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5 Great Non-Horror Portrayals of The Devil!

Just over a week ago, I wrote up a list of 5 Great Portrayals of the Devil in Horror over on . I don’t know why but focusing on the Prince of Darkness during such a festive time of the year fills me with a rather mischievous glee. Since that post did so well over on BD, I figured I’d whip up another post, only this time I’d leave the horror genre out of it. So, without further ado, here are 5 Great Portrayals of the Devil in Non-Horror Movies!

Tim Curry – Legend

Just yesterday I wrote about how much I loved, and still adore, Ridley Scott’s Legend. Part of the appeal is that Darkness, who some might argue isn’t really the Devil, is such a fascinating character. On top of being a tall monstrosity, he’s got an elegance and almost gentleman-like charisma about him. He speaks with great care, giving every word that leaves his lips its due respect. I always found him to be a strangely admirable portrayal.

Plus, it’s Tim freakin’ Curry!

Elizabeth Hurley – Bedazzled

I remember seeing this movie when it came out, enjoying it, and then forgetting about it for well over a decade. It was only earlier this year that I streamed it and found myself genuinely enjoying the story of Elliott (Brendan Fraser) as he tries to barter with the Devil (Hurley) to find a way to get the woman of his dreams to love him.

Fraser is fantastic as he plays through multiple roles while Hurley is perfect as a sexy, seductive Devil who isn’t necessarily as evil as religious history would suggest.

Trey Parker – South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut

Of all the Devils that have been portrayed in cinema, I honestly believe that none have been as entertaining as South Park‘s incarnation. He can sing, he can dance, and he can throw Saddam Hussein into the pit of Hell and impale him without a second’s thought. He’s probably one of the more entertaining characters in the show’s lexicon and it’s a shame that we haven’t seen him around in a while.

Rosalinda Celentano – The Passion of the Christ

I have my issues with this film but I can’t deny that it’s gorgeous and well made. Furthermore, when I saw it in theaters, I, along with nearly everyone else, was thoroughly creeped out by Celentano’s performance as Satan. Undeniably sinister, there was a strange hypnotic seduction present in her performance, which gave her appearance and demeanor incredible weight and gravitas.

Jack Nicholson – The Witches of Eastwick

Nicholson is one of the greatest actors that has graced the silver screen. So having him play the Devil opposite three witches (Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer) was an inspired casting decision. He’s rude yet charming, obscene yet delightful, vicious yet seductive. He’s everything you think a Devil should be and more. Plus, he vomits absurd amounts of cherries, which is simply fantastic.

Related Topicsbedazzledbigger longer and uncutelizabeth hurleyjack nicholsonlegendRosalinda CelentanoThe Passion of the ChristThe Witches of Eastwicktim currytrey parker
5 Comments
  • Calum Sanderson

    The Passion of the Christ IS a horror movie, guys. And casting a woman as Satan was a certifiably misogynistic move. But it is a phenomenal HORROR film.

    • I fail to see how The Passion of the Christ is a horror film. It’s religious pseudo-historical drama but definitely not horror. And why is it misogynistic to cast a woman as Satan?

      • Calum Sanderson

        You see I’m a big horror fan, and when I was thirteen seeing it in a packed cinema, I saw it as a horror movie. This guy is being beaten up, clawed, humiliated by an ENTIRE CITY. The supernatural elements which surround it cement the horror idea. I will add I was raised catholic but no longer consider myself religious in any way shape or form, yet I love Passion, and perhaps, psychologically speaking, that’s the only way I can ever stomach it: as a horror movie.

        Now, considering a female Satan, it’s misogynistic because of the Catholic Church’s stance on women in general – they hate them (why do you think priests bugger young boys instead?) And it is no surprise Mel Gibson decided to make Satan a woman, giving his hardcore religiosity.

        Now, I’m not saying it’s WRONG to have a woman portray the devil. In fact, what I remember of her performance is truly frightening and, to be honest, the most memorable parts of the film. But putting it into historical context, into the horror the Catholic Church has put upon women, the misogyny comes through thick and fast.

        Please also know that I am not an SJW – I don’t complain about this kind of stuff, nor am I really “complaining” about a female Satan. I am simply pointing out the context of why Gibson chose a woman – albeit a talented, game, striking woman – to portray Satan.

        • I too am a big horror fan. I also saw it opening night in theaters, although I come from a Jewish family and Jewish background. That the guy is being “beaten up, clawed” and “humiliated” doesn’t make it a horror movie, nor do the “supernatural elements”. Those elements are present in the Bible, which is not considered a horror novel. That the movie is violent and gory does not make it horror, otherwise we’d consider Saving Private Ryan a horror film.

          As for why you think Satan being portrayed by a woman is misogynistic, I really think the reasoning is a stretch. I believe Gibson cast a woman because it reinforced the concept of the temptation and seduction that Jesus went through and overcame. Those are two concepts that are brought up time and time again in the Bible and The Passion of the Christ is seen by many as the ultimate test of such trials.

          Additionally, Satan isn’t shown to be overly feminine. In fact, the portrayal is quite androgynous, suggesting that Satan can be both man and woman, tempting as it sees fit. To see Satan as solely female is, in my opinion, something a viewer would do independently. I remember being very confused by Satan in that I couldn’t put my finger on whether it was a man or a woman, which, according to many, seems to be the point.

          Using that theory, it actually isn’t misogynistic but quite equal. Both men and women can be brave (as seen by Jesus and Mary) and both can be evil (Satan). Goodness and evil do not come from what’s between our legs, it comes from what’s in our heads and hearts.

  • Casmer

    Honorable mention for Robert Judd in Crossroads??

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