Everyone’s father is different and when it comes to fathers in film that holds true as well. For this Father’s Day, Film Fad would like to explore the different types of dads in film. Check out Ryan’s list for 10 types of movie dads the might just fit your dad’s characteristics.
10.The Absolute Family Dad – Clark Griswold (Vacation)
How can any film dad list start without the ultimate film Dad Clark Griswold. Played by Chevy Chase, Clark Griswold was introduced to us in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” and had us continually laughing and connecting with the Griswold family with the many adventures that followed. While Clark may be a bit eccentric and crazy at times, his strong family values cannot be broken…even if it means kidnapping a theme park security guard at gunpoint.
9. The Inappropriate Dad – Noah Levenstein/Jim’s Dad (American Pie)
“American Pie” is a cult classic about the hilarious lengths to which teenagers will go in order to have sex. While the ridiculously raunchy comedy was consistent, it would have lost some luster without the coy and inappropriate father/son moments between Jim and his dad. Played by the hilarious Eugene Levy, Noah Levinstein became a favorite of the film. He balanced the vulgar moments with his calm and collected one-on-one talks with his son. While the shock value is what gave us the initial laughs in “American Pie,” it was Noah Levenstein’s fatherly discussions that kept the laughs going.
8. The Overprotective Dad – Bryan Mills (Taken)
Ever meet that one dad that claims he’ll kill you if you hurt his daughter? Well Liam Neeson‘s character in the film Taken will do just that and more. Bryan Mills is a dad that knows the dangers of people because he’s seen the worst of them. Of course this makes him a bit overprotective when his daughter wants to travel alone and then adds to that overprotective nature in later films once he’s proven right. Bryan Mills is not the typical dad that has a shotgun waiting to hunt you down, he’s much more. His “particular set of skills” not only make him capable of finding and killing you, they also make him capable of being your worst “nightmare” if you harm his daughter.
7. The Mid-Life Crisis Dad – Lester Burnham (American Beauty)
Not only is Lester Burnham a prime example of a dad in a mid-life crisis, but he also fits the profile for the creepy dad who flirts with your friends. In “American Beauty” Kevin Spacey’s Lester Burnham may not fit the profile for a great dad, but he does fit an exaggerated stereotype. With his crisis stemming from a sexual fantasy he has about his daughter’s high school friend, Lester begins to follow the path of every man in a mid-life crisis. He starts getting in shape, starts hanging out with younger people, buys a sports car, and even experiments with drugs. He may not be a dad that his daughter truly loves but he does fit the profile of a dad that many can relate to.
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6. The Single And Lonely Dad – Sam Baldwin (Sleepless in Seattle)
Left to raise his son alone, “Sleepless in Seattle’s” Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) can’t find any time to start dating again. Recognizing his dad’s dilemma, Jonah Baldwin decides to get his dad to talk his problems out on a nationally broadcasted radio talk show. Despite his hesitation and adamant disapproval to pursue a new relationship, Sam proceeds to appease his son and in turn gains the attention of a lonely listener (Meg Ryan). The difficulties of parenthood are magnified when you don’t have someone to share the load, so for many dating is out of the question. “Sleepless in Seattle” is a romantic comedy that highlights this dynamic and provides a happy ending as well.
5. The Fun and Eccentric Dad – Daniel Hillard (Mrs. Doubtfire)
When it comes to the dad that loves to see his kids smile, Robin Williams portrays this character perfectly. As an idol to his kids but a nuisance to his wife, Daniel Hillard resorts to posing as an older woman to be a part of his kids’ lives after a nasty divorce. As both Daniel Hillard and Mrs. Doubtfire, he is able to always bring a smile to his children’s faces through over-the-top parties or zany and eccentric behavior.
4. The Sacrificial Dad – John Archibald (John Q)
Many fathers love their children but Denzel Washington’s character John Archibald puts that love to the test in the film “John Q.” With his son’s health fading and he without the financial means to save his son, John Archibald sacrifices it all for his son. Holding a hospital hostage, John intimidates doctors and hospital staff to save his son’s life even if it is at the cost of his own. Many fathers have had to deal with the health complications of their children, but “John Q” is an example of how far a father’s love will go.
3. The Dad’s Gone Crazy Dad – Jack Torrance (The Shining)
Hopefully no one has ever experienced this “dad gone bad” like Jack Nicholson’s character Jack Torrance did in “The Shining.” Starting out as a calm and collected writer, Jack Torrance takes his family on a vacation to a quiet and secluded hotel. During this time we see Jack slowly slip into insanity as he eventually becomes demented enough to want his family dead. When it comes to work life balance Jack Torrance is a prime example of an imbalance when “all work and no play” definitely makes Jack a crazy man!
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2. The Wise Dad – Mufasa (The Lion King)
There are some dads that share life lessons and there are others that show you how to live your life. When it comes to providing a wise perspective on life, not many fathers do it better than Simba’s father Mufasa from Disney’s “The Lion King.” With a commanding presence and an even more commanding voice from James Earl Jones, Mufasa proved himself as a wise and noble king and an idol and inspiration for his son Simba. Not only did he bravely sacrifice his own life to save Simba, he also guided him through life even in the afterlife.
1. The Absentee Dad – Darth Vader (Star Wars)
Not everyone’s dad sticks around but sometimes that lost father returns unexpectedly. Star Wars’ Darth Vader is a perfect example of when that reunion is not so pleasant. It’s one thing to be a bit angry when your father unexpectedly shows up in your life, but when he’s the reason behind mass genocide, that anger is taken to a new level. Needless to say, Luke Skywalker didn’t take this news well but for just losing a hand while taking the news, I think he handled it pretty well. After all he did, all he planned to do, and all that he didn’t do for his children, I think it’s safe to say that Darth Vader was the epitome of a-hole dads.