Shuvrajit Das Biswas
10. War For the Planet of the Apes
Woody Harrelson plays a remorseless colonel,McCullough in this third installment to the Planet of Apes franchise. A merciless man whose philosophy closely mirrors the Aryan supremacy philosophy, he is bent on exterminating all apes because of a virus they carry that make some humans behave in an ape like manner. His cruelty is magnified because he seems to genuinely believe that he is doing good and he knows and respects no limits because he kills his own men as easily as he kills apes. Harrelson plays the crazed colonel brilliantly which includes taking a defiant stand against the rest of the US military and in an excellent performance shows the tragedy of the colonel’s life when he too is affected by the same virus that he had sworn to eradicate. The larger than life man is reduced to a whimpering creature as he takes his own life filled with self loathing. Harrelson’s recent performance is as strong as it is poignant.
9. Welcome to Sarajevo
Jimmy Flynn played by Woody Harrelson in this film is a minor supporting role and not at all the main focus of the story. However, we cannot help but shortlist this as one of Harrelson’s best performances as he brings an energy into the film that cannot be quantified by on-screen minutes. He shows the dangers and thrills of war journalism. He is a cowboy like addict hooked to the dangers of war. He follows it, and ensures great television. Perhaps he is given to a little lunacy as is a slight underlying motif of a few of Harrelson’s characters. When reported that Sarajevo is the 14th worst crisis in the world according to the charts. Flynn’s flamboyant nature forces him to ask if it is moving up or down in the charts. Harrelson portrays the character of the thrill seeker with ease and wisdom and makes it one of his most memorable performances.
8. Indecent Proposal
A film that most people remember for Demi Moore’s acting, it nonetheless has a stellar cast all around including Robert Redford and Woody Harrelson. Harrelson plays the role of David, a man very much in love with his wife played by Demi Moore. After they lose a lot of money in Vegas they are approached by Gage, an eccentric millionaire played by Redford. They are offered a sum of million dollars to let Demi spend the night with Gage. David grapples with the dilemma but ultimately agrees to it. However, as the movie goes on we see David trying to grasp with the consequences of this action but his insecurity leads to an unraveling of their marriage. He hits rock bottom but there is salvation at the end of the film for him because they realize their love for each other and Demi goes back to Harrelson’s character. He plays the role with intensity and poignancy that is sure to bring tears to our eyes as the love forsaken husband who has to see his beloved walk out of his life.
7. The People Vs Larry Flynt
This biopic stars Woody Harrelson as Larry Flynt, the man who started Hustler magazine. Harrelson brings all the complexities and eccentricities of the character to life. His indignation and pain is evident in the scenes where he loses his wife or is shot after exiting a courthouse. Larry is anti establishment and Harrelson captures the rebel in Flynt perfectly – from wearing the American flag as a diaper to throwing an orange at a judge, he delivers a powerful performance that remains etched in our minds long after the movie is over.
6. No Country For Old Men
Woody Harrelson plays Carson Wells in this Coen brothers’ film. A chilling portrayal of a mercenary, Wells is perhaps the most remarkable character in the movie after Anton Chigurh. The only thing about Wells’ character is that his driving motive is evident. He works for money plain and simple. However, his casual attitude to violence and his philosophies of the world are remarkably similar to Anton’s. Harrelson plays this ex Vietnam war colonel with a chilling accuracy and to be remembered in a film that has a performance like Javier Bardem’s Chigurh is no small feat.
