Their transformations - from famous gangsters to white collar criminals - fascinate viewers and shed light on the subtle facets of the criminal consciousness. Here are actors who portrayed the villains to perfection.
1. Johnny Depp as Whitey Bulger 
In the crime drama Black Mass, Johnny Depp played the famous gangster Whitey Bulger. The actor's performance combines effortless charisma and intimidating power. Depp's dedication to his craft is undeniable. Meticulous attention to detail - from the gangster's distinctive mannerisms to his calculating behavior - helps create an authentic image. The viewer sees the duality of Bulger's nature - a charming family man and a ruthless mafia boss.
2. Damon Herriman as Charles Manson 
Damon Herriman, who played Charles Manson in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and the Netflix series Mindhunter, is a prime example of how the actor immerses himself in the role of a real-life criminal. Herriman's ability to convey Manson's magnetism and sinister nature demonstrates an exceptional talent. Herriman's performance gives the film a chilling authenticity.
3. Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort 
In Martin Scorsese's biographical comedy The Wolf of Wall Street, Leonardo DiCaprio played the infamous broker Jordan Belfort. The actor brought to life the complexity of Belfort's character: charisma, unbridled ambition that contributed to his meteoric rise, and complete disregard for ethical standards. He conveyed not only external manners, but also penetrated deeply into the psyche of a man intoxicated with power and wealth.
4. Evan Peters as Jeffrey Dahmer 
Evan Peters as Jeffrey Dahmer in the crime drama Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story effortlessly delves into the psyche of one of America's most notorious criminals. Peters skillfully navigates the intricacies of Dahmer's character, capturing the disturbing demeanor and complex psychology of the serial killer. The actor with amazing accuracy copies the rapist's manners, his speech and gaze. Such eerie realism blurs the line between actor and character.
5. Charlize Theron as Aileen Wuornos 
The role of serial killer Aileen Wuornos was another confirmation of the outstanding acting skills of Charlize Theron. The Hollywood beauty had to gain 14 kilograms for filming and also wear complex makeup. Theron also studied the details of the criminal case to better understand her character. She played Wuornos as believably as possible, leaving viewers stunned by the incredible resemblance.
6. Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale Jr. 
In the film Catch Me If You Can, Leonardo DiCaprio played the talented con man Frank Abagnale Jr. With his usual charisma and depth, DiCaprio masterfully conveyed the charm and cocky self-confidence of his hero. The actor's duet with Tom Hanks, who played a relentless FBI agent, further strengthened the dynamics of the film.
7. Cuba Gooding Jr. as O.J. Simpson 
In the television series The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story, Cuba Gooding Jr. played actor and football player O. J. Simpson, who was accused of murdering his ex-wife. Gooding conveyed not only Simpson's charisma, but also his internal struggle and contradictions. The actor showed the charming image that Simpson created in public during the trial. He skillfully reveals the emotional spectrum of the accused, depicting his moments of vulnerability, anger and despair.
8. Denzel Washington as Frank Lucas 
In the crime biography Gangster, Denzel Washington masterfully charts Lucas' rise from driver to drug kingpin in 1970s Harlem. The actor gives his character an attractiveness that captivates the audience. It delves into Lucas' quest for power and ultimately a twisted version of the American Dream. In addition to his authentic portrayal of criminal activity, Washington also conveys his character's vulnerability and internal conflicts.
9. Cameron Britton as Ed Kemper 
Cameron Britton's portrayal of Ed Kemper in Mindhunter is a prime example of how an actor truly immerses himself in a complex and chilling character. The actor's performance captures the essence of the killer's twisted charm and unsettling calm. Well-honed manners, speech patterns and body language create an incredible resemblance to a real criminal. With each scene, the viewer discovers new depths of his terrible personality.
10. Robert De Niro as Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran 
In Martin Scorsese's The Irishman, Robert De Niro gave a master class in portraying a criminal. De Niro effortlessly conveys Sheeran's double life as a devoted family man and a ruthless hitman with ties to organized crime. The actor dives into Sheeran's psyche, forcing viewers to empathize with the hero, who is torn by moral dilemmas. Thanks to De Niro's mastery, Sheeran becomes not just a criminal, but a complex person, flawed and interesting.
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