The film sidekick or confidante character is critical in helping the protagonists achieve (or not) their goals. The best examples add flavor and interest, but never take too much spotlight from the star. They also serve as ever-ready sounding boards -- allowing the protagonist to share inner thoughts, fears, and motivations. At times they will literally take a bullet for their leader. Some of the best cinematic moments are provided by sidekicks and when they don't appear in a film series, they usually are sorely missed. Here are my five favorite -- who would you have on your list?
Dr. John H. Watson.
It is hard to imagine a more satisfying sidekick than the medico who joins Sherlock Holmes on his adventures. Writer Olivia Rutigliano has done an exhaustive review of 81 different actors who have played the iconic role. They include the likes of Robert Duvall, James Mason, Ben Kingsley LeVar Burton, Lucy Liu, and my three favorites: Jude Law, Martin Freeman, and Nigel Bruce. Now Bruce, ranked 37th by Rutigliano (…”the posh English equivalent of all four Beverly Hillbillies…”), is used for comic relief with few exceptions, but there is something so winning about his performance that I can’t get enough of him. Both Martin Freeman and Jude Law approach Watson with intelligence and sensitivity. They convey undying loyalty and support in ways that truly help Holmes be Holmes. My only drawback would be that they both are so good that they at times overshadow their Sherlocks (Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Downey, Jr.). We all need a Watson in our lives — either for a laugh or a solution.
Igor/Fritz/Odo — the mad scientist’s assistant.
Talk about a range of portrayals. Dwight Frye is the most memorable for me as Fritz, the servant/assistant in the original Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein films. The seemingly first portrayal of the laboratory sidekick as Ygor was Bela Lugosi in Son of Frankenstein. This character — willing to take an undeserved beating or lug a corpse to and fro — seems to have morphed along with Renfield of the Dracula films. Most performances come with a hump and some come with more self-confidence (Lugosi), but they all stand by Dr. Frankenstein as he lives out his obsessions. Igor also affords a sounding board to convey exposition, something that was not needed in Mary Shelley’s original novel. But most of us now remember more comic turns from The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Riff Raff played by Richard O’Brien) and Young Frankenstein (Eye-gore played by Marty Feldman).
Chewbacca.
The massive Wookiee co-pilot to Han Solo grunts and growls his way through seven of the Star Wars films. The late film critic Roger Ebert said Chewbacca's was the worst performance in the series as he had one growl and one facial expression. But Roger, that’s what I love about him as a sidekick — he’s quiet, doesn’t get in the way, but you know he is always there. Sort of like the 50’s television sitcom fathers. Chewbacca was originated by Peter Mayhew and played by his body double, Joonas Suotamo when Mayhew retired. And who can forget John Candy’s portrayal in Space Balls?
Samwise Gamgee.
Think of what Frodo and that damn ring put this poor guy through. Some view Sam as THE main character in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but Sam always knew his place as the sidekick/support of “Mr. Frodo.” Sean Astin did a masterful job of providing a full, rounded, memorable character. Samwise Gamgee dealt with Gollum; he dealt with Gandolf; hell, he dealt with Mount Doom. But he never lost sight of his life’s passion — to provide support and solace to the holder of the ring.
Thelma Ritter.
Now I realize that Thelma Ritter is not a fictional character so her inclusion on the list may seem odd, but in her 21-year screen career, she defined the role of sidekick/confidante and always seemed to provide the best moments and walk off with the best reviews. Nominated six times in the Best Supporting Actress category (no winner, alas), she shared sarcasm and brazen opinions in so many classic films and supported the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, James Stewart, Maureen O’Hara, Debbie Reynolds, and Doris Day. Her wonderful performance as Bette Davis’s dresser in All About Eve and her housekeeper role with James Stewart and Grace Kelly in HItchcock’s Rear Window sealed her place in film history. When the protagonists speak in a scene with Ms. Ritter, you find yourself almost ignoring their lines because you're anxiously awaiting what Ms. Ritter’s character will have to say. She’s always listening and always has your back — now that’s a sidekick.
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