The English actor has cultivated a solid career and now, for the king's speech, is the favorite in the competitive race for the Oscar
Miguel Cane
In nearly thirty-year career Colin Firth (London, 1960) has played various roles in over fifty films - including the multi Valmont, and the two films based on Bridget Jones's Diary - and first reached international fame incarnate Mr. Darcy in the celebrated BBC adaptation that made the classic Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice in 1995, a miniseries literally stopped traffic in London to spread his final chapter (no matter how novel it was based was one of the most read in the story and its outcome was in the public domain). From then until now, has seen his popularity Firth multiply geometrically, something that seems not too much: "For many years I have lived in Rome and that I can walk calmly down the street without anyone being aware of who I am. I guess that has to do with that do a perfectly normal life, nothing spectacular ... an actor has nothing to do with being a celebrity. "
Being a versatile actor, Firth has served to be present in numerous films from diverse genres, from thrillers to melodramas, comedies and musicals (he dared to Mamma Mia alongside Meryl Streep) and last year caused fury like a gay college professor and depressed One man (A single man) , the directorial debut of Tom Ford, which earned him his first Oscar nomination. Repeated this year for his work as King George VI in the acclaimed film of Tom Hooper the king's speech, which explores the story of how the sudden abdication of his brother Edward VIII (which became the Duke of Windsor) to marry the enigmatic Wallis Simpson, he had to assume the throne and to overcome his stuttering with the help of unorthodox speech therapist (played in turn by Geoffrey Rush) and the unconditional support of his wife - the future Queen Mother of the United Kingdom ", who plays with tenderness and generosity Helena Bonham-Carter.
is the first time you play a real historical figure ... Was it more difficult for a dummy?
When Tom approached me, I thought it was an idea that intrigued me, especially since I do not look, at all, to George VI ... but what he told me what I did take it more seriously, is that this is exactly what they wanted. It was not to make a biopic with actors-portrait. His idea was to tell a historical story with people, as a witness in the act, not as a storyteller. That convinced me to trust him and I put myself in his hands. Moreover, this is undoubtedly the most difficult character who has represented.
suppose What is this?
A is indeed a historical figure. And you can not treat it as the hell you want, because there, because he was part of a very important moment in the history of England and because he was a human and not perfect. I'm an actor. Is what I do. In the case of King, was a privilege to incarnate: it is the kind of character that you dream of a lifetime, but rarely have the chance to play. When I talked to Tom the first time, after reading the script, it was agreed that the emotional toll it was very difficult. It was basically a family man who suddenly finds himself with the burden of being king in a climax of the story and do not want, but must accept. Having to delve into that dichotomy is something that requires a lot emotionally and not just me. Also Helen, Geoffrey. All involved. George VI, 'Bertie' as they called him at home ... was this man who always tried to do the right thing. Had the difficult task of being a decent guy in a very complicated world. And to do justice to a character that is this complex is not an easy job.
Many say this type of films are made for a particular season, for an audience rather elitist and does not popular. What do you think?
is really not an easy film to shoot, to sell to the public. But it is a deeply human story, full of edges, colors and shadows. Of humor and pathos. It is not just a story about aristocrats of tribulations. I think well worth telling this story, because it has all elements in its favor to reach the audience. It is not a melodrama, not a biopic ... indeed. The tape does not need labels, and I think that is most important. It's a human interest story. So yes, it is a risk, but is one of those worthwhile. I would tell the public that no preconceived judgments approaches to stop the tape and wrap. Discover that it has pleasant surprises for everyone.
is a performance that has put you back on the short lists of great prizes ...
Yeah, well, I dunno. I did not take this role wondering if it could result in recognition or not. The truth is that I guided my career in this way - if so, I guess not live in Italy, staying out of the spotlight. I did it because I wanted to, because I felt the urgent need for it, period. I can understand that the ego makes you feel more powerful and want to feel the respect of others. As actors, we are all a bit exhibitionistic, but I'm not ambitious. As an actor I enjoy the recognition, but I do not get upset.
But beyond the awards, has established thirty-year career. It is not easy.
is true and I think I have much luck. I started supporting roles rather than actors because it is easier to start and go down slowly. No matter the fame, if not to work forever. Alec Guinness was. There is a great tradition of British actors who have disdained fame for their craft. Derek Jacobi, Paul Scofield, John Gielguld. They set a precedent and an example of me. I like that now, thirty years later I'm working on what I like. I hope to do thirty years.
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