8) Gary Oldman – The Dark Knight Trilogy
On paper, Jim Gordon could be a pretty uninteresting role – he’s Batman’s stalwart defender on the police force, yeah, but he’s not the hero of the piece (apart from Gotham, at least). That’s probably why Pat Hingle’s version of the character was such a minor part of the Burton/Schumacher movies.
In The Dark Knight trilogy, however, Gordon is a major driver of the action and something of a secondary protagonist. Sure, his role was increased by screenwriter David S Goyer, but it’s Gary Oldman’s brilliantly understated performance that makes him such a compelling character. Oldman is usually known for playing more ostentatious characters, but he brings a terrific quiet warmth and energy to the whiskered detective.
Oldman’s Gordon is in some ways more of a hero than Batman. Even though he doesn’t have gadgets and the years of training behind him, this everyman is still brave enough to stand up and do the right thing, even at the cost of his own life (as very nearly happens).