With the release of Pierre Morel‘s From Paris With Love starring John Travolta, I thought it would be somewhat therapeutic to go through my Top Ten Travolta Characters. Let it be known that this is not an assessment of the films but rather the characters Travolta played in the films and my love for them.
10. Tom Hardy – Basic (2003)
Tom Hardy is one of those better-than-average interrogators who also happens to be a trained Ranger. There’s something about how Travolta handles being good and bad cop at the same time. He knows exactly how to make a man feel like he’s volunteering information while not being overbearing – until he has to be that is. I love a good thriller and Travolta fills this role perfectly.
9 . Gabriel Shear – Swordfish (2001)
What is there to say about a man who puts a gun to your head while making a girl blow you while asking you to crack an impossible firewall in less than 60 seconds. Travolta does know how to overdo it, and I keep this character in mind, along with all the other fun stupid films that I loved as a teenager.
8. Sean Archer/Castor Troy – Face/Off (1997)
Who doesn’t like redemption? What about a bad guy who turns good and a good guy that turns bad? Well that’s kind of what happens when Castor Troy puts on Sean Archer’s face and goes off trying to destroy L.A. Somehow I still love the fact that Travolta and Nic Cage were able to pull off these ridiculous characters. Yes I’m a sucker for the 90s John Woo films.
7. Chili Palmer – Get Shorty (1995)/Be Cool (2005)
What do I say about the man who reminded me that “if you’re important enough you’re never late, they’re just early.”? He’s cool as a cucumber, handling his business without a blink or shiver. Give me a Chili Palmer any day.
6. Edna Turnblad – Hairspray (2007)
Yes, I know. It’s very odd to see Travolta in drag. Thankfully, it’s too fun to not love. Though it could have potentially turned fans (including myself) off of the actor, Travolta lets loose, making the most of his screen time and gaining fans he never had before.
5. Tony Manero – Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Both the “talk of the town” and the guy who barely has to smile to get a girl, it’s great seeing Travolta play the prick that laid every female. Until he met the one that wasn’t impressed by his massive hair and wide grin. I haven’t seen much of early Travolta but seeing him play the teenage misfit was fun and surprisingly believable. Damn those pants in the 70s scare me.
4. Bolt – Bolt (2008)
How could I leave out one of the best animated films of the last decade? Somehow Travolta’s voice was perfect for a dog that thinks he’s the greatest thing since sliced bread – and has super powers. I’ll never forget how much I laughed when Bolt stares at the lock on the U-Haul, proclaiming that he if stares hard enough at the truck it will burst into flames. It doesn’t.
3. Danny Zuko – Grease (1978)
Can any self-respecting fan of musicals not like this movie? I once actually memorized the words for “Grease Lightning” and couldn’t stop singing it (wish I could remember it now). Some say that Travolta is a great dancer. He never gets enough credit for the great singing on display here. Watch it again for proof.
2. Bobby Long – A Love Song for Bobby Long (2004)
After his lover dies, Bobby Long becomes acquainted with her daughter. Bobby Long is an educated drunk who keeps looking for redemption in all the wrong places. He learns that life is more than what you read in a book while teaching a young woman that sometimes reading a book is all you need in life. It’s a great story and I loved Travolta as a dirty old man. Thanks to Mr. Long I’ve never forgotten what the true meaning of procrastinate means: to drag one’s ass in such a pathetic manner as to ensure one’s place in life as a loser.
1. Vincent Vega – Pulp Fiction (1994)
I’m sure it doesn’t come as a shock to you all that my favorite role happens to come from a Tarantino film. Travolta owns the role of Vincent, reminding viewers that not only does a foot massage NOT mean nothing, but you never key a man’s automobile. He’s the devil may care hit man who doesn’t believe in the Lord Above but rather good fucking luck. He also happens to love his bacon.
And there ends another weekly Top Ten. Do you want to suggest a theme? Email me at andrew.robinson@thefilmstage.com
What are your favorite Travolta roles?