Part 1:
Fast X, the latest installment in the Fast and Furious franchise, features a dark and intense scene that almost didn't make it to the final cut. The movie takes place years after the events of Fast Five and introduces Jason Momoa's character, Dante Reyes, who seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) for the death of his father, Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida).
Dante is portrayed as a ruthless and unhinged character, willing to stop at nothing to achieve his goal. His actions put the lives of Dom's family in danger, and the tension builds up throughout the movie. However, it's one particular scene that stands out, where Dante is seen speaking with two corpses while painting their toenails. This improvised scene showcases just how little regard Dante has for human life and establishes his character as a dangerous and unpredictable villain.
According to an interview with Fast X director Louis Leterrier by The Hollywood Reporter, this scene was almost removed entirely. However, it ended up making it to the final cut and has been polarizing among viewers. Regardless, it's undeniable that it adds depth and complexity to the movie's antagonist and contributes to the intense and thrilling ride that is Fast X.
The scene featuring Jason Momoa's character, Dante, has been a topic of debate among viewers. While it was not originally planned, it was added to showcase a different side of Dante. The intention was to portray him as more than just a show-off, and delve into his twisted personality. Initially, the scene was expected to be an extra feature on the DVD or included in the director's cut version of the movie. However, after testing the movie both with and without the scene, the audience's response was overwhelming. Some loved it, while others were angered by it. Ultimately, it was studio executive Donna Langley who gave the go-ahead, recognizing the insanity and necessity of the scene.
The driving force behind the plot of Fast X is Dante's unrelenting vendetta, which keeps Dom and the rest of the family in constant danger. To truly feel the weight of this threat, Dante must be portrayed as a twisted villain with a disregard for human life. The infamous toenail scene perfectly captures this, showcasing Dante's sadistic nature and willingness to inflict pain on others. It is this level of unpredictability and cruelty that makes Dante such a formidable adversary for the Fast family.
Dante, the villain created by Dom's actions in Fast Five, is a brilliant addition to the franchise's storyline as it approaches its end. His backstory makes him somewhat sympathetic as he seeks revenge for his father and to uphold his family's honor. Although this aspect makes it easier to empathize with him, it's far from the intention of Fast X. To make him a more intriguing and polarizing character, the toenail scene was included, which adds to his villainous persona and makes it apparent that he shouldn't have anyone's support. However, despite Dante's compelling character, Dom remains the hero.
By holding off Dante and Dom's showdown for future movies, Dante's actions need to be memorable enough to carry his legacy. It's clear that the intention is for audiences to remember who Dante is after that scene. The inclusion of such dark scenes ensures that Dante is not forgotten while Fast & Furious 11 remains in development. Even with Fast X in the rearview mirror, Dante will continue to push Dom off the edge and remain a formidable opponent.