In Catherine Hardwicke's frightening version of the fairy tail classic Red Riding Hood, Gary Oldman co-stars as Soloman, a fiery enemy of the occult who is not entirely convinced Valerie (Amanda Seyfried) is who she says. How did Oldman get to the point of eccentric supporting actor in 'tween bait after starting his career as a scrappy leading man? With every actor a direct line can be traced through their in order to gauge their current place in the industry and, with Oldman, he's become one of the go-to wicked villains. Let's take a look at eight milestones in the career of one Gary Leonard Oldman.
Sid & Nancy (1986)
After starting on a string of British made-for-TV projects, Oldman's first big time starring role was as Sex Pistols' bassist Sid Vicious. Oldman received mass accolades for his portrayal, even from Sex Pistols' lead vocalist John Lydon (Johnny Rotten), a notoriously tough critic on -- well, pretty much everything, including the film as a whole. Because of his performance in Sid & Nancy, Oldman's career soon took off. Unfortunately, his Nancy (Chloe Webb) went on to a career of mostly bit roles and television guest spots, including, yes, Two and a Half Men.
We Think the World of You (1989)
The plot of this movie -- a married bisexual sent to prison has to give away his dog which eventually becomes abused -- does not quite match up with the "comedy hi-jinks" voice used in the voice-over in the clip below. Regardless, another example of Oldman's peculiar choices for film roles that still continues to this day.
JFK (1991)
Oldman's first small-but-scene-stealing role in a major movie. Here he plays Lee Harvey Oswald, and for such a major character in the story of Kennedy's assignation, most of his screentime is relegated to television clips and flashbacks. No matter for Oldman. In fact, a strong case can be made that Oldman's performance in JFK set a course for him as a scene-chewing villain in major studio movies. I mean, seriously, watch him as Oswald below -- Oldman absolutely owns this role, despite appearing in mostly hazy flashbacks.
Romeo is Bleeding (1993)
One of Oldman's last true leading roles in a bigger budgeted film, and it's a shame because he makes a fascinating lead character. Then again, this is a perfect example of the headline roles that Oldman used to accept -- the anti-hero involved with such unscrupulous characters that at one point in the movie he even has a toe cut off.
The Fifth Element (1997)
The epitome of the kind of role Gary Oldman played during this time period and, to a certain extent, today. That's certainly not a slam on The Fifth Element or Oldman. Actually, I don't think it would be possible for any other actor to play the role Zorg -- the evil, strangely Southern-accented (?) industrialist who made a pact with the Great Evil. The mid '90s to early '00s were an evil genius oasis for Oldman -- some better than others -- with Element, The Professional, True Romance, Lost in Space, Air Force One and a grotesque turn in Hannibal. So grotesque that Oldman probably was looking for any role that didn't involve flesh-eating boars in the future. Perhaps that can explain...
Friends (2001)
Proof that, if he wants to, Oldman can do comedy. This appearance further cemented the fact that he can step into any genre and steal scenes, even if it's on an established sitcom like Friends. Oldman plays Richard Crosby, an actor who spits when he pronounces his lines, prompting Joey to return the favor. I almost feel sorry for poor Matt LeBlanc in this scene, having to go head-to-head with his former Lost in Space co-star in an over-acting demonstration.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
In the third chapter of the Harry Potter series, Oldman plays Sirius Black, an escapee from the titular prison. The thing about Oldman's performance in Azkaban is that he uses the manic energy reserved for his more villainous characters on a character that is relatively good. Oldman, with this role, proved that he could still bring his style of acting to a character not hell bent on world domination -- at least, the major studios thought so...
Batman Begins (2005)
It's not a total surprise that Oldman could pull off the part of -- at the time -- Sgt. James Gordon. It is a surprise that Oldman could pull it off without his usual flair for the dramatic. He's used to playing the over-the-top oddball, and this (as well in The Dark Knight) is quite possibly Oldman's most straightforward role yet. Though in a strange twist of fate, being completely surrounded by over-the-top oddballs makes Oldman feel peculiar once again. He's too normal for Batman! Not to worry, however: As roles in Book of Eli and Red Riding Hood can attest, there's still room for Gary to twirl his imaginary mustache for the sake of evil.