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Methais
03-11-2008, 05:04 AM
Lex Luthor, the arch enemy of arguably the greatest superhero ever. Always scheming to defeat the Man of Steel, Luthor is more than a match for someone who is practically invulnerable. Over the years there have been varying takes on Luthor, from comical to businessman to near insane. However he is usually an integral part to a Superman series/movie.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fd/Lexlutsupermanii.JPG
Gene Hackman-Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987), Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (2006)

The first live action portrayal of Luthor (barring the 1940 serials) and one of the most memorable. Hackman admits to playing it more comical then he could have, due to the seriousness of all the other characters. He refused to wear a bald cap (barring the scene at the end), so his hair was styled in different ways each scenes to make it so Luthor was wearing wigs. Although comical, this Luthor was clearly still evil. He also had one of the most memorable quotes of the film: LL: "Otisberg?" Otis: "But Miss Tessmarcher has.." LL: "OTISBERG?"

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/92/LexLuthorSV.jpg
Michael Rosenbaum-Smallville (2001-2007 ongoing)

A younger take on the character in line with a different take on the Superman mythology. This portrayal was radically different to the previous portrayal. This Luthor started off as Clark Kent's friend, trying to do good for Smallville and the world. Gradually throughout the series, Luthor and Kent grew distant before their friendship ended. Luthor's actions grew more radical and evil, yet in his opinion he was still doing good, he hasn't yet realised that his actions are evil.

http://www.zippoc.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/lex-luthor-wrong1.jpg
Kevin Spacey-Superman Returns (2006)


After the near 20 year gap without a Superman feature film, he burst back onto the screen in the form of Superman Returns. With a new Superman film came a new Luthor. Spacey's portrayal had some similar traits to Hackman's version, the wit and the "affinity for beachfront property". However that's where the similarities ended. Spacey's portrayal was more volatile and explosive, where Hackman was relaxed and humorous. However Spacey's Luthor achieved something no other live action Luthor got to do, decking Superman.

By voting for anyone but Gene Hackman, you also admit that you enjoy having sex with small children.

Fallen
03-11-2008, 05:06 AM
Not having seen Smallville, I say Spacey was the best.

AestheticDeath
03-11-2008, 05:07 AM
Gene was definitely the worst. Why did he have hair?

Methais
03-11-2008, 05:15 AM
Gene was definitely the worst. Why did he have hair?

As stated in OP:


He refused to wear a bald cap (barring the scene at the end), so his hair was styled in different ways each scenes to make it so Luthor was wearing wigs.

Hackman was the best.

AestheticDeath
03-11-2008, 05:20 AM
Yeah I didn't read the stupid text. Pictures are worth a thousand words, and I made my decision based on him having HAIR! Even if it was supposed to be a wig.

diethx
03-11-2008, 05:28 AM
Hackman, baby.

Edit: Why is this poll not public?!

Fallen
03-11-2008, 05:35 AM
Hackman portrayed Luthor as a twit. It was impossible to take him seriously, thus damaging the movies IMO.

Whimsi
03-11-2008, 05:51 AM
Hackman hands down. The smallville guy is too wimpy and daytime soapish seeming to me. And Spacey seems too insane, if there is such a thing.

Gan
03-11-2008, 07:47 AM
Spacey

TheEschaton
03-11-2008, 10:00 AM
Spacey - your bad guy can never be "too insane."

Parkbandit
03-11-2008, 11:07 AM
Spacey imo

DCSL
03-11-2008, 01:21 PM
I voted Spacey. Hackman made him a joke and Rosenbaum... eh. I liked Smallville at first but now I think it's retarded and that colors my opinion of the actors. Besides, Kevin Spacey just does EVERYTHING well.

NocturnalRob
03-11-2008, 01:25 PM
Spacey, without question. He plays a great crazy. And to be the arch nemesis of Superman, you gotta be crazy.

Drisco
03-11-2008, 02:43 PM
Rosenbaum... I like Smallville to much to pick anyone else.

NocturnalRob
03-11-2008, 02:55 PM
Rosenbaum... I like Smallville to much to pick anyone else.

And that's why no one will buy your cleric!

Methais
03-11-2008, 04:48 PM
Yeah I didn't read the stupid text. Pictures are worth a thousand words, and I made my decision based on him having HAIR! Even if it was supposed to be a wig.

By not reading the stupid text, you made yourself look stupid by asking a question that was already answered in front of your face in said stupid text. Curious though...you have seen the original Superman movies right? Or did you just look at the pictures and say OMG LEX HAS HAIR HE SUX!?

Anyway, Hackman rules. Spacey was great too. It's just too bad Superman Returns was a steaming pile of shit as a whole. I guess that's what happens when your director is a stupid jackoff that originally describes the movie as something along the lines of a "superhero chick flick". What straight guy would want to make the world's best superhero into a chick flick? Oh wait...

Asha
03-11-2008, 05:04 PM
Spacey was better imo but I dig the original for some reason. I just love Gene.

Warriorbird
03-11-2008, 05:07 PM
Spacey could've been better without a shitty script. Hackman could've been better without hair. They're tied. The Smallville guy doesn't register.

Sean
03-11-2008, 05:14 PM
If it wasn't for Hackman who would stop Reeves from biting the heads of fetuses?

But seriously.. Spacey

Methais
03-11-2008, 05:17 PM
If it wasn't for Hackman who would stop Reeves[OMFGGGGGG] from biting the heads of fetuses?

But seriously.. Spacey

George Reeves = 50s Superman
Christopher Reeve = 70s/80s Superman

/nitpick