8. Emperor Commodus - Gladiator
Joaquin Phoenix's unique portrayal of Emperor Commodus is by far the stand-out thing for Ridley Scott's Gladiator. He is a slimy, dangerous coward capable of shockingly atrocious acts such as murdering his father and butchering a man's family out of jealousy. He really is quite a sickening individual and he rules over Rome with an iron fist, squashing all those who challenge him. Opposite him, is Russell Crowe's Maximus, the often quoted hero of the piece. Maximus is a very ordinary hero who has something horrible done to him by the villain and has to go on a lengthy quest of revenge with several grueling obstacles in the way. Despite Crowe's roaring performance and constant bravado, he can't for a second become as interesting or compelling as the man Phoenix plays with sinister perfection.