51 GREATEST FICTIONAL BAD GUYS
#36. HANS GRUBER from DIE HARD
In a franchise that’s been as long-running as Die Hard, it’s kind of sad that I can name only two of its Big Bads: Hans Gruber and Simon Gruber (from the irritable Die Hard With A Vengeance). The only reason I remember Simon is because he’s Hans’ sibling and calls his own brother an asshole. Other than that, I couldn’t tell you a thing about him.
Hans Gruber, however, is the ultimate schemer: unpredictable and calculating, charismatic, arrogant and sly. He’s open and well-mannered, holding a streak of dark humor while talking about magazine articles and designer men’s wear. You’d never suspect a man this well-groomed could personally end someone with a second thought, but he does. It only makes sense when you consider he played with model trains as a child.
There’s also child-like exuberance to Gruber, something I can’t quite remember villains before him having — but something Hollywood’s cloned in their heavies ever since. The man knows he’s in his element and wallows in it. I think he could’ve ripped Nakatomi off any time of the year; he just did it December 24th to give himself an early Christmas present.
Holly: “After all your posturing, all your little speeches, you’re nothing but a common thief.”
Hans: “I am an exceptional thief, Mrs. McClane. And since I’m moving up to kidnapping, you should be more polite.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KyDkH1yUeE
