The most memorable aspects of science fiction films are often their characters. A well-written, well-acted character has the ability to draw a whole new level of involvement from the audience. They can at times inspire, they can at times entertain, and they can always give us someone through whom we can to relate to the events on screen. This month, we celebrate science fiction's best, most unforgettable characters, made great both by their scripts and by their actors.
10. Dr. Frankenstein
Towering over science fiction's many characters is Dr. Victor (sometimes Henry) Frankenstein. He is the genre's pure example of that combination of conceitedness, brilliance, and lack of concern for consequences that makes up almost every mad scientist in print or film. Single-mindedly obsessed with creating life, Dr. Frankenstein is heedless of what the consequences of such an act would be or what the creation itself might think. The good doctor has been played by many different actors, but the portrayals of him by Colin Clive and Peter Cushing remain the best. While the performances vary greatly in style, they do have one thing in common: the willingness to go to absolutely any length to prove his own theories.
9. John Connor
It is no coincidence that Terminator franchise star John Connor shares his initials with Jesus Christ because Connor is the savior of the human race in a post-apocalyptic world. Though in the first film Connor was only mentioned, he was a vital piece of the franchise from its very inception. Throughout the Terminator films, viewers have watched the rise of John Connor from frightened teenager afraid of his destiny (Terminator 2: Judgment Day) to his eventual role as leader of the resistance (Terminator Salvation). Connor’s strength, courage, and determination demonstrated in these films have made him a truly exceptional science fiction character.
8. Malcolm Reynolds
Macolm Reynolds, commonly called “Mal” by his crew, is the quick-witted captain of the Firefly-class spaceship Serenity, in the film named after his ship and based off the cult hit television series Firefly, to which the film serves as a final episode. Written and acted to perfection by Joss Whedon and Nathan Fillion respectively, Mal not only has a great one-liner loaded and ready at all times, he also always has a trick up his sleeve as well as the knowhow to get his crew through the toughest situations.
This is also a character with flaws, though, and that makes him even more fun to watch. Every now and then, he’ll spout a witticism that doesn’t quite work. See the following exchange, for example:
Mal: Do you want to run this ship?!
Jayne (crew member): Yes!
Mal: Well … you can’t!
There are also moments when Mal’s plans don’t quite work out, making it fortunate that he has such a (mostly) loyal crew. All of these things make the character human and fully enjoyable to watch. A true space cowboy, in a more literal sense than science fiction has brought us yet.
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