This year will see two different adaptations of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” in the form of “Snow White & the Huntsman” and “Mirror Mirror.” The former will feature average-sized actors made to look smaller while the latter features little people in the roles of the dwarves. Setting aside the fantastic and mythic nature of the diminutive fairy tale characters, there are some exceptional films that feature little people in prominent or even starring roles.
“Bad Santa”
Little people being used for comic effect is a practice older than film itself, so comedies are where many diminutive actors find work. In this film, however, Tony Cox’s short stature is more than just a cheap gag, it’s a plot point. He’s the accomplice to Billy Bob Thornton’s drunk, thieving mall Santa. If it weren’t for the fact that he had a real little person to play his “elf,” Thornton would never get work, but Cox helps him get his foot in the door. He’s a scheming and greedy little guy but also has a fully rounded personality.
“The Station Agent”
This was the film where Peter Dinklage really got to show the world what he can do. He plays a reclusive train spotter who moves to a new town following an inheritance from his only real friend. Part of the beauty of this performance and the film in general is that it could just as easily have been about an average-sized person and almost nothing would change. Dinklage’s height is never a cheap gag, instead adding dimension to the character and giving him an instantly understandable reason for being as reclusive and shut off as he is.
“In Bruges”
This movie about two hit men hiding out in the tourist town of Bruges isn’t about a little person, but one features very prominently. Jordan Prentice plays a small statured actor working a film that is shooting in the town. He proves to be sarcastic, verbally abusive, a drug dealer, and has a taste for prostitutes.
Prentice stands out among a cast already brimming with offbeat characters and great actors. Even though he’s painted in fairly broad strokes, the character still feels genuine and factors into the conclusion of the film in an unexpected way.
“Freaks”
This controversial film disturbed audiences when it was first released in 1932 for its use of real life circus freaks. Though the freaks are shown in a very humane light and not really exploited, just the use of them caused the film to be banned in the U.K. for decades.
Moving beyond the controversy, this is the story of a pint-sized performer who is seduced by a woman who is only after his inherited wealth. Harry Earles plays the diminutive Hans and is supported by an astounding collection of eclectic performers, from a bearded lady to a human torso.
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