Sometimes it's hard to think of a Kevin Spacey who doesn't have at least a little bit of the super-intelligent villain in him. Do you think he had that dry, sardonic voice even when he was in primary school? He's put his unique skill set to good use as Frank Underwood on House of Cards, one of the shows that launched Netflix as a legitimate provider of original content. Spacey plays a dastardly politician (is there any other?) in a way that few others can. He's ruthlessly manipulative, willing to do anything to further his own agenda, with no regard to who he is hurting or the damage he causes along the way. It might feel like a easy target. After all, Frank Underwood isn't the first corrupt politician character that has ever been written. But then you watch the show, and realize what an engaging and multi-faceted person Frank Underwood is. He may be the main character of House of Cards, but it's hard to argue that he's the hero of it.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
