Sunday 26 June 2022

Dead from the eyes back


I ran into Simon, my camera-operator friend yesterday, and we went to a pub garden briefly for a catch-up.

We inevitably got talking about things related to his job and mine, and because his job is what it is, actors and TV series featured quite a bit. He has filmed the whole of Doc Martin since series 4, so I trusted him when he told me that - in his opinion - the BBC series 'Sherwood' was one of the best things to be done in years on every level. 

I said that because of the subject matter (complicated aftermath of the miner's strike in 1984) I had not been inclined to to watch it, preferring more unchallenging programs in the current climate. I asked if it was anything to do with Robin Hood and he paused for a moment before saying not really, but it does feature a man with a bow and arrow. We watched the first three episodes back to back last night, and now I know what he means.

At one point I admitted that I have not seen a single episode of Doc Martin, and he graciously said that it was nothing to be ashamed about. It seems like I am one of the few people in the world who have never watched it though. It is now shown in places like Japan with subtitles. I'll get around to it one day.

At some point, Ralph Fiennes came up. I said that I have been wondering what singles him out from all the other good actors that are available these days, and came to the conclusion that what makes him special is a magic mix of qualities which, I am guessing, enable him to walk around without being immediately recognised as some of his contemporaries are - until he looks at you. He is in every way average except for his eyes. Simon said that he had spotted him sitting outside a Bath cafe fairly recently, so I am guessing that he must have been looked at. We re-watched 'The Dig' a couple of nights ago, then compared him to 1940s photographs of the real Basil Brown. Perfect. Not a trace of Voldemort to be seen - except for the eyes. Same when we watched 'In Bruge' again, but there was a little more East-End Voldemort required in that role.

We got talking about legendarily good actors in general, and I said that I had heard that Lawrence Olivier had so completely emptied himself in order to fully take on the personas of the various roles, that there was nothing of the real man left behind. When you think of the ghastly, animated face of Archie Rice and then compare it to Olivier's in repose, you begin to think that he really did sell his soul to the Devil. Some actors are known and loved for playing themselves in every production they are in, and others make a bit more of an effort.

27 comments:

  1. I have never heard of Doc Martin let alone seen it. Ralph Fiennes was excellent in The Dig; I felt like I was there with him and he was the real Basil Brown.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great acting is an amazing skill. Often the film story line/content largely turns me off. One does impact the other. Simon must have many interesting stories to tell about film stars.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One of his good stories was when he was a gofer for Peter O'Toole (more eyes). His main job was to go out and buy hashish for him.

      Delete
  3. Ralph Fiennes was good in The Dig. He really isn't in many films I watch. I prefer action movies so living actors I like Christian Bale and Charlie Hunnam from the U.K. I've always liked Alan Rickman as he is an excellent villain. Although I've heard of Doc Martin, it isn't a show that appeals to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know whether or not it appeals to me because I haven't seen it and know nothing about it.

      Delete
  4. Fiennes was incredible in a role that seemed to be rather atypical for him: A Bigger Splash. Have you seen it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No. Is it anything to do with Hockney and the gay scene?

      Delete
  5. The Entertainer reportedly pushed Olivier over the edge during filming. I’ve only seen the film once, it’s like watching a car crash. Anthony Hopkins suffered in a similar way during the filming of Magic where he too played a failed entertainer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Interesting. Even though they may have been in demand, the depths which they got into during filming must have brought them down - a bit like having to console an actor after shooting a highly emotional scene.

      Delete
  6. Replies
    1. Yes, they had you filed along with all the Thai escort service boys, but I have released you.

      Delete
  7. I will respond to everyone tomorrow. Honest.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, promises. It is not yesterday as I write.

      Delete
    2. Another promise: I will catch-up on everyone else's posts when I am not working, cooking, eating or sleeping. As you say, I am a busy man.

      Delete
    3. I've just broken the latest promise. I am too tired to read anything else tonight.

      Delete
  8. I think Doc Martin is a lovely quirky series, perfect escapism from current woes.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have never actually watched Doc Martin although everyone tells me it is very good. Archie Rice would scare the crap out of me, did I ever turn around and find that face staring like that. Yikes.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Well you made me search for 'Sherwood' and I watched the first episode last night. Coincidence, convenience? we went straight into the miner's strike of yesteryear. But it looks good. As for Fiennes in 'The Dig' a favourite film for its moody landscape, and his excellent acting of a character he made his own.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the script is apt for what is going on today, not least police infiltrators who become sexually involved with their targets. A government quote from 1984: 'We must provoke a strike'. Provoke, not prevent, note. It is happening right now with the rail workers and will happen all throughout the Winter. Unions leaders will be demonised by everyone who accepts the right-wing media's version of things and another war will be declared on 'trouble makers' who are beset on ruining the country in a far more efficient way than our government are ruining it right now.

      Delete
    2. And these are political targets, not criminal ones. I despise the Met. (Now I am waiting for a ring on the doorbell - no, an axe through the door itself.)

      Delete
  11. I agree about Olivier, like all great actors he emptied himself of any personal character. Alec Guiness was the same.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was just about to comment the same!

      Delete
    2. I don't think that Alec Guiness emptied himself to the extent that he could not be entertaining at dinner parties. I know the old British school could not abide the American method actors - 'Just act, dear boy...'.

      Delete