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[CAUTION: Spoilers ahead] Just when you think you’ve figured out what your favorite character will do, they surprise you with a shocking change. Sometimes the transformation happens in the blink of an eye, and other times, it's as subtle as a light breeze. Regardless of how it's done, here are the top 10 character transformations in film – feel free to let us know if you think we missed any.
10. Fight Club (1999)
Key Transformation: The Narrator is actually Tyler!
Starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter. When the Narrator (Norton) crosses paths with Tyler Durden (Pitt), they form an unexpected bond that leads them to create Fight Club. As things spiral out of control, Marla Singer (Carter) joins the mix, and the Club becomes far more than the Narrator anticipated. It's a chilling experience to witness a split personality unravel in such a disturbing way.
9. On The Waterfront (1954)
Key Transformation: Brando becomes the very thing he despised
Starring Marlon Brando, Rod Steiger, and Karl Malden. The Waterfront Crime Commission is preparing for public hearings on union-related crime and the infiltration of the underworld. As the workers are manipulated against one another, Terry Malloy unwittingly takes part in the murder of his fellow longshoreman, Joey Doyle. The murder is masterminded by union leader Johnny Friendly, with the help of Terry's brother Charley, as part of a larger web of illegal activities at the docks.
8. Pretty Woman (1990)
Key Transformation:
Julia Roberts stars as Vivian, a prostitute, while Richard Gere plays Edward, a wealthy and calculating businessman. Edward specializes in buying companies, dismantling them, and selling them off in pieces. On a trip to Los Angeles, he hires Vivian for a week to accompany him to elite events, and the two form an unexpected bond. Edward offers her a sum of money if she agrees to stay with him, and thus begins their unusual relationship.
7. The Madness of King George (1994)
Notable Change: One moment he's in his right mind, the next he's lost his grip on reality.
The film stars Nigel Hawthorne, Ian Holm, and Helen Mirren, and offers a reflection on power and the concept of the 'body of state.' It dramatizes the real-life mental decline of King George III, who is believed to have suffered from porphyria, a blood disorder. As the King loses his faculties, he becomes both more detached from his own power and more politically sidelined, as his advisors work around him to prevent a challenge to the monarchy. This raises the ultimate question of who truly holds authority in the kingdom.
6. The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)Notable Shift: From homemaker to hired killer!
Gena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson star in this thrilling tale. Samantha Caine, a typical suburban mom and schoolteacher in Pennsylvania, lives a peaceful life with her daughter, Caitlin, and is famous for her Rice Krispie treats. However, after a head injury, she starts recalling fragments of a past life as a deadly, top-secret operative. Now pursued by former associates in the Chapter who are determined to eliminate her, Samantha seeks the help of Mitch, a low-budget detective. As her memories return, she transforms into a more lethal and clever version of herself, and together with Mitch and Charly, they embark on a killing spree.
5. The Usual Suspects (1995)
Notable Twist: Verbal Kint IS Soze! A mind-blowing conclusion!
Kevin Spacey, Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, and Kevin Pollack feature in this crime thriller. Who is the elusive Kaiser Soze? The answer will surprise you beyond belief.
4. Rear Window (1954)
Notable Transformation: Mr. Stewart, you’ve truly evolved!
James Stewart and Grace Kelly star in this suspenseful classic. L.B. “Jeff” Jeffries, a professional photographer, is forced to stay at home after breaking his leg during an action-packed auto race. While confined to his New York apartment, he passes the time by observing his neighbors through the rear window. His curiosity grows when he begins to suspect that one of his neighbors may have murdered his wife. To solve the mystery, Jeff recruits his elegant girlfriend, Lisa Freemont, and his nurse, Stella, to join the investigation.
3. American History X (1999)
The film opens with a shocking moment as teenager Danny Vinyard (Edward Furlong) rushes to inform his older brother, neo-Nazi Derek (Edward Norton), about a group of young black men breaking into his car outside their home. Derek reacts quickly, grabbing his gun and shooting the youths without hesitation. Convicted and sent to prison, Derek spends three years reflecting on his beliefs, especially as he contrasts the white supremacist prison community with his unlikely friendship with Lamont (Guy Torry), a black inmate and fellow laundry worker. Meanwhile, Danny, sporting a shaved head and a rebellious attitude, seems poised to follow in his brother’s footsteps.
2. Requiem For a Dream (2000)
Notable Shift: Four ordinary people transform into completely different versions of themselves!
Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans, and Ellen Burstyn star in this haunting exploration of addiction. The film follows the lives of four individuals in Brooklyn, each chasing their own dreams of fulfillment. Through the lens of their personal struggles, it reveals how drugs and other dependencies reshape their lives, pushing them from hopeful aspirations to devastating physical and emotional collapse.
1. It’s A Wonderful Life (1947)
Notable Shift: George Bailey, this is your life! Now, live it to its fullest!
James Stewart and Donna Reed star in this classic. George Bailey spends his entire life sacrificing his personal dreams for the greater good of his town, Bedford Falls, as we see through flashbacks. However, on Christmas Eve, George is devastated and considers suicide after losing an $8,000 loan, compounded by the manipulations of the greedy millionaire, Mr. Potter. His guardian angel, Clarence, appears, literally falling to Earth, and shows George what life in the town, for his family, and his friends, would be like if he had never existed. George’s impact on others is far greater than he ever realized; is ending it all truly the answer?
Bonus: Primal Fear (1996)
Richard Gere stars as Martin Vail, a renowned defense attorney who offers his services to Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), a Kentucky teen accused of murdering a Chicago archbishop. Covered in blood, Aaron is apprehended after a dramatic foot chase broadcast live on television, which leads Vail to believe he can easily enhance his reputation by defending the seemingly guilty suspect. The case becomes more complicated when Assistant District Attorney Janet Venable (Laura Linney), Vail's former lover, is assigned to prosecute. Things take a shocking turn when psychologist Dr. Molly Arrington (Frances McDormand) diagnoses Stampler with multiple personality disorder.
Notable Omissions: A Clockwork Orange, GI Jane
