Peter Stormare, a name synonymous with unforgettable character portrayals, particularly in villainous roles, has graced both the big and small screens for decades. From Hollywood blockbusters to cult classics and gripping television series, Stormare’s intense presence and versatile acting have made him a favorite among directors and audiences alike. This article delves into some of the most memorable Peter Stormare Movies And Shows, showcasing the breadth and depth of his impressive career.
Peter Stormare’s Memorable Roles: A Rogues’ Gallery
Stormare’s filmography is a testament to his ability to embody complex and often morally ambiguous characters. He’s not just a villain; he’s a scene-stealer, injecting life and intrigue into every role he undertakes. Let’s explore some of his standout performances:
The Last Stand (2013)
In The Last Stand, Stormare plays Burrell, a key antagonist facing off against Arnold Schwarzenegger. Stormare himself found the role “great fun,” even earning positive reviews for his portrayal. He brought a unique flavor to the character, suggesting to director Kim Je Woon a gunslinger-esque persona rather than a generic black-clad villain. “If it was going to have the flavour of a western,” Stormare explained, “then I thought the main bad guy who meets Arnie in the street had to be a gunslinger. He had to have like a holster and a peacemaker like in the good old days.” This desire for a distinctive, slightly humorous villainous presence ultimately shaped Burrell’s memorable on-screen persona.
How I Spent My Summer Vacation (Get the Gringo) (2012)
Also known as Get the Gringo in some regions, this Mel Gibson action film features Stormare in a role that cleverly builds anticipation. The initial concept was to keep Stormare’s character confined to computer screens, delaying his physical appearance until later in the movie. Stormare enthusiastically supported this approach, recognizing its novelty and coolness. Filmed in Mexico, the production benefited from Mel Gibson’s esteemed reputation there, where, according to Stormare, Gibson is “treated like royalty” for his contributions to the local community during the filming of Apocalypto.
Constantine (2005)
Another instance of Stormare making a late but impactful entrance is in Constantine. He embraced the opportunity to “steal a movie” with an over-the-top portrayal of Lucifer. Initially envisioned in stereotypical devilish attire like “leather pants” and “tattoos,” Stormare advocated for a more understated yet unsettling look. He proposed dressing the devil in an “off-white linen suit, with black tar on his feet, and maybe a strange haircut.” His reasoning was that a neutral appearance would amplify the impact of his dialogue, ensuring the audience focused on his words rather than distracting visuals. This sartorial choice proved highly effective, contributing to a uniquely memorable depiction of the Devil.
Bad Boys II (2003)
In Michael Bay’s action-packed sequel, Bad Boys II, Stormare delivers a characteristically intense performance, complete with a memorable line he improvised: “He likes hippie-hoppie!” This humorous quip, suggested by Stormare to Bay as something he should use when flirting, became a memorable moment. While his character meets a violent end in the film, Stormare recalls the physicality of the role, particularly the fountain scene. He recounts a near-miss during filming when he almost fell onto a submerged object in the fountain, highlighting the unexpected dangers even in seemingly controlled movie sets.
Prison Break (2005-2007)
Stormare’s foray into television with Prison Break saw him embody the complex and conflicted John Abruzzi. He spent a year and a half on the popular series but strategically decided to have his character killed off to avoid being “locked up in TV” and limiting his movie opportunities. Interestingly, despite its intense prison setting, Stormare notes the surprising constraints of network television at the time, where even “nobody even smoked in that jail!” and overt violence and language were restricted.
Abruzzi’s character was loosely based on Camillus de Lellis, a 16th-century figure known as “The Saint From Abruzzi.” De Lellis was a complex individual, a “womaniser and gambler and killer” who later founded the Red Cross-like organization. This duality – torn between violence and conscience – was a key aspect Stormare explored in his portrayal, adding depth to the often ruthless Abruzzi.
Minority Report (2002)
In Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi thriller Minority Report, Stormare plays Dr. Solomon, a character whose backstory underwent a significant change during production. Originally conceived as a paedophile, the character’s disturbing history was deemed too graphic and was altered to someone who “burns his patients instead!” Stormare even contributed a darkly humorous line to the film, responding to Tom Cruise’s accusation with, “Yes, but I put them out!” This anecdote showcases the collaborative and sometimes darkly comedic aspects of filmmaking, even within serious narratives.
8mm (1999)
8mm provided Stormare with the opportunity to explore a truly theatrical villain, Dino Velvet. Director Joel Schumacher, impressed by Peter Brook’s assessment of Stormare as “the best Shakespearean actor in Europe,” encouraged him to approach the role with a Shakespearean villain in mind. Stormare embraced the theatricality, creating an “over the top, and very in love with himself” character. He felt that killing off Dino Velvet relatively early in the film was a mistake, a common Hollywood trope of sacrificing character development for plot progression.
Hitler: The Rise of Evil (2003)
Portraying Ernst Röhm in Hitler: The Rise of Evil was a deeply unsettling experience for Stormare. Spending three months in a Nazi uniform and immersing himself in historical research for the role took a psychological toll. Röhm, a complex and ultimately horrific figure, was depicted not as inherently evil from the outset, but as someone who initially sought to do good, making his descent into darkness even more disturbing. The role was so affecting that Stormare discarded all his research materials after filming, wanting to distance himself from the character’s dark presence.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Perhaps one of Peter Stormare’s most iconic and quotable roles is as nihilist Karl Hungus in The Big Lebowski. The Coen Brothers’ cult classic has spawned “Lebowski-Fest,” celebrating the film and its quirky characters. Stormare has even participated in these festivals, performing a “Cut Off Your Johnson” song, inspired by his character’s infamous line. He notes the enduring popularity of this line, often quoted to him by fans. Working with the Coen Brothers, known for their meticulous filmmaking, was a unique experience for Stormare. He appreciated their brilliant writing, rarely needing to improvise lines, and their incredibly detail-oriented approach to filmmaking, exemplified by their nuanced direction even on seemingly minor details.
Fargo (1996)
Fargo, another Coen Brothers masterpiece, was a breakthrough film for Peter Stormare, opening “a lot of doors” for his career. His portrayal of Gaear Grimsrud, the silent and menacing accomplice, is chillingly memorable, particularly in the infamous woodchipper scene. The Coen Brothers explained the woodchipper’s inclusion as rooted in their childhood experiences and surprisingly, real-life occurrences. Stormare’s connection with the Coens extends beyond Fargo and The Big Lebowski; they remain good friends and have expressed intentions to collaborate again, though scheduling has yet to align. Interestingly, Stormare was initially offered a role in Miller’s Crossing but had to decline due to theatre commitments, a decision that ultimately led him to prioritize film and television work.
Conclusion
Peter Stormare’s career is a fascinating study in character acting. His dedication to each role, his willingness to embrace villainous personas, and his ability to bring unique nuances to every character have solidified his place as a truly memorable and versatile actor. From quirky comedies to intense dramas and action-packed thrillers, Peter Stormare’s movies and shows offer a rich tapestry of performances that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
