3. William Shatner - Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRnSnfiUI54 So prolific is William Shatner's overacting in Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan that it's become a popular Internet meme, and even those who haven't seen the film are well aware of its most famous, infuriated utterance made by Captain Kirk. Shatner is by all classical standards a pretty terrible actor - the guy doesn't know how to deliver dialogue naturally and his inflexions tend to come off all wrong - but he has an amusing presence, which is harnessed perfectly in this unintentionally uproarious - but brilliant - scene in particular. "KHAAAAAAAN!", Shatner shouts as his face contorts into various configurations I hadn't previously thought imaginable. It's a moment that's supposed to be dramatically involving, though Shatner in effect "ruins" it by making it laughable. However, within a contemporary context, the scene is beloved by most Trekkies who have seen the film enough to not have his hamminess end up destroying things completely.
Shaun Munro
Contributor
Frequently sleep-deprived film addict and video game obsessive who spends more time than is healthy in darkened London screening rooms. Follow his twitter on @ShaunMunroFilm or e-mail him at shaneo632 [at] gmail.com.
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