10 Best Ian Holm Performances
3. Ash - Alien
And now for something completely different. Holm has been kind on camera. He has been stern. He has been funny. But, in 1979's Alien, he was downright frightening, portraying the Company's Science Officer, Ash.
Ridley Scott's Alien is an absolute masterpiece in filmmaking, not least due to the stellar cast that he put together. Holm is, compared to the truckers surrounding him, a rather quiet and often meek scientist, rarely joining the banter that they enjoy. His eyes, ever watchful, just pan from each to each.
Ash may not be evil, existing as a product of his programming, but Holm imbues him with a sinister, emotionless quality that is downright unsettling. Throughout the film, Ash makes sense. The others listen to him as he speaks with such certainty. Even in breaking quarantine, he seems to be doing so for the good of Kane.
The reveal of his true nature is terrifying, even all of these years later. He goes from resolute to unhinged in an instant, throwing Ripley and Parker around like it is nothing to him. His choice of weapon against Ripley, the rolled up magazine, is both bizzare and unnerving. Ash wants to kill her - he will do whatever he can to make that happen.
His final monologue ranks among the best of Holm's career, spoken with such passionless pleasantry, smiling at the survivors as they begin to panic. Never has Ian Holm been so cruel in his kindness. Ash will remain at the forefront of so many peoples' minds when thinking of him - the performance is incredible.