Among the finest and most revered actors of his generation is Gary Oldman.
However, even with his role as Sirius Black in the monumental Harry Potter franchise and a plethora of other legendary performances, he steers clear of the celebrity lifestyle.
In a candid recent interview, the actor discusses his inclination towards privacy, admitting he thinks that his sister is more recognizable than he is on the streets.
Guess who? Gary Oldman, one of the leading actors of his time, shares his thoughts in a recent interview with Esquire magazine, where he mentions his belief that his sister receives more public recognition.
Starring alongside Colin Firth, the 53-year-old actor is featured in the latest adaptation of John Le Carre’s Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, directed by Tomas Alfredson.
‘I know the lines, I know the scene, and I always arrive on time. I come prepared, that’s simply who I am,’ he stated.
In Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, Gary portrays Smiley, a reserved intelligence official called out of retirement to track down a Soviet mole in the Secret Service.
Regarding the role initially made famous by Sir Alec Guinness, Gary expressed, ‘We are like chalk and cheese, but I’m still embodying Smiley; it’s the same text, essentially. The thought of Sir Alec’s legacy lingered, knowing you can’t entirely reinterpret that.’
When discussing his celebrity persona, Gary shared, ‘I’ve never actively sought it. I still don’t employ a publicist. If I’m required to promote a film, I’m willing to do whatever I can.’
When asked if his sister Maureen (known as Laila Morse, who plays Big Mo in EastEnders) garners more attention, Gary remarked, ‘I would assume Maureen would. It’s strange how it varies over time.’
‘In general, I appreciate a degree of anonymity. I lead a very typical, very mundane life.’
This humble approach is reflected in his work ethic. ‘On set, I tend to keep to myself; I prefer when the director takes the lead. I won’t direct a younger actor. I believe that leading by example is the most effective approach,’ he elaborated.
Nevertheless, the actor remains eager to direct, with plans to create a new film alongside Colin Firth, whom he first met on the Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy set.
‘I’m planning to collaborate with Colin Firth on something. It’s been on my mind for a while, although I can’t disclose the details yet. It’s a remake, and upon working with Colin, I thought: he’s the perfect partner for this project,’ Gary revealed.
‘We’re revisiting it… there are no gadgets, no gimmicks. It’s anti-Bourne, anti-Bond.’
Gary appears to embrace the more natural aspect of film acting that excludes special effects.
‘It’s just you in a room, and that serves as the backdrop. Tomas Alfredson would arrive with a camera, and you would determine whether it’s a scene focused on a man in a room or one where the room is the focus with a man in it. Thus, you feel quite exposed,’ he contemplated.
by Helena Bryanlith
