A Tribute to Christopher Lee

Today, British cinema has lost one of its really great presences. Sir Christopher Lee has passed away at the age of 93. Always a looming and absorbing figure on screen, Lee made his name through the Hammer Horror movies from 1957 to 1976. His portrayal as Dracula is considered to be among the most iconic of all time. He also was one of James Bond's most cunning adversaries in The Man with the Golden Gun and cemented his cult status as the creepy Lord Summerisle in The Wicker Man.

In the 21st Century, Lee opened himself to whole new fan base by appearing as the white wizard, Saruman in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Also he entered sci-fi folklore with his role as Sith lord, Count Dooku in Star Wars Episodes 2 & 3. More recently, he featured in Martin Scorsese excellent film, Hugo. in 2011, his achievements were recognized by the British Film Academy who awarded him their Fellowship Award.

Cinema will miss his piercing gaze and his deep, powerful voice from his career spanning over 70 years. Here are three of my personal favourite Christopher Lee moments.

The Wicker Man

Everyone remembers the mania of Lee's character, Lord Summerisle in its infamous finale. But its his work up until that point that is so memorable. From this one scene, Summerisle is both charismatic and bold with his speech regarding his pagan religion. From the horrified expression from devout christian Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward). You can see how easily Summerisle is manipulating this man into the horrifying later events.  

The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

As Saruman, Lee proved he had lost none of his on-screen menace. In one simple scene, Saruman turns from friend of Gandalf (Ian McKellan) to a dangerous adversary. It's the relish in which Lee carry off the Tolkien dialogue that creates the nervy winds of change. Also it will finally answer the question as to what happens when wizards do battle!

Stars Wars: Episode II- Attack of the Clones

In an other otherwise underwhelming affair, Lee's Count Dooku proved to be the ace card in the pack. Sporting a genuinely malicious air, Dooku was effortlessly cool and skilled with a light-saber. From this Lee managed to produce a battle scene that is one of the franchise finest. It was a save worthy of the great Mariano Rivera!