I'm intrigued by the difficulty of creating a morally decent yet dramatically compelling film character. Not a superhero, not a savior, not a saint. Just a capable, grounded person who you don't have to give a dark side or some big affliction to in order to make them interesting.
Great Post! Marge is my favorite film character of the last half century. Atticus Finch being another of my favorites for these reasons. People simply doing their jobs. It is ironically heroic.
Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul (the latter more than the former) were very cunning about quietly transferring our affections away from the charismatic, evil, POV characters to morally decent side characters. The latter were never perfect, but they were given a far greater degree of moral insight and self-awareness (which reads as being more competent) than the protagonists who've bought their own deceptions.
One of my favorite "decent" heroes is Paul Scofield's Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons - doesn't fit the "not a saint" rule - but rather, he manages to be a remarkably human saint. I think a lot of it has to do with his wry sense of humor and sharp psychological insight. Again: reads as being very competent while he's surrounded by bloviating, self-deceived characters.
Haha, I forgot about his backstory! Was just thinking of his competency and general vibe.
Great Post! Marge is my favorite film character of the last half century. Atticus Finch being another of my favorites for these reasons. People simply doing their jobs. It is ironically heroic.
Where would you put Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt's character) in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood?
Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul (the latter more than the former) were very cunning about quietly transferring our affections away from the charismatic, evil, POV characters to morally decent side characters. The latter were never perfect, but they were given a far greater degree of moral insight and self-awareness (which reads as being more competent) than the protagonists who've bought their own deceptions.
One of my favorite "decent" heroes is Paul Scofield's Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons - doesn't fit the "not a saint" rule - but rather, he manages to be a remarkably human saint. I think a lot of it has to do with his wry sense of humor and sharp psychological insight. Again: reads as being very competent while he's surrounded by bloviating, self-deceived characters.
I'd add Frodo and Samwise. Their inherent decency is not only why they volunteered to carry the ring, it's the reason they can carry it.
Another: Marcel from Marcel the Shell With Shoes On
Oh, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasely.