Guy Pearce on ‘The Brutalist’ Shocker, Watching Christopher Nolan Win the Oscar and the ‘L.A. Confidential’ Sequel That Almost Happened

As a lifelong admirer of Guy Pearce’s chameleon-like acting abilities, I can confidently say that he’s not just back – he never left! With a career spanning three decades and a knack for delivering captivating performances, it seems as if each role is an opportunity for him to dive deeper into the intricacies of human nature.

Guy Pearce seems to be having a resurgence of popularity – though it never seemed like he was gone in the first place. As he shares with EbMaster’s Awards Circuit Podcast, “It’s odd when people exclaim: ‘Wow, you’re back!’ I find myself asking, ‘Where did I go? I didn’t leave anywhere.’

Over a 30-year career, Pearce has consistently earned respect as a versatile character actor. He’s convincingly portrayed the upstanding, ambitious detective in “L.A. Confidential” (1997) and the amnesiac piecing together his own story in “Memento” (2001). Now, he’s captivating audiences with a profound and chilling performance in Brady Corbet’s historical drama, “The Brutalist.

For Pearce, success has often been tied to the quality of the material. “I usually produce my best work when the writing is exceptional,” Pearce shared during our conversation on the EbMaster Awards Circuit Podcast. “When you’re inspired, it feels like you’re dancing on top of what the writer has crafted. If the script is strong, everything else seems to fall into place naturally.” You can listen to the conversation here!

https://playlist.megaphone.fm

“The Brutalist” by A24

For Pearce, the role was irresistible. “I read the script and immediately loved it,” he recalls. “It was one of those moments where I thought, ‘If I don’t do this, I’ll regret it.’”

Prior to his roles in “L.A. Confidential” and “Memento,” Guy Pearce developed his acting skills through Australian theater and television. Raised in Geelong, a small town in Australia, Pearce’s initial interest in acting was fueled by his mother, who enjoyed taking him to the theater. He recalled, “I’d watch these actors on stage and think, ‘I want to be like them. I want to evoke the same emotions I’m feeling now.’

Pearce lavishes praise on Corbet, whose past movies like “Vox Lux” and “The Childhood of a Leader” he appreciated greatly. According to Pearce, Brady possesses an extraordinary sense of style and good taste, making him one of those directors who always knows precisely what message he aims to convey. This clarity is a boon for an actor, says Pearce. What intrigues him about Corbet is his ability to examine characters in their most complex, psychological forms. It’s the exploration of all the nuances of human nature that excites Pearce the most.

Adrien, his co-star, is held in high regard by Pearce and is acknowledged for carrying the movie: “Adrien’s acting abilities are incredible,” Pearce notes. “He exudes a serene self-assurance and possesses the skill to give performances that seem effortless. Re-watching him in ‘The Pianist’ before we began filming brought back memories of why he received an Oscar. However, witnessing him up close was truly a privilege.

The film ‘The Brutalist’ is causing a lot of excitement and receiving numerous awards nominations. The powerful and enigmatic portrayal by Pearce in this movie is particularly notable, as his character embarks on a complex and morally questionable journey. A key scene towards the end of the movie leaves the character’s destiny uncertain, leading to much debate among viewers. Pearce himself appreciates the ambiguity, stating that he enjoys scripts which allow for audience interpretation: ‘Will he find redemption or simply vanish? That’s for you to decide.’

Few movies have left as lasting an impression, both culturally and critically, as Curtis Hanson’s 1997 neo-noir “L.A. Confidential.” This film catapulted Guy Pearce into international stardom. To this day, Pearce considers it one of his most treasured experiences in his career. As he puts it, “It was my debut in an American production, and what a fantastic introduction! Curtis crafted a masterpiece. It’s one of those exceptional projects where everything fits perfectly – the script, the actors, the direction.

There have been discussions among fans about the potential for a sequel, considering that James Ellroy’s story continues in subsequent novels. Pearce has confirmed that these talks took place before Hanson’s death in 2016. “We considered setting the sequel in 1963,” Pearce said, “but Curtis was firm: it had to feature the same team. If it wasn’t executed with authenticity, he felt it wouldn’t be worth making.

As a devoted cinephile, I always approach sequels to my favorite films with a touch of apprehension. When we’re talking about a masterpiece like “L.A. Confidential,” the question becomes, “Can this new installment match the brilliance of the original?” If it fails to do so, it might diminish the magic that made the first film so extraordinary. Sequels are a delicate act of balancing respect for the past with the ambition to create something fresh and captivating.

Among Pearce’s most memorable performances was in the gripping 2000 thriller by Christopher Nolan, titled “Memento.” This film, which unfolds in a reverse timeline, continues to be a significant milestone not only in Pearce’s acting career but also in contemporary cinema. Upon reading the script, Pearce expressed, “I was struck by its genius,” and after watching Nolan’s debut film, “Following,” he became apprehensive, thinking, “I stand no chance of getting this role; someone else will surely grab it.

Working alongside Nolan left an indelible mark on me. Chris is nothing short of extraordinary; he possesses a Kubrick-esque attention to detail and has the knack for simplifying even the most intricate concepts. Being on set with him, in such an intimate environment, was a memory I’ll never forget. It’s amazing to witness his growth – from winning Oscars to directing blockbusters like ‘Oppenheimer’. However, it’s that initial encounter where I saw his genius firsthand that remains most vivid for me.

Throughout his professional journey, Pearce’s career has been characterized by his adaptability and finding depth in both leading and supporting roles, as well as working alongside an impressive lineup of directors. In his own words, “I’ve been fortunate enough to work with exceptional filmmakers – Curtis Hanson, Christopher Nolan, Ridley Scott, and now Brady Corbet,” he says. “What excites me the most is becoming a part of a director’s vision. It’s that shared creative pursuit that I find truly captivating.

When asked if there’s a particular role or director he hasn’t worked with yet that he dreams of, Pearce remains coy. “I don’t dwell on specific roles. It’s all about the thrill – that instant when a script arrives, and you think, ‘I never considered playing this character before, but now I can’t help but ponder them.’ That’s the enchantment of our profession.

For Guy Pearce, each character he plays offers a fresh chance to explore different aspects of narrative-building. “The Brutalist” serves as another compelling demonstration of this talent.

On tonight’s show, I, as a passionate movie enthusiast, delve into my insights about Ray Fisher’s captivating performance in “The Piano Lesson,” the latest August Wilson film adaptation. Furthermore, we gather around our own roundtable for a comprehensive analysis of this week’s significant awards – the Gothams, New York Film Critics Circle, Independent Spirit Awards nominations, and a lively response to the National Board of Review’s 2024 picks.

Read More

2024-12-06 01:17