5 Awesomely Bad Hairstyles in Genre Film
Hair is a many-splendid wonder. It keeps our heads from getting scorched by the sun, serves to keep us insulated against the cold, and functions as an outlet for self-expression. There are, however, some instances where a daring hairstyle just doesn’t work and becomes a fashion don’t. And that’s just what we’re setting our sights on here. On this fine day, we are looking back at five hairstyles from genre pictures that have managed to earn the distinction of being dubbed awesomely bad.
Ruby Rhod in The Fifth Element
The over-the-top sci-fi spectacle, The Fifth Element is memorable for so many reasons. The brightly-colored future depicted in the film is equal parts surreal and bizarre. But the most outrageous piece of this cinematic outing may be the fast-talking talk show host Ruby Rhod (Chris Tucker). Ruby’s style is loud and unusual. And he has no interest in conforming to conventional gender stereotypes. That, in and of itself, was pretty progressive for a film from the ‘90s. But I can’t help but think that some of Ruby’s hairstyles were a bit too ‘of the future’. Perhaps, in the 23rd century, the platinum blond hair tube protruding from his forehead will be considered stylish. But at this point, I cannot seem to shake the notion that it looks a lot like a sex organ.
David in The Lost Boys
Kiefer Sutherland is a handsome guy. I’ve been a fan of his for years. But even I couldn’t quite get into his flowing, blond locks in The Lost Boys. No one looks good with a mullet. But I think that goes double for Sutherland. That hairstyle seems to accentuate his narrow facial features and makes his head look a bit small-ish. Fortunately, the Flatliners actor phased out the mullet some time ago and has been living his best life with a more flattering do.
Gale Weathers in Scream 3
Courteney Cox is an icon. And she is an integral part of the Scream franchise. But the baby bangs she sported in the series’ third installment did not suit her. In fairness, they weren’t flattering on Ally McBeal actress Calista Flockhart or any other human that has made the misguided attempt to try out this unfortunate and short-lived trend. Luckily, Cox has a great sense of humor about the awesomely bad hairstyle. In fact, she has even heckled the notorious do on numerous occasions, proving she is a good sport and isn’t afraid to have a laugh at her own expense.
John Baxter in Don’t Look Now
Sometimes, bad hair can be multi-generational. And the elder Sutherland proves that with his turn as John Baxter in Don’t Look Now. Donald Sutherland was a handsome man in his younger years. But his poodle hairdo in the masterfully suspenseful Don’t Look Now wasn’t doing the man any favors. His hairstyle looks like one of the costume wigs my cousin and I would find lying around our grandmother’s house (and subsequently try on) as children. I think a looser, wavy look may have flattered the actor. But tight, bouncy curls just don’t do Sutherland’s features justice.
Lord Summerisle in The Wicker Man
The late, great Christopher Lee was a man of many talents. He was a prolific thespian; he released a series of heavy metal records; and, he eventually worked extensively as a voice actor. Lee established himself as a genre film icon through his partnership with Hammer. And he made a major impression on audiences with his turn as cult leader Lord Summerisle in The Wicker Man. While I’m sure the leader of a pagan religion has more to worry about than the way his hair falls, I have some serious concerns about the actor’s awesomely bad do in this cinematic classic. I’ve read that Lee’s locks were supposed to look like the rays of the sun. But they appear more like a big, mangled mess atop his head.
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