The always underappreciated James Spader

John Cusack may be the poster-boy for "All That was the 80s." But if Cusack is the leading man, then James Spader, who turns 46 today, was his capable understudy. Perhaps even a worthy co-star.

Known largely today for his TV roles in "The Practice" and "Boston Legal," Spader began his career playing the antagonist in 80s teen movies. Was there a more despicable character than Steff in Pretty in Pink? ("The girl is, was, and always will be nada...") A sleazier guy than Rip in Less Than Zero? ("I don't wanna trust you, Julian, I just want my 50K") Heck no. Spader oozed contemptibility straight from his pores.

But tune into Sex, Lies and Videotape, Bad Influence and True Colors. Wowsers! Our boy has layers after all. All told, Spader appeared in a dozen films in the 80s (don't forget his small roles in Wall Street, The New Kids, Mannequin and The Rachel Papers -- featuring the iconic Ione Skye).

Looking for an easy thesis topic? Just prove that at any given time, there's always a John Cusack or James Spader movie on TV. (Remember to save "True Colors" -- in which they both co-star -- as your closing argument. Dare we say a classic flick from the early 90s?)

And so, we give you our Top 5 Spader flicks:
5. Bad Influence: Rob Lowe is the bad guy? Freaky.
4. Sex, Lies and Videotape: "No one sees the videotapes but me." Sure.
3. 2 Days in the Valley: Not just evil. Criminally creepy.
2. Pretty in Pink: One of the best characters of any John Hughes flick.
1. True Colors: Spader as a good guy? It works. Right until he sells out his best friend. ("My father used to say that friendship is like the morning dew. Sometimes it settles on rose petals... sometimes it settles on dogs--t.")

Comments

[Skippy]

How could you talk about 80s James Spader flicks and not mention the brilliant Tuff Turf, the only 80s fim to feature Spader, Robert Downey jr, that girl who was in Escape From Witch Mountain (all grown up and smokin' hot), The Jim Carroll Band AND Jack Mack and the Heart Attack?

[Steve Spears]

You're 100 percent right. I missed that one. Mea culpa.

[Wendy O]

Hello, though it isn't an 80's film, per se, Spader plays the ultimate hot creep in "Secretary." He's also uncharacteristically dorky in "Stargate."

[Steve Spears]

Yeah, for the "dork" factor, Spader has several films, including Stargate and Mannequin. For just an average of sleaze, I prefer Wall Street and Baby Boom.

[Anonymous]

Actually, the line from Pretty in Pink is "The girl is, was, and always will be nada."

[Johnny B. Goode]

"Bad Influences" may have been Rob Lowe's best "bad guy" role, but it wasn't his only one. Don't forget the slimy TV producer he later played in "Wayne's World."

[Steve Spears]

Thanks, Anonymous. I fixed that line. I sorta knew that already, but I sorta blew a mental gasket when I was writing that item.

[coolpc]

I can't be bothered with anything recently. I haven't been up to anything. I don't care. I haven't gotten much done lately. Not that it matters.

[sam]

I've basically been doing nothing to speak of. Basically nothing seems worth thinking about. I feel like a void, but that's how it is. I've just been hanging out doing nothing.

[live private]

Vegetarianism is bad, is not bad for your health

[Kat]

John Cusack may be the poster-boy for "All That was the 80s?" really? I thought that was Andrew MacCarthy...Well, I think James is more talented than John but I am biased cause I think Spader is amazing.