Arguably Clancy Brown's best role, He owned it. Great movie, with a great cast, with one of the greatest bands ever providing the sound track. Will always be one of my fav movies.
@@willchurch8376 that's not actually true. it's that he said he got paid "nothing" by comparison to Sean and Christopher, with Sean of course getting the big paycheck. Clancy got the minimum pay as it was under a Bafta contract, so he also didn't get residuals, so now reoccurring paychecks afterwards.
I knew Raiden from the first Mortal Kombat movie in the 90s was the main guy in this, but I hadn't actually seen the movie until yesterday, at which point I realized MR KRABS is the BAD GUY!!!!!!!
He's not underrated so much as overlooked because people pay more attention to the lead actors and actresses as a rule. I like a lot of character actors more than popular leading ones.
@@wet-read Well I was speaking colloquially rather than literally, but semantics aside, he IS underrated due to being overlooked as an A-lister. There is, quite literally, a rating system the studios use for ranking every actor's box office draw and bankability, which is distinct from their acting abilities.
@@LSF000 Sure, I get kinda pedantic sometimes. Also, I didn't know about that other thing you mention. I guess it makes sense. I always figured casting agents alone decided who would be in given projects.
@@wet-read Actually, since you mention it, the casting director's job is just to get the talent in front of producers, directors and maybe a few other key execs. The CD narrows it down for them, but they're the ones who do the hiring.
@jamesprice2787 While originally a Neil Yong line, Kurgan IS doing the Def Leppard version by adding the "I've got something to say." So yes, he's quoting Def Leppard.
I really like the fact that it's the Kurgan who stops McLeod fighting in the church and not the other way round. You'd expect the Kurgan to want to win by any means but even he respects and accepts the traditions that went before him.
yes and some cannon suggests that bad things happen to both the victor and vanquished, when *_they_* fight and kill on holy (or consecrated) ground. Kurgan did royally piss off The Highlander, though!
Yeah the Kurgan has no respect for the laws of mortal society, but he does honour the traditions of 'The Game'. He obeys the rule about Holy Ground, he doesn't use lackeys to increase the odds in his favour, every Immortal he kills (or tries to kill) is armed and fighting back. He plays to win (and is certainly not above trying to psyche out his opponents), but he doesn't cheat.
I'm not a religious person, however, may I posit the theory that even though they are immortal - until they get their heads lopped off - perhaps they all fear God.
@Witchfinder Nielsen Probably not. I heard that Clancy Brown originally wanted the Kurgan at this point to be just bored and would be fighting for the prize so things could just finally be over.
@@stefanlvkc7986 Makes sense. Immortality sounds appealing at first, but over time it would probably be really boring. Heck, that's probably why gods like Zeus and Loki do crazy shit and mess with mortals. They've been alive for so long and they'll never die, so they've gotta do something to get rid of the boredom. That's probably one reason why Kurgan wanted the Prize, he wanted to spice things up a bit.
I could have sworn that was pure _glee_ on the Kurgan's face as he imagined the Highlander's head ... and The Prize. Could it be the Kurgan's only fear was, _What is after _*_The Prize_* ? and what is it really all bout, then a Monty Python skits starts - or ends - depending on how amused or unamuzed the Kurgan is!
That delivery I believe was improvised by Clancy. I think Kurrgan wS going to deliver a Shakespeare like monologue. But Clancy said " I think Kurrgan would possibly be more factual and be aloof "
Kurgan is one of the best villain characters in the history of cinema. He was creepy as hell, especially when you watched Highlander for the first time as a kid.
Honestly, give props to that priest. He approached the Kurgan and didn’t flinch until he got licked. Dude might not have the skills of a warrior but he’s got the soul of one.
If the priest was around during the 2nd or 3rd crusades he would have probably been a Templar Knight. They were the Church’s Special forces back in the day.
This film had everything! A Hollywood Legend with Connery, one of the most original stories ever seen in a mainstream movie, the most legendry rock band IN THE WORLD EVER making the soundtrack and a villain that steals every scene from the lead actor! We would all need to be immortals, to be able to live long enough to see another film like this.
Who can overlook that the soundtrack was of epic contribution from none other than Queen. Seriously, why would they elect to go with any other band, as no other would come anywhere close to one up Queen.
Great scene and absolutely necessary to the movie. It contrasts Kurgan and McLeod, displays Kurgan's evil nature, and yet still hammers home that even Kurgan plays by the rules he's been given and takes the whole thing seriously.
It also frames the entire movie concept within the eternal bout between Good and Evil, Saint and Devil, which is the baseline of Christianity (and other Religions), directly into a Church...with the Pastor figure that reminds the humble and helpless figure of Jesus when facing the Romans. Also the last line of the Kurgan is deeply "satanic" when he degrades himself into licking the Pastor/Jesus hand and shouting "forgive me Father... I am a WORM" and exits laughing (the representation of the devil in form of horrible or disgusting creatures is another classic of Christianity). As per the movie baseline itsself the two are the last survivors, and "there can be only one".
That is perhaps the Kurgan's only real virtue. He plays 'The Game' with glee and he plays it to win, but he never cheats. He respects the law on holy ground, he never uses tricks or lackeys to give himself an advantage. Every head we see the Kurgan take is from someone who is armed and actively fighting back. He is a monster, but he's a monster who plays by the rules the Immortals were given.
My most vivid memories of this movie....."happy Halloween ladies"...(flicks his tongue several times at the nuns...) "it's better to burn out then fade away".....pure evil and a genius scene!
Watched an interview with Clancy Brown and he stated that he never received a dime for his portrayal of Kurgan and that is a colossal shame. That character is right up there with Darth Vader as an all time villain.
@@nancydemoss7904 probably because it wasn't certain how much the movie would earn. They needed to pay Sean Connery and Chris Lambert and there was a risk that "Highlander" would fail to earn anything. Also, Clancy Brown was very young at that time, if you think about it - he was like 25, 26, a young actor without a ton of experience, so they probably thought "meh, he'll be happy to even be OFFERED this role" . And it sucks, I think he's a very good actor and the highlight of this film.
At least it worked out for him…He makes $2 Million a year to do voice acting and he has had a lot of iconic rolls. Hated him so much in Shawshank…realized he is just an outstanding actor.
He kinda did. Look at the exposure and the roles that came after. It's not right he didnt get paid but theres tons of actors that would have paid them to be in the film. It worked out in the end.
What's so good about this scene is the villain pushing all the hero's buttons. Normally the villain could have a physical advantage but here the kurgan demonstrates mastery of mind games as well.
Well than Novi Beograd it's full of mind game master- the "I raped your mother/sister/woman" thing is an evergreen during fights- but the Kurgan is cool as fuck
Oddly, beyond the "Who wants to live forever" scene, how much he actually loved/s Heather is considerably apparent in this one. It's easy to write off "Well, she did ask him to light a candle for her on her birthday, and he's doing it, big deal." Yes, but she probably thought that 20 years later, he's have found someone else or moved on with life... Whichever. Yet here he is, an actual 400 years later, still doing it, moving his entire day around it, like something he schedules.
I love the sharp contrast between these two guys, showing the total opposite sides of what it means to be Immortal. Connor is stoic, cold and sad, hating his immortal life, seeing it as a curse, only able to focus on the past that he has long left behind, while The Kurgan is Loud, Boisterous and gleeful, loving every second of his immortality, seeing it as a blessing and feeling nothing for the countless people he's known throughout his life. Connor hates being immortal and wants it to end, The Kurgan loves being Immortal and never wants the end to come.
I soooooooo agree Highlander was magnificent and perfect as a stand alone movie but the Hollywood money trolls couldnt resist turning it into a cash cow.
@@adamcollazo8228 right. I dont know why Hollywood has this compulsion to always give you a backstory no matter how convoluted it is. it's much more intriguing IMO just to day that some people are born immortal and dont find out until they actually die the first time and then have to learn how to navigate in this new reality. Everything doesnt HAVE TO be explained. I dont know WHY a pavorati songs better than me even though we both have vocal cords or why lebron James can play basketball better even though we are the same race...why cant soje things just be a mystery defying explaination?
Can someone explain why Connor says to her (love interest) at the end that he will now grow old like her? I thought he was immortal even after killing Kurgan?...
From bad boys to Highlander to. Shawshank redemption to Billions Clancy Brown has been underrated and never got the appreciation he deserves. He brings it every time and his on screen persona owns the scene Whether Movies or tv series . Thank you sir for sharing your gift with us For the last 40 yrs.
This scene is the perfect balance of good versus evil, with the conversation playing like a chess game between the two characters. Not just the dialogue, but also the cold stares and moments of hesitation and realization. Really good acting by both!
This isn't about a balance of good and evil. It is a battle between good and evil. In this case, a psychological battle of wills between good and evil.
"It's better to burn out than to fade away!" These words are truer than anyone wants to admit. Old age takes everything it gave you bit by bit, Better to know where it is and how you want your last spark spent rather than letting it dwindle away while you suffer the agonies of time. Find your path, Know it to be your truth and no one elses, And follow it unto your undoing before time takes your choice of fate from you.
After reading this I recalled the quote from a Def Leppard song Rock of Ages. He says it just like they do in the song. "I've got something to say... it's better to burn out than fade away." That made me look into who said it first. Neil Young was as far back as I could get.
Best scene in the film. A demonstration that the Kurgan actually took the whole thing seriously.. and who else could have played him but the awsome Clancey Brown.
Honestly Clancy Brown makes the film no matter what. He was the reason people watched spongebob, highlander and eben john wick 4. Love that dude . Wish he played in more stuff.
For all his punkish looks, the Kurgan still talks with older words, precise expressions and sentences... And obviously since he is several thousand years old at this point. Makes him even better as a character in my book
He is also a super talented voice actor. He has been booked solid on both fronts, so it isn't like he hasn't been busy. CB plays my absolute favorite Lex Luthor in Justice League. He also plays a great character in Ballad of Busker Scruggs.
Oh, it's improv! I thought he was quoting Psalm 22: 6 "But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men and despised by the people." Psalm 22 is prophetic of Christ. I'm so disappointed he wasn't quoting that.
Clancy Brown should have gotten at least a Golden Globe, if not an Oscar, for his portrayal of The Kurgan. The first time I saw this, he scared the hell out of 14-year-old me.
The great irony of Immortality. Either you tire of living and seek death or live long enough to be utterly alone and desperately seek to bring new life.
Lambert as McLeod is perfect in this scene. Everyone is focusing on how fantastic Clancy Brown is as the Kurgan (and he absolutely is, I take nothing away from him), but the way McLeod is completely un-intimidated is what really makes this scene work. Even when he learns the truth about Heather he doesn't even flinch, it's like that blow didn't even land. The Kurgan is all showman and overconfidence, and through it all McLeod has nothing but disdain for him, and has supreme faith in his own ability. He even turns the tables on the Kurgan when he tells him "you can't stay in here forever", and "I'll be out front". Pause the video at 3:52. What's that look that comes over the Kurgan's face? For a brief moment he appears to consider the ramifications of McLeod's words. There is genuine curiosity that McLeod actually believes he has a chance, and I think this had not occurred to the Kurgan until this moment. Perhaps he recognises that belief as a danger. The seed of doubt, no matter how tiny, is sown in his mind. It's in this moment his ultimate defeat at McLeod's hand begins. It's only for a moment, and he very quickly returns to his familiar bluster, but this is where his undoing begins. There is not a shred of doubt in McLeod's mind that he will defeat the Kurgan, and perhaps it is also in this exchange when he realises that the Kurgan's over-confidence will be his undoing. The Kurgan must have realised it too, otherwise why did he resort to dirty tricks and using Brenda as bait to try and weaken McLeod's resolve before their final confrontation? Perhaps in his black heart he knew he couldn't beat McLeod in a fair fight, and this scene in the Church is where that realisation began. McLeod's sword skills are far superior, and when the distractions are finally removed he defeats the Kurgan easily. Even when he loses his sword the Kurgan still can't beat him - his overconfidence undoes him and instead of going for the kill he starts blabbing and this buys McLeod time to recover. Ironically it's the Kurgan who is ultimately distracted by Brenda, he falls victim to his own plan and allows McLeod back into the fight, at which point it's basically over. That all started with this scene.
