Hugh Grant is an English actor that has been known for romantic comedies as well as taking on complex character roles. His path over recent years has evolved from a type cast to a wide array of projects including new roles and writing which demonstrates new elements of his character.
Hugh Grant's Rejection of "Nine Months"
While discussing past roles Hugh stated he was unhappy with his work on the film "Nine Months" claiming that everyone but himself was great. His frustration at himself in his first leading role within an American movie demonstrates his high standard as a performer in the industry. This opinion he holds was displayed by humor with what could only be called a comical approach to a situation in his film history.
The Reason Behind the Dislike
He also explained further his displeasure with this particular film by adding that his wife Anna was forbidden from watching the movie to help illustrate just how strongly he felt about that movie in his catalog. It also helped express a dry sense of humor while illustrating a low opinion of the production and that performance.
Reflections on Romantic Comedies
He explained he holds past Romantic comedies that are "good" in high regard because of "pain" which is an interesting perspective for a lot of his previous fan bases. He states these aspects help maintain what they should be and when the humor falls flat without that, then the romantic comedy will simply fall apart.
A shift in Genre Preference
Grant states his more recent years have showcased new paths and also he has openly expressed a joy in playing "bad guy" characters who are usually considered as nuanced villains, as "good" guys are too difficult for him to play without boredom. His exploration outside typical rom com has been more of an area that he hopes to delve more deeply into going forward.
Contradictions About On Set Humor
He described movie sets that have comedies as usually humorless and described the laughter is all on the inside without actually any outside sound. He expressed that silence makes him search for any sound or indication he is on the right path in his character development with even a stifled sound like a "snort" as being great to experience on the set of a project.
Working with Great Directors
When discussing his collaboration with the director of the new Bridget Jones he appreciated his direction and ability to work with other cast members who were giving genuine performances and said that humor should arise through real character building and emotions with some help. He also stated while being a performer, if he could make a director laugh or feel the performance through what they have seen would mean everything to him.
Creative Freedom in Script Writing
While working on set Hugh states he has had an active role with his dialogue which gives a better insight into his understanding for creating complex well rounded performances with help from his writing experience as well. He feels like having both control of action and story allows him a much needed dynamic.
Working With "The Boys"
Hugh is grateful to all of the creative collaboration between different producers while being on set as he has great ideas in how they approach character and story. As well, by scribbling and making edits during scenes, they add to the character creation and overall production making it an active role to his position.
Recent Projects and A New Persona
With his recent career moves he states he no longer cares what other people expect him to be. He chooses roles that excite and amuse him as he looks for parts that are complicated and unique with an element of what he calls "courageous fun". This new version of how he has come across as a person has also made others more interested in what the man behind the actor is all about.
"Heretic" and "Unfrosted"
the horror film “Heretic” and the "Unfrosted" project showcase his darker side and a willingness to take chances with a more nuanced and challenging roles. Grant says he finds all characters interesting, which gives him a creative approach for character choices moving into new directions for story.
Focusing on Personal Enjoyment
After his experience with the character Mr Reed in “Heretic,” he mentions he started looking more into psychos while also putting specific focus into his appearance and personal style that could relate to each unique character. All these things combined, his approach on how he selects parts has become very unique making each role he commits to different than what people would have anticipated he could play and brings a specific detail to each of his portrayals.
Pet Peeves: Leaf Blowers, Loud Talkers and Backpacks
Hugh is outspoken with views on everyday things. As a celebrity it shows a very down to earth aspect by noting how the little things may bother him and that also he can be very outspoken about what those feelings are as well. He believes those who use those things should have something like a leaf blower “rectally inserted” showing his opinions.
Key Takeaways
- Hugh Grant’s has been known to publicly claim disdain for certain aspects of film such as “Nine Months”.
- He appreciates the romantic comedies that embrace “pain” and is quick to say what has worked or hasn't worked for him over his past.
- The actor has become very aware of how the internet removes context in favor of generating buzzworthy content and has an open disdain for this approach.
- His process involves using an understanding of complex characters, and creating small nuances that set him apart from the roles that are all written and also give more creativity to his persona.
- His new roles have challenged typical type castings as he branches out to unique and interesting positions in recent years which are unique.