I thought that would be kind of cool, to make a bad guy look sympathetic.

In this quote, Christopher Atkins reflects on the creative challenge and appeal of playing a bad guy in a way that makes the character sympathetic. He expresses the idea of giving depth and complexity to a traditionally negative role, making the audience feel empathy for the character, even though they might be portrayed as a villain. The desire to create a multi-dimensional character who challenges the typical notions of good and evil is what makes this concept "kind of cool" to Atkins.

Atkins' statement reveals his interest in the nuances of acting and the opportunity to explore characters that break away from simple archetypes. By making a bad guy sympathetic, he seeks to blur the lines between right and wrong, offering the audience a chance to reconsider their assumptions and perhaps even question the nature of morality. This approach to acting shows a desire to engage the audience on a deeper level, beyond just the surface-level traits of the character.

The origin of this quote is tied to Christopher Atkins' career as an actor, where he often portrayed characters who were not entirely one-dimensional. Known for his role in the film The Blue Lagoon, Atkins’ career has seen him tackle a variety of roles, including those that allow him to explore the complexities of human nature. His comment likely reflects his interest in playing characters with internal conflict and emotional depth, even if they appear to be the antagonist.

Atkins' words highlight the power of storytelling and acting to challenge conventional perceptions. By creating characters that are more than just "good" or "bad," actors have the ability to evoke empathy and understanding in audiences, ultimately making their roles more engaging and thought-provoking.