(03-11-2019, 07:19 AM)Bob Schroeck Wrote: Still thinking about an answer to yours, BA. Several tropes, like Anti-Villain, circle around around or near the idea but aren't it. Maybe it would help if you listed the character or characters that suggested the idea to you.
Okay, so...
The basic idea, as far as I'm concerned so you may take this with as little or as much salt as you like, is that A Villain Too Cool to Hate is related to other villainous tropes like Magnificent Bastard, but has its own set of qualifications. For example, a Magnificent Bastard is still someone you can despise because they're just that despicable. Also not to be confused with Affably Evil, as that's just a villain that does horrible terrible things while being goddamned -polite- about it! Also, not an Anti-Villain or Anti-Hero since, as the names imply, neither are true villains.
Too Cool to Hate, on the other hand is more like, "Okay. This dude doesn't have many redeeming qualities, but GOD DAMN if that wasn't awesome!"
Possible examples of Too Cool to Hate are some of the more modern interpretations of Lex Luthor (particularly the 90's animated series version - yes, the man is a reprehensible bastard, but he does it with style and aplomb). Also, David Xanatos from Gargoyles, who we already know in tropage for Xanatos Gambit and Thirty Xanatos Pileup.
Another I'd nominate would be Sephiroth from FFVII. Especially the version we see in Advent Children. (That smug-as-fuck smile when he shows up, followed by that oh-so-cool-and-cordial "Hello Cloud" sold it on the spot.)
DARTH. FREAKIN'. VADER. 'Nuff said. (Seriously, if any of the rest of the SW materials didn't sell it, then his appearance in Rogue One should have sealed the deal. "Be careful that you do not choke on your ambition.")
Possible: Heath Ledger's take on The Joker - quite possibly the most perfect rendition we have ever seen of the insane, homicidal clown.
Hannibal Lecter: yes, he is creepy and sadistic. But damn if he doesn't make it interesting, even epic at times.
Beetlejuice: It's hard not to like The Ghost with The Most, unless you're the type that's got a stick up your butt when it comes to slapstick and mayhem. Although it's debatable if he's actually an anti-villain.
Captain Hook - the portrayal by Dustin Hoffman in the film Hook damn-near stole the show at times.
Darkness - The makeup on this character was phenomenal, but Tim Curry brings him to life in a way I don't think anyone else could.
That's all I got for now.
Thoughts?