The art of stealing the show

Some supporting characters leave such a profound impact with their strong performances that they end up overshadowing the main characters. In just a few scenes, they capture the audience's attention thanks to their charisma, humor, or memorable performances that enrich the overall narrative.

These characters not only become unforgettable, but are often the most memorable in films. From show-stealing villains to eccentric standouts, there's something special about these supporting actors that makes them iconic.

What makes a character with little screen time so striking?

Supporting characters aren't the main characters, but they play essential roles in the development of the story, lending their personal touch. Their charisma helps advance the plot, and they often provide emotional support, comedy, or conflict, lending that compelling touch to the plot. They can be friends, enemies, or mentors to the main characters.

Supporting characters often have brief acting roles, but when they appear on screen, they elevate the film's quality, something viewers miss when the spotlight shifts back to the main characters.

Those characters, who, despite not being the main actors, make a huge difference in their performances, capturing the viewers' attention.

Jack Sparrow - Pirates of the Caribbean

Originally a supporting character, Captain Jack Sparrow ended up leading the Pirates of the Caribbean saga. When we think of Pirates of the Caribbean, the first thing that comes to mind is the beloved pirate played by Johnny Depp throughout the saga. However, it is necessary to remember that, during the first installments, Jack Sparrow is not the protagonist. In reality, it is Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) who move the story.

Jack Sparrow's impact, however, due to his popularity and the blend of humor, action, and mysticism that he brought through his interpretation of the script, managed to stand out much more than the film's protagonists themselves. He won the public's affection, and his relevance in the story increased, going from being a secondary character to the most relevant and outstanding character in the film's script.

Girl Interrupted : Angelina Jolie (pupporting character ) - Winona Ryder (Main character)

A film that offers a deep and moving exploration of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and the recovery process in a psychiatric setting. Starring Winona Ryder and supporting role Angelina Jolie, the film follows the life of Susanna Kaysen, a young woman who is admitted to a psychiatric hospital after a suicide attempt. Throughout the film, Susanna navigates life in the hospital and her interactions with other patients, each with their own mental disorders. Susanna Kaysen, played by Winona Ryder, is diagnosed with BPD, a condition characterized by emotional instability, chaotic interpersonal relationships, and a distorted self-image.

Although the lead role is played by Winona Ryder,

Whose performance was good, it was overshadowed by the supporting role played by Angelina Jolie (Lisa). Who played the role of an outgoing patient, becoming the center of attention, being the patient who causes the most problems inside Claymore; She is the one who most attracts Susanna's attention due to her behavior, becoming, in part, the perfect embodiment of the madness and rebellion that a person suffering from a personality disorder can experience.

She demonstrates her coldness by belittling Daisy (Brittany Murphy), whom she eventually confronts in her own home. This confrontation indirectly causes Daisy's suicide, and although she develops a close relationship with Susanna over the months, she is her antithesis and manages to provoke a rebellion against her (this event constituting the climax of the film). It is for this reason, and for her generally aggressive behavior, that she is considered the film's villain. However, one can see how her actions provoke Susanna's learning process while she remains at Claymore, making her role a negative but also positive element.

The film shows how Susanna struggles with feelings of emptiness , impulsiveness, and an intense sensitivity to rejection.

The hospital becomes a microcosm where the patients form deep and often conflicting bonds. Characters like Lisa Rowe, played by Angelina Jolie, represent different reactions to institutionalization, from open rebellion to resignation.

Jolie's disturbing role completely overshadowed Ryder's performance, who, while equally fantastic, failed to surpass her co-star. The Oscars honored Jolie's performance and completely ignored Winona's work.

The film shows how these bonds and power dynamics within the hospital influence the recovery process and the identity of patients, conveying not only awareness but also an understanding of the complexity of mental disorders. It also inspires hope by showing that, with proper treatment and emotional support, it is possible to find a path to recovery and well-being. "Girl, Interrupted" is a powerful reminder of human resilience and the ability to overcome the most difficult challenges with courage and determination.

The Joker The Dark Knight

Some notable examples that have stolen the show include characters like Heath Ledger's Joker. Although he isn't the protagonist of Batman, he left an indelible mark on audiences.

Heath Ledger's Joker has transcended the cinematic barrier to become an icon of popular culture. His performance is so powerful that 'The Dark Knight' will not be remembered for Batman but for the mimetic and sickening characterization of the late actor. His death and the posthumous Oscar he received have further enlarged the legend surrounding this character, which years earlier had also been played by Jack Nicholson.

The Batman film will always be remembered for Heath Ledger's greatness in the role of the villain, the iconic Joker. Whoever said no one would ever surpass Jack Nicholson was wrong. He was awarded the posthumous Oscar (for a superhero film! Unheard of!), and his image has gone down in the history of the genre.

🔥Charlize Theron Mad Max : Fury Road 🔥

In 2015, the Mad Max reboot premiered, starring Tom Hardy as Max Rockatansky in a post-apocalyptic desert world where water is the most coveted treasure. However, despite the film's title, the character who takes center stage is the fearless and experienced driver: Imperator Furiosa, played by Charlize Theron.

Furiosa's presence in the film is such that it cemented Theron's status as one of the best actresses to play brave badass women and led to a spin-off focused solely on this character. Unfortunately, Charlize will no longer play her, as the film will tell Furiosa's story before the events we saw in Mad Max: Fury Road.

Margot Robbie – Suicide Squad

Suicide Squad introduced us to a group of villains forced by the government to carry out somewhat shady missions to save the world. Despite being a team, Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie, emerged as the best character in the film, even though she wasn't even the team leader.

Her irreverent and charismatic character won over audiences and soon after led to her starring in her own film: Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn.