Inferno (2006) is a thrilling film, with a gripping storyline, and very polarizing characters. I’m sure you love some, hate others, and find a few to be a bit weird, right? That’s completely fine in a film like Inferno, where confusing emotions and oddities are a part of the entertainment. I just wonder, who’s the best character of them all? I don’t have a magic mirror, but I do have a few fingers, so I’ll try to make the most of it! Take a few minute journey with me to figure out the best characters of Inferno, will you? Here’s my countdown of the top 5 Inferno characters!
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5. Harry Sims
Irrfan Khan is a niche actor, who often plays weird and perplexing characters, with Harry Sims being one of them. While it might’ve been the writing, I think it was Irrfan’s improvisation that made Harry Sims so “special”. With interest in blades, odd methods and an overly dramatic line delivery, Harry Sims comes across like a theatrical character. I’m not saying that’s good, but I’m not saying it’s bad neither. You see, Harry Sims is a very polarizing character, who’s actually interesting and entertaining. While I feel like Irrfan Khan overacts here and there, he adds a special “umph” to Inferno that’s like a breath of fresh air. Thus, it’s a character that will give you mixed feelings, and that’s better than feeling nothing at all.
While Harry Sims may be an oddball character, his role is distinct and important. Not only is he responsible for the exposition, but he’s also the key to the second arc of the story. In turn, he’s a big character, but he just doesn’t compare to the top 4, who are better written overall.
4. Elizabeth Sinskey
We needed more of Elizabeth Sinskey, didn’t we? Sidse Babett Knudsen did a respectable job portraying Sinskey, but we never got to know her. It’s the biggest problem with the character. When you consider that she’s Robert Langdon’s “special someone”, you’d expect a more well put together introduction, and eventually find out more about their relationship. That doesn’t happen, and thus, we’re left with an incomplete character. With that being said, what I saw of Sinskey was actually really good, and I just wanted more. It’s a well cast role, with a character that has skin in the game, while also being a part of the big twist. All in all, she’s rather solid.
3. Christoph Bouchard
Omar Sy plays the obsessed agent, with an alternative motive behind his actions, and does it a lot better than I expected! While Christoph Bouchard is a simplistic character, he’s given so much personality by Omar Sy that every scene is with him is captivating. Whether he’s chasing after Robert and Sienna, or giving orders to others, he’s a striking character. While there’s an obvious lack of depth, Christoph Bouchard makes it up with a memorable personality. But that’s not enough to reach Robert Langdon and Sienna Brooks. Not in Inferno, and not on my list of the top 5 best Inferno characters.
2. Sienna Brooks
Felicity Jones is an Oscar-nominated actress for a reason, okay? Not only does she have the ability to transform, but she’s capable of flipping the switch between different personalities and character traits in a heartbreat. In turn, she had me fooled. I honestly thought that Sinna Brooks was one of the good guys! So that turn in the third act caught me off guard. But, I was gladly surprised in the end, as it was a good plot twist.
Sienna Brooks is a well-written character, who comes across realistic, with a pretty reasonable motive. She’s also backed by the power of “love”, which makes the character psychology even more interesting. While she’s obviously caught up in the dreams of her late boyfriend, she’s far more delusional and out for grandeur than Bertrand Zobrist. In turn, I’m giving Sienna the 2nd spot on my list of the top 5 best Inferno characters!
1. Robert Langdon
While Tom Hanks stumbled in The Da Vinci Code, he delivered a great performance in Angels & Demons. So what about Inferno? How was our beloved Tom Hanks? While it may seem like an ongoing joke, but he was, as always, very solid. After all, that’s what Tom Hanks is known for; always putting on a solid performance that is nearly impossible to ridicule. In-fact, he felt more comfortable in his role as Robert Langdon in Inferno than in Angels & Demons. With a firm delivery, great dialogue scenes and great emotional performance, Tom Hanks steals the show!
What a way to wrap up Robert Langdon’s story, right? He solves some of the most fascinating puzzles in the Langdon films, and saves the world in the thrilling climax! Plus, he finally got some backstory, with some fascinating pieces of information that made the character more interesting. While Angels & Demons will remain Tom Hanks’ greatest portrayal of Robert Langdon, Inferno is a close second, and serves as a proper ending to the character. Thus, I’m glad to crown Tom Hanks’ Robert Langdon as the best Inferno character!