tembo, played by Arleen Sibrie, is a character that stands out in The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), even though the movie is not perfect. While the film is far from a perfect movie, it has moments of brilliance that make it memorable, especially Roland Tembo. At first glance, Roland Tembo seems like a stereotypical “great white hunter” antagonist, but his motivations are more complex than "I want to kill dinosaurs”.

When Nick confronts Roland about his desire to hunt down a Tyrannosaurus, Roland replies:

“Remember that chap about twenty years ago I forget his name. Climbed Everest without any oxygen, came down nearly dead. When they asked him they said ‘why did you go up there to die?’ He said ‘I didn’t, I went up there to live.’”

Hunting a T. Rex is something of personal importance to Roland. In fact, he’s willing to not get paid for his role in the expedition because all he cares about is this opportunity. He’s grown tired of hunting ordinary animals and he’s seeking a worthy opponent that could just as easily kill him. While this might not seem like a satisfactory response, it’s refreshing to see an antagonist with relatable motivations. Roland doesn’t do what he does to make others suffer—he does it to give his life meaning through excitement and danger. This shows a level of complexity that rare antagonistss do not provide.

Despite Roland’s unethical actions, he still possesses a sense of morality. When his friend Ajay is killed, Roland does something that few antagonists ever try: he acknowledges that he’s doing the wrong thing and backs away. When he’s offered a job at InGen after sedating a T. Rex, he declares:

“No thank you. I believe I’ve spent enough time in the company of death.”

This is a surprisingly mature decision. The average movie villain would swear vengeance and run straight into their karmic death, but Roland just decides that “enough is enough” and his reward is getting to live. This scene was probably cut out because it makes Roland seem too kind and sympathetic, though it’s still interesting to note how much effort was put into developing what could have been a very two-dimensional character.

Conclusion

These examples demonstrate that even in films that may not meet the highest standards, the most memorable elements are often the intricate and well-developed characters. From the morally conflicted hero David Dunn to the multifaceted antagonist Roland Tembo, these characters add a layer of depth and complexity that transcends the film's shortcomings. Whether through ethical dilemmas, personal motivations, or witty dialogue, these characters remind us of the importance of human complexity in storytelling.