He’s funny and diabolical. I love Hackman’s portrayal. However, this is where I separate from the other two characters in this movie. I can grant other Luthor portrayals respect. He changes based on the plot each movie gives him and what his villainy will be. It’s a gift to the actor. Superman and Lois will be the same, regardless. Luthor can invent himself anew.
This Luthor has a silliness. His sidekicks aren’t threatening. He lives in a resort-like sewer. His plot to own waterfront property along the western seaboard is ridiculous at first. The wigs, constantly changing like costumes . . . this Lex is fabulous.
Underneath all the slapstick, though, is a serious antagonist. He may smile when he chains kryptonite to Superman’s chest, but Luthor isn’t joking. He’s done his homework and he isn’t dissuaded by Miss Teschmacher’s distress that her mother is in the missile’s path.
Is he a Four? He’s self-deprecatory. He has a social gang, even though they’re incompetent. Certainly, he displays Envy. His biting humor seems very Four-like.
This Lex shows no signs of physical dominance. He’s not a Body Type. He’s either Heart or Head. He’s got to be a Heart Type, though, because he leads with feelings and social manipulation. He doesn’t attack Superman from an intellectual position; he’s messing with him and it’s fun. I don’t even think he’s concerned about success, which a Three would be. He just wants to screw with the world. A Four Lex is cartoony and wonderful.
Other Luthors may not need to match Hackman’s portrayal, but they still have big shoes to fill.