Terrorist, angel, lover: 6 roles that made Alan Rickman a legend

"Die Hard"

Plot

Why You Should Watch

• Alan Rickman created one of the most memorable villain characters in film history.
• The film keeps you on the edge of your seat from the first to the last minute. Dynamic scenes, shootouts, and explosions ensure you're never bored.
• Die Hard has become the benchmark for action movies and influenced many subsequent films.

Willis became the perfect action hero, an ordinary man in an extraordinary situation. Special praise should be given to Alan Rickman, whose role as the main villain Hans remains one of the best in cinema to this day. He convincingly transitions from cold-blooded, calm, and collected to desperate and nervous, never appearing less ruthless and calculating. Even after we learn that Hans is not a political terrorist but just a thief, he never stops seeming like a villain.

Reviewer PredragReviews from 'Imdb'

Interesting Facts

• In the film, the scene where Hans Gruber pretends to be a hostage was Rickman's own idea. Producer Joel Silver initially opposed it, but Rickman convinced him with a note suggesting he pretend to be a hostage with an American accent, reports 'Hollywoodreporter'.
• Many stars were considered for the role of John McClane, including Schwarzenegger and Stallone. Bruce Willis, who ultimately played McClane, was not the first choice for this role, but only the fifth in line.

Awards and Nominations

Source: imdb.com

"Sense and Sensibility"

Plot

Why You Should Watch

• The film is a high-quality adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel, preserving the spirit and atmosphere of the original.
• A rich cast of top-tier stars.
• The film addresses timeless themes of love, duty, and honor.

I can assure you that it is very well made. You will see one of the best period dramas you have ever seen! Of course, you must be prepared for such a film. So if you have watched period dramas and liked them, then watch this film too. If you haven't seen any yet, this might be the perfect film to start with.

Reviewer kosmasp from 'Imdb'

Interesting Facts

• Emma Thompson spent nearly five years working on the screenplay for "Sense and Sensibility." The first handwritten draft was 350 pages long. The final script incorporated elements from fourteen different versions.
• During the filming of a horseback riding scene involving Thompson, Kate Winslet, and Alan Rickman, a humorous problem arose. One of the horses kept passing gas, ruining takes. Ultimately, the scene was filmed, and the extra sounds were removed in post-production, leaving only what was needed.

Awards and Nominations

• Academy Award (1996) - Winner for Best Adapted Screenplay.
• Golden Globe (1996) - Winner for Best Motion Picture and Best Screenplay.

Source: imdb.com

"Dogma"

Plot

Why You Should Watch

• The film offers a provocative and ironic view on religious dogmas and biblical stories.
• "Dogma" is full of witty dialogues and absurd situations.
• Alan Rickman as the sarcastic and weary angel is one of the most memorable characters in the film.

I always thought the phrase "I laughed until I cried" was just an oxymoron. Until it happened to me. I watched "Dogma": the funniest movie I have ever seen. It felt like the movie was made specifically for my twisted sense of humor. It was an incredible mix of high and low.

Reviewer Zorro-3 from "Imdb"

Interesting Facts

• "Dogma" is part of Kevin Smith's cinematic universe View Askewniverse, including "Clerks", "Mallrats", "Chasing Amy", "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back". They are all connected by common characters and events.
• The angels in the film wear similar clothing that differs in color, and the hoods symbolize halos.
• Alan Rickman was offered the role of Metatron knowing his love for the movie "Chasing Amy". Rickman clarified only two points: adherence to the script and how the wings would be created. Mechanical wings were ultimately chosen over CGI.

Awards and Nominations

• "Golden Satellite Award" (2000) - Nomination for "Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role" (Alan Rickman).
• Independent Spirit Awards - Nomination for "Best Screenplay".

Source: imdb.com

"Love Actually"

Plot

Why Watch

• A warm and cozy Christmas atmosphere.
• The feeling of love is shown from different angles - from passion to friendship, from joy to sadness. Although Rickman's storyline is not the most cheerful, it shows the complexity of relationships.

What I liked most about 'Love Actually' is that, for the most part, the film realistically portrays relationships, happy and sad, successful and unsuccessful, with a future and without one. It explores different forms and levels of love, sometimes straightforward and carefree, sometimes complex and contradictory. It has sentimental happy moments and touching sad ones, moments of great strength and moments of foolish weakness.

Reviewer BrianWatchesMovies from 'Imdb'

Interesting Facts

• In the film, the scene of Colin Firth and Lúcia Moniz's characters swimming was shot in a lake only 45 cm deep. The actors had to kneel to create the illusion of depth.
• The DVD release of the film was the best-selling in the UK in 2004.
• The opening scenes of meetings at Heathrow Airport were filmed with hidden cameras. The crew captured real people meeting and then obtained permission to use the footage.

Awards and Nominations

• BAFTA Award (2004) - Winner for Best Supporting Actor (Bill Nighy).
• Golden Globe (2004) - Nominations for Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) and Best Screenplay.

Source: imdb.com

"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"

Plot

Why Watch

• Tim Burton created a gothic and sinister world of Victorian London.
• The opportunity to hear Alan Rickman sing, as the film is an adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's Broadway musical.

As a fan of the original stage version of this dark gothic story, I am pleased to report that Burton's latest work seemed impressive and well-thought-out to me. Fans of the original will not be disappointed by the first-class cast and the surprisingly dark overtures that accompany every minute of 'Sweeney Todd.' Tim Burton, one of the masters of creating atmosphere, immerses us in the grim streets of a depressing London, and his skill is evident in every scene.

Reviewer ArrestedDevelopee from 'Imdb'

Interesting Facts

• The film was shot under the code name "Project 32463" to maintain secrecy.
• The makeup for the main actors took about an hour and a half daily.
• Depp rehearsed Sweeney Todd's parts even during breaks in filming another movie - "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," walking around the set and singing.

Awards and Nominations

• Oscar (2008) - Winner for Best Art Direction.
• Golden Globe (2008) - Winner for Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) and Best Actor (Johnny Depp).

Source: imdb.com

"Galaxy Quest"

Plot

Why You Should Watch

• The film satirizes the clichés of sci-fi series like "Star Trek."
• The actors created vivid and comical characters.
• Alan Rickman plays Alexander Dane, an actor who hates his role as Dr. Lazarus and dreams of serious dramatic roles. It's one of Rickman's funniest and most touching roles.

Leaving the theater where I watched 'Galaxy Quest,' I thought about how surprised I was that I enjoyed a film that seemed like a banal family parody. But the film turned out to be an adventure action movie with genuinely funny moments. I liked the film. It has the traits of a successful sci-fi drama, but also contains many comedic characters that made the entire audience laugh out loud.

Reviewer Movie-12 from 'Imdb'

Interesting Facts

• In the film, Alan Rickman's character, Alexander Dane, was originally supposed to have a knightly title, but the actor asked to remove it. However, he is still credited as "Sir."
• The original version of the film was darker and contained violent scenes. After test screenings, the film was reworked to focus on comedy for a more family-friendly PG rating.
• A sequel was planned, but Alan Rickman's death in 2016 halted those plans.

Awards and Nominations

Source: imdb.com