Great write up...I mostly agree...however I’d say they both do a really good job of showing confidence in their own abilities, but fear of one another at the same time. You got the feeling both really weren’t sure what was going to happen but didn’t want to show fear. A really excellent scene, and a great write up!
It appeals to the human nature as David and Goliath does. The underdog. The end goal of hardship and losing u love the most. Being grateful and good instead of arrogance and pride. Most mythical and religious stories try to tell this in a different way. Because it’s true. I really loved your take on this scene. Btw, I, in a strange way, came here looking for music of Queen. Life sure can be a rabbit hole.
Fucking hell. you must be an expert. The term no shit comes to mind. A church for first then a cemetery ( which Duncan points out ) for Jacob kell encounter. Read the fucking comments first noob. We even find out mr big bad kurgan won't fight on holy ground when highlanders being trained by Ramirez early on. Go back to your cartoons and leave the actual film facts to the adults.
Urgh some dumb kids here. Of course it's holy ground because no matter how bad ass kurgan Is he still resisted chopping Connors head off as he was on holy ground. Later highlanders however...Jacob kell says screw the rules lol.
One of the most intelligently written hero/villain scenes ever. Subtle, relentless, the villain gets to remind the hero of the ancient rules they both abide by. Truly, cinema at its best. IMO the only other scene that comes close to it is the ferris wheel one in 'The Third Man'.
A fantastic film, no doubt. The Third Man is an excellent choice as well, in terms of hero/anti-hero, Orson Welles was way ahead of his time. I can think of a few other classics in cinema that have that similar chemistry; the roof scene between Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer) and Deckard (Harrison Ford) comes to mind in the classic Blade Runner. Another one is the final scene in Seven between John Doe (Kevin Spacey), Mills (Brad Pitt) and Somerset (Morgan Freeman), that scene is unforgettable. Lastly, the bathroom scene between Jack (Jack Nicholson) and Grady (Philip Stone) in The Shining is another example of that subtle interplay between menace and madness.
@@jamiew1664 He’s actually referencing Def Leppard’s Rock of Ages, which was from Neil Young’s song. The “ I got something to say” is the differentiator.
It doesn't really matter if they knew or not.. fact is it's an incredible scene owned by Clancy Brown, Clancy owned it! Gives me chills every time I watch it. Fantastic.
JB0071051982 Eh, I find Clancy Brown always seems kind of... "off" when he plays a violent villain. It the same vibe I got when he played that alien commander on Megas XLR; he just didn't sound right for some reason.
every fella now who was a teen back in the day, remembers reciting that line every day, this IS my favourite film of all time. That frickin kurgen...one of the best film villains. Nice to know he follows the rules
The movie is full of great scenes (little touches like when Connery looks up in the tower before the birds fly away) but the one that gets me more than any other is the "Who wants to live forever" scene when Heather dies in his arms.
No no no no no officer! The suspect you are looking for is a bald headed ponytail 6 1/2 tall black leather and chain Lex Luther! The 2 major cities he has ties with are New York city & Metropolis. Key sources of information you want to question are Russell Nash in New York city & Clark Kent. A reporter who works at The Daily Planet in Metropolis. There's another reporter named Lois Lane, but I don't know if she's willing to answer any of your questions.
It's amazing how height translates on screen isn't it? Clancy stands at 191cm and looks like a giant. I am 194cm and in everyday life I meet people who are significantly taller.
It is so cool how the candles mark the timing of when people were there. They start new and tall, and get shorter over time, making a temporary timeline.
I love how the Kurgan takes the time to show off his blatant evil nature by making a mock prayer, only to put out the candles one by one. It shows hat he truly has no regard for humanity or goodness at all, delighting in the suffering of all he touches.
Clancy Brown deserves an Oscar for that. I saw this in the Theater at the time and still remember his Voice and Acting Brilliance. Thumbs up if you agree. Thanks. RH DSDD