Thor: The Dark World has generated mixed reactions among fans. Some think its just as good or better than the first Thor, while others feel its one of the weak links in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But one thing we can perhaps all agree on is that Christopher Ecclestons Malekith, who was supposed to be the main villain of the film, was criminally underused. In the comics, Malekith the Accursed is one of the Dark Elves and Thor: The Dark World maintained his two-faced appearance. But the problem here is the prosthetics are so heavy that it prevented Eccleston from making any sort of expression. Its unknown why they even went this route when the Dark Elves dont need that elaborate of a make-up design to begin with. Remember how Peter Jackson handled the elves in the Lord of the Rings? Just do that, except throw on some blue paint (or half blue and half black in the case of Malekith). Instead, they gave them these prosthetic faces that made them all look very fake and prevented any expressions. It didnt help that virtually all of Malekiths lines were delivered in the language of the Dark Elves. Its a given that any villain in The Dark World would be overshadowed by Loki, so why make it even easier?
Percival Constantine is the author of several novels and short stories, including the Vanguard superhero series, and regularly writes and comments on movies, comics, and other pop culture. More information can be found at his website, PercivalConstantine.com
