10 Horror Movie Characters Who Were Perfectly Cast (The Second Time)
6. Paul - Michael Pitt (Funny Games U.S.)
The Original
In Michael Haneke's original 1997 version of home invasion horror Funny Games, the primary instigator of the attack is Paul, played with a bone-chillingly detached menace by Arno Frisch.
Second Time's The Charm
But for the 2007 English-language remake, effectively a shot-for-shot retelling directed by Haneke himself, the part of Paul was played by Michael Pitt, who impressively manages to one-up Frisch with a somehow even more terrifying performance.
Though audiences remain staunchly divided on which version of Funny Games is the best, Pitt's mesmerising work as Paul alone justifies the remake's existence.
Haneke acutely understands the haunting quality of Pitt's stone cold facial expressions, used here to deeply disconcerting effect as Paul's actions become increasingly depraved ahead of the unforgettably grim climax.
Frisch did a solid job in the original film, no question, but Pitt is on a whole other level of creepy here, his work leaving a lingering impression long after the end credits roll.