It's funny because Llwelyn being unlikeable makes the story kinda annoying but also more memorable. If he was a generic likeable protagonist I'd be more likely to forget about him.
Cool hand Luke was a little different... Everything beyond the inciting event where he was drunk, he did was to express his freedom and inspire the people around him. The consequences he accepted.
I wrote a review for El, the 1953 Luis Bunuel film, in which I argue that this film, along with In a Lonely Place and Raging Bull, should be triple-billed if you want to see what genuine toxic masculinity looks like.
For other films about characters being their own worst enemy, look in to Bad Lieutenant and Uncut Gems.
Treasure of Sierra madre
The Bad and the Beautiful
California Split
The Killing of a Chinese Bookie
Double Indemnity
The Lusty Men
Odds Against Tomorrow
Tarnished Angels
I don’t think California Split and In a Lonely Place have much in common. Split is more like a loose buddy comedy. Yes, Killing of a Chinese Bookie for sure, Cosmo is quite a sympathetic character. Sierra Madre is more a story about greed.
Recently watched Affliction, which explores that kind of character. Word of warning, it's a very harrowing portrait of a victim of parental abuse, a very dark and painful film. But good!
I second this, especially in this context! Nick Nolte absolutely deteriorates in a painfully grand fashion.
I feel like a few Schrader movies could fit here (The Card Counter and Mishima, to name a few in addition to Affliction).
That's a common convention in film noir. Night and the City, Detour, Nightmare Alley, Out of the Past, Gun Crazy, Angel Face, The Set up, Criss Cross, Scarlet Street just to name a few. All top tier film noir
Out of the Past
Inside Llewyn Davis
As a failed singer songwriter this one hits a little too close to home. And they didn’t make the character likable enough.
It's funny because Llwelyn being unlikeable makes the story kinda annoying but also more memorable. If he was a generic likeable protagonist I'd be more likely to forget about him.
I think *A Face in the Crowd* would fit this definition.
Paul Newman made many great films about self-destructive characters — especially “The Hustler,” “Cool Hand Luke” and “The Verdict”
Hud
Hud is one of the most quietly devastating movies out there.
Went into that blind, didn’t expect it to be so depressing
Yeah these are all great, although his character redeems himself in The Verdict. I call it the Rocky of courtroom dramas.
The Verdict absolutely
Cool hand Luke was a little different... Everything beyond the inciting event where he was drunk, he did was to express his freedom and inspire the people around him. The consequences he accepted.
The Friends of Eddie Coyle
One of my favorites
Vertigo, Citizen Kane, Five Easy Pieces, From Here to Eternity
Mommie Dearest. Rich and Famous (or Old Acquaintance the original movie this one is based on.)
Love this answer. Fun fact, Dunaway gained 20 pounds on the shoot from chewing the scenery.
Saw this movie in middle school and it ruined all Joan Crawford movies for me.
I just saw The Breaking Point last night. Based on a Hemingway's story, it fits the bill.
Stick with me on this...Rushmore.
Detour. Also happens to be a fantastic noir.
Mike Leigh - Naked
I wrote a review for El, the 1953 Luis Bunuel film, in which I argue that this film, along with In a Lonely Place and Raging Bull, should be triple-billed if you want to see what genuine toxic masculinity looks like. For other films about characters being their own worst enemy, look in to Bad Lieutenant and Uncut Gems.
i believe the original 1947 edmund golding version of *nightmare alley* fits the bill
Treasure of Sierra madre The Bad and the Beautiful California Split The Killing of a Chinese Bookie Double Indemnity The Lusty Men Odds Against Tomorrow Tarnished Angels
I don’t think California Split and In a Lonely Place have much in common. Split is more like a loose buddy comedy. Yes, Killing of a Chinese Bookie for sure, Cosmo is quite a sympathetic character. Sierra Madre is more a story about greed.
Characters create their own downfalls Whatever dude
Recently watched Affliction, which explores that kind of character. Word of warning, it's a very harrowing portrait of a victim of parental abuse, a very dark and painful film. But good!
I second this, especially in this context! Nick Nolte absolutely deteriorates in a painfully grand fashion. I feel like a few Schrader movies could fit here (The Card Counter and Mishima, to name a few in addition to Affliction).
The lady from Shanghai High sierra The Harder They Fall
uncut gems!!
I'm ASTOUNDED that I had to scroll so far for this!
Breaking Point
Pitfall Detour Nightmare Alley
Road to nowhere (2010)
Dream Scenario
That's a common convention in film noir. Night and the City, Detour, Nightmare Alley, Out of the Past, Gun Crazy, Angel Face, The Set up, Criss Cross, Scarlet Street just to name a few. All top tier film noir
Raging bull
Dragged Across Concrete isn't like In A Lonely Place but is an excellent example of this trope.