Whether they are overly philosophical, a recollection of past painful events, an explosion of anger, or a cold admission of guilt, monologues given by villains are usually necessary to shed light on their not-so-obvious perspective and, when the actor is particularly charismatic, to even generate some sympathy, albeit briefly. It humanizes them.

Regardless of the effect, perhaps the viewer should be thankful when that eloquent outburst occurs at a particularly dangerous point for the hero or heroine, because it conveniently gives them or their allies enough respite to turn the tables.

Here are excerpts from quasi-interminable monologues given by some of the most devious movie characters.