NOAH CROSS (Chinatown)
It’s fairly arguable as to whether this guy’s underrated or not. I’ve seen him appear on a couple of great villains lists, and the film has certainly carved out its own place in the pantheon of American classics. But the list is the most underrated, not the most obscure, and there is still a wide gap between how revered this man is and how revered he should be. He’s certainly not imposing (and let’s face it, wouldn’t make much of a Halloween costume, a key facet of an enduring villain), but some time, just sit back and think about it: How evil is Noah Cross?
Why does he belong on this list? Think about it (if you’ve never seen Chinatown, then read no further). His entire plan is drain the Los Angeles water supply to that his maniacal dreams of real estate development can be fulfilled (as he tells Jack Nicholson’s detective in the film, he’s buying ‘the future’). That’s pretty Dr. Monstrous right there, but on top of that, he impregnates his daughter. The pretty young blonde from the beginning of the film. That’s right, she’s Faye Dunaway’s sister, and her daughter. While you’re retching, consider Cross’s famous commentary on the issue: “Most people never have to face the fact that at the right time and the right place, they’re capable of anything.” Maybe not people, Noah. But you, certainly.
Why isn’t he better recognized? Like I said, he doesn’t have the funny voice or the personal idiosyncracies that define most great villains (or the irritating catchphrases, something we should all be thankful for), so he’s probably missed the boat in that way. It’s also hard to be that scared of some doddering old man, so he lacks that visceral appeal. He also shares the screen with Jack Nicholson, giving him a competition that a lot of great characters never have to face.
So that’s the list. Feel free to flame back at me if you think I’ve missed anything, and I’ll have a new countdown going next week. And in case you were wondering…
Most overrated villain: Glenn Close. Fatal Attraction. No question.
