Even while writing this article, I became confused in whether this would focus on war speeches or just characters talking for a long time. Then I decided that I could instead do both. I’ll have an article right now for great monologues, which is defined a speech from one character speaking their thoughts aloud, and I’ll have a separate one for great wartime speeches for another day. So in the movies you’ll see below, you won’t find the empowering words of William Wallace or Theoden, King of Rohan, but the long speeches that are particularly mesmerizing in their substance and delivery. This is a very broad topic, so I’d imagine the choices I made could be considered lousy, and that there are more suitable ones. That’s your job, to find them and prove me wrong.
Syndrome – My evil plan
Included only because he actually uses the word monologue. And it’s true that monologue-ing is a villain’s fatal flaw.
Damien Cockburn – I am Jesus Christ, your savier.
Ah! I searched everywhere for a embedable version of this clip. Unfortunately I couldn’t find it. This monologue is particularly amazing, but I like Steve Coogan a lot as an actor, and he has quite a mouthful in this relatively long scene. But he pulls it off with profession and is even noted in the Tropic Thunder director commentary.
Jules Winnfield – Ezekiel 25:17
Without a doubt.
V – There’s something wrong with this world
This movie is so quotable, but this TV scene is particularly good.
Verbal Kint – The Only Thing that Scares Me
I wanted to include another clip from this scene, but this is the best I could come up with. I have to be careful thought when posting about The Usual Suspects..
All great monologues, though I’ve got to say, I’m slightly surprised/disappointed to not see Montgomery Brogan’s monologue from 25th Hour here. In case you haven’t seen it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Za2k5wA3sk
I’m cooking up a monologues part 2 because there are many that I’ve just completely forgotten about, that one including. Thanks for the reminder though!
I love the Ezequiel one, and of course the Usual Suspects one!! Oh, and Syndrome was epic… bad guys ALWAYS monologue…