Hans Gruber, played to perfection by Alan Rickman (we miss you), in the film Die Hard is one of my favorite villains. Ever.
When he glides off the elevator in a custom-tailored, Savile Row suit, followed by a horde of to-die-for bad boys masquerading as terrorists to execute the ultimate burglary, Hans had me at: “I could talk about men’s fashion and industrialization all day but I’m afraid work must intrude .”
Witty, sophisticated, brilliant, I’d have gone for him big time if he didn’t have that ruthless penchant for killing innocent people. Although he radiated heartlessness, he wrangled his pack as a true leader, stayed firm to his goals, perverse as they may be, and maintained a veneer of politeness when dealing with the hostages (even though he did ultimately plan on killing them all).
Finding John McClane’s weaknesses, he exploited every one of them, with a smirk on his face and quip on his lips, like, “I am an exceptional thief, Mrs. McClane. And since I’m moving up to kidnapping, you should be more polite.”
What really made Hans accessible was Alan Rickman’s performance. In Rickman’s own own words, he notes that to him Hans was not a villain. And that is why he nailed the character—he kept him human.
Credit: NastyaytsaN on youtube
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What is your favorite line in Die Hard? Alternatively, what is your favorite Alan Rickman film or role?
Alan Rickman (RIP) was a brilliant actor who made each of his characters his own.I think my favourite role was when he played Judge Turpin in Sweeny Todd alongside Johnny Depp, mainly because it was totally different from anything else he ever played.
Amble Bay’s Village Hall!
Hans Gruber remains my favorite Alan Rickman character. Maybe because it was my first. That always makes it poignant and memorable, like it created the synapses in my brain that get turned on when I see him in other roles.
Without a doubt Dr Lazarus in Galaxy Quest. https://youtu.be/KJ3_u3lxr7c
That was a great one. Thanks for dropping by.
It’s a great actor who can make villains be human.
Sandra Ulbrich Almazan, Science Fiction/Fantasy Author
Yes. Maybe its why I find Hans Gruber to be one of my favorite villains.
I didn’t see the movie; but, I will take your word for it. I was a huge fan of Alan Rickman. I believe it was his voice was his greatest talent.
Hey, It’s Ann visiting from A to Z So Much to Choose From and
Science Ladybug
His voice was amazing. He could make even mediocre scripts work.
Keeping them human sounds like the key.
Affirmations for a Good Life
Especially when the antagonist is not even really human at all (e.g. alien, AI, etc..)
Every character he played was human first – it made all of them memorable!
So very true, which his more impressive since he played a lot of darker characters. Thanks for dropping by.
Great choice! I love this character and Alan Rickman portrayed him perfectly
Debbie
Thanks. He really did rock this role.