For most, a smile is a sign of friendship, but for others. . .
These characters put a sinister twist on what should be a heartwarming expression.
- Ted (played by Michael Pare) from Bad Moon – It’s his fanged smile that makes the werewolf transformation scene in this movie truly terrifying. Ted isn’t a romance novel werewolf, that’s for sure.
- Mr. Hyde (played by James Nesbitt) from Jekyll – He’s mastered the art of a smile that’s both sinister and playful, making it an accurate reflection of the character himself. Every time he flashes that grin, trouble is sure to follow.
- Norman Bates/Mother (played by Anthony Perkins) from Psycho – When he’s Norman, he’s quite cute and likeable, but when he’s Mother, he’s terrifying and few things are scarier than Mother’s smile at the end of this movie.
- Loki (played by Tom Hiddleston) from Avengers – Like Norman Bates, Loki has a startlingly sweet face for an insane killer, but his smile reflects his true nature. Remember his evil grin when he arrives on Earth?
- Dominick/Richard (played by Tom Adams) from The House that Dripped Blood – He’s a character within a character — a man who gets wrapped up in his own menacing performance. During one particular scene by the edge of a brook, he flashes a heart-stopping smile that’s impossible to forget.
- John Torrance (played by Steve Webber) in The Shining – I’m not sure that sinister is quite strong enough to describe John Torrance’s gore-enhanced grin toward the end of this miniseries. While part of me wanted to feel sorry for this guy, he was just too horrible and that smile is the kind that inspires nightmares.
- Tribal Doll/Amelia (Karen Black) from Trilogy of Terror – If there was a prize for most sinister grin, it probably would have gone to Karen Black for her portrayal of Amelia, a woman taken over by a violent spirit trapped inside an African tribal doll. The doll itself is a pretty terrifying character, putting Amelia through hell in its attempt to claim her body.
Which sinister smiles are on your top list?
Links courtesy of IMDb.