Forget Frodo, Elijah Wood’s Darkest Role Is a Thriller Masterclass

When you think of Elijah Wood, what first comes to mind is probably characters who embody innocence or heroism. From his career as a child actor to his performance in the record-breaking Lord of the Rings trilogy, to family films like Happy Feet, he has found great success portraying people who exemplify what is good in the world. However, one role lurks in the shadows of his filmography: Kevin, the sadistic cannibal killer in Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller’s 2005 film Sin City.In a movie full of tough guy actors such as Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis, and Benicio del Toro, it’s Wood that stands out as the most intimidating, as he uses a unique approach to make the audience squirm in their seat.

Elijah Wood’s Kevin Is the Most Disturbing Character in ‘Sin City’

The character serves as the villain of the film’s third story, “The Hard Goodbye,” which follows Marv (Rourke), a hardened criminal who finds momentary happiness with a woman named Goldie (Jaime King). After spending the night with her, he wakes up to find her murdered next to him, and is framed for her killing. He embarks on an investigation to avenge Goldie, which leads him all the way to the top of Basin City’s church establishment, and its cardinal, played by Rutger Hauer. It emerges that Goldie’s murderer is Kevin, a serial killer who has been weaponized by the cardinal to carry out murders under the pretense of some divine experience.

Of all the dark and bloody deeds done in the movie, Kevin is set apart as something altogether more sinister. A figure trained to kill like an animal — accompanied by wolves who are taught the same thing — the combination of his deadly appetites and the unsettling realization that something as sacred as the Church could be protecting him takes this beyond the usual corruption to something no one watching can understand. Whatever Marv’s past misdeeds, few (if any) would begrudge him his revenge in these circumstances.

Elijah Wood Will Terrify You Without Saying a Single Word

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So much of the impact of the character comes from Wood’s performance, which is the definition of the phrase “less is more.” He says nothing in the movie, only appearing in the shadows wearing a sensible sweater and round glasses, while sporting a detached, unmoving smile. When he moves, he moves like the wolves that accompany him, but with no explanation or backstory beyond how he met the cardinal, he remains frighteningly ambiguous, and therefore, unpredictable.

Part of the effect is also what the audience associates with the actor. For most, he is Frodo Baggins from Lord of the Rings, the brave Hobbit that saves the world because it’s the right thing to do, a character a million miles from the evil deeds of Kevin. Any movie fan will find it odd to see him be the instrument of such heinous crimes, let alone watch him simply smile in the aftermath. Like Robin Williams in One Hour Photo, or Hugh Grant in Heretic, there’s an extra dimension in seeing an actor outside what is expected of them.

Elijah Wood’s Career Is Way More Than Just Lord of the Rings

For Elijah Wood, taking chances on more outlandish roles has proven a consistent success for him, even if those movies do not have the same global impact as The Lord of the Rings. He has worked on unusual films such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Toxic Avenger, tense dramas such as Grand Piano, and even returned to Middle-earth with a small role in The Hobbit films. These independent films might not have the same reach, but offer the creative diversity that can show a different side to the actor.

Over two decades on, Sin City remains a true individual in the history of comic book adaptations. With black and white visuals ripped from the pages of Miller’s original graphic novel, few characters were realized more vividly on film than Kevin. If you haven’t seen the film in a while, it’s time to revisit the dark and ruthless streets of Basin City again. Just beware of two unblinking eyes watching you, with an emotionless smile.

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Release Date

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April 1, 2005

Runtime

124 minutes

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Writers

Frank Miller

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