Why Philip Seymour Hoffman Makes the Best Villain
There is more hype than ever for the Impossible mission franchise. It seems there is no limit to what Tom Cruise will do on screen to entertain the public. Between scaling the world’s tallest building, clinging to the side of a plane, and holding his breath for several minutes, it’s unclear what Cruise will do in the upcoming two-part episode. Mission: Impossible – Estimated, slated for release in 2023 and 2024. Both films are expected to wrap up Ethan Hunt’s story. What could the series possibly save for its finale?
Ironically, the advent of Cruise for putting himself in harm’s way actually presents a problem for the series. Admittedly, the Impossible mission saga is easily one of the most consistent high-quality film franchises currently running. However, movies have always had the same problem: annoying villains. There’s so much focus on the stunts that the villains often feel secondary to the spectacle. Ethan is such a deeply committed character that it’s hard for a villain to provide him with any serious threat. Even the best entries in the series have suffered from forgettable antagonists.
2006 Mission: Impossible 3 was an interesting transitional moment in the series’ history. John Woosequel to 2000 Mission: Impossible 2 was a huge financial success (it became the highest-grossing film of the year), but the most over-the-top style was radically different from Brian DePalmameticulous first film. Mission: Impossible 3 thankfully returned the series to the style of the original 1996 classic. JJ Abrams‘ threequel would eventually be topped by the following slices Ghost Protocol, Rogue Nationand Fallit’s the only movie in the franchise that features a villain as interesting as Ethan.
Philip Seymour Hoffman delivers a gripping performance as ruthless arms dealer Owen Davian. Davian is already a wanted arms dealer, but the Impossible Mission Force learns that he is after an enigmatic object, known only as “Rabbit’s Foot”. Given Davian’s story, the IMF is certain there will be dire circumstances if he gets his hands on whatever the “rabbit’s foot” is. Like most good JJ Abrams mystery boxes, the “rabbit’s foot” itself doesn’t really matter. Instead, it’s a fun MacGuffin that helps flesh out just how ruthless Davians can be.
Hoffman is perhaps the most versatile actor of his generation and he is completely invested in the material. It does not decrease the intensity at all. Hoffman gives Davian a realistic side that is slightly odd. Unlike an eccentric Bond villain, Davian represents a realistic form of evil. Ethan isn’t trying to stop a crazed villain from taking over the world; he must prevent an arms dealer from endangering innocent civilians. Hoffman’s lair, seen in the opening sequence, is something that looks like it could actually exist.
The opening sequence itself is absolutely electrifying and immediately raises the stakes for the film. In a flash towards the climax, Davian holds Ethan captive and threatens Ethan’s wife, Julia (Michelle Monaghan). Hoffman commands the stage with his soft, understated voice. He explains to Ethan in detail how he will torment his new bride if Ethan does not comply with her wishes. There is no reason to doubt him. This creates a plausible threat; unlike Ethan, Julia could die. While a successful franchise is unlikely to kill off its main character (and apparently Cruise himself is immortal), the idea of killing off Ethan’s love interest seems like a possibility.
This scene contributes to bringing a feeling of dread to the first moments. The film moves forward to the present, and for the first time in the series so far, Ethan looks genuinely relaxed. He is now retired from field work at the IMF. Ethan celebrates his engagement to Julia and seems comfortable leading a relatively normal life. The viewer knows that this seemingly happy couple will soon be drawn into Davian’s plot. The opening also builds anticipation for Davian’s reveal later.
Davian succeeds where other villains have failed because, for the most part, he’s tied to the action sequences themselves. During the Dubai tower sequence in Ghost Protocolmain villain Kurt Hendricks (Michael Nyqvist) does not matter at all. When Ethan and his team must infiltrate Vatican City undetected, they must abduct Davian before he makes a deal for the “rabbit’s foot.” Tension mounts as Ethan has to put on a mask to disguise himself as Davian.
Even if their mission succeeds and Davian is captured, it still feels like he has the upper hand. Davian doesn’t explain his plan when Ethan threatens to throw him to death. He has already thought of several steps ahead. Right now, it’s clear that Davian is just as determined to hurt people as Ethan is to save them. Although not a physical threat, Davian feels like Ethan’s equal.
During the finale, Ethan rushes desperately through the streets and fights with goons to reach Julia. Abrams does a great job of cutting between the relentless action moments and the more subtle tension of Davian holding Julia hostage. Davian’s patience is wearing thin as he waits to receive the “Rabbit’s Foot”. Hoffman had been so reserved so far that his angry tirade sounds particularly menacing. Even after Ethan kills Davian, he still has to rescue Julia and retrieve the “rabbit’s foot”. Davian is still wreaking havoc after his death.
Mission: Impossible 3 is a solid entry in the series. It established a tone that subsequent films would embody and manage to perfect. While the film is unlikely to rank highly in any franchise rankings, it’s still something new to the series thanks to its villain. It’s the only entry where the scariest aspect isn’t a death-defying stunt, but an actual character.
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