Rami Malek on How ‘The Amateur’ Breaks the Spy Thriller Mold

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Rami Malek feels that his character in “The Amateur” differs significantly from the usual hero seen in spy-thriller films.

At the movie’s premiere in New York, Malek said that Charlie is remarkably similar to many of us. He often comes across as someone hard to connect with personally for most people, but we can identify with Charlie because he represents those of us who have felt overlooked or underestimated at some point in our daily lives. I’ve felt that way myself, and I bet nearly all of us have too.

The television series ‘The Amateur,’ adapted from Robert Littell’s 1981 novel, chronicles the story of Charles Heller, portrayed by Malek, a CIA cryptographer. After suffering a tragic loss – his wife’s murder – he embarks on a quest for vengeance against her killers. As Malek described, Charlie is an individual who often feels detached from society, a sort of outsider. He relishes playing characters like this: the lonely, marginalized individuals who possess surprising resilience and the ability to perform the extraordinary.

Director James Hawes, like many others in his field, chose to challenge and redefine conventional expectations within the genres he works with.

Hawes expressed curiosity about exploring a unique take on ‘revenge films’, where instead of featuring someone like Liam Neeson from “Taken” (2008), we have an individual going through the stages of grief. However, this person doesn’t possess the same set of skills as Neeson’s character. The question is how such a character, who is considered an underdog, can turn things around for themselves. Additionally, it’s important to create a compelling narrative that makes it believable they can accomplish their mission successfully.

Hawes shares Malek’s view that Charlie breaks the mold for typical espionage thriller leads, but he also emphasizes the enduring allure of this captivating genre.

Hawes stated that audiences seem to find excitement in a solitary protagonist being plunged into a mysterious, dimly lit environment. The sense of isolation adds to the intrigue, he explained. Spy thrillers frequently take place in what Hawes refers to as an “inverted world.” To illustrate this concept, he used the example of ‘Three Days of the Condor,’ a 1975 thriller directed by Sydney Pollack. In this film, the protagonist, played by Robert Redford, goes about his ordinary work, but the New York City he’s familiar with has essentially flipped upside down. The places and people he thought were safe are now the ones pursuing him, and danger lurks in the shadows. This is a similar scenario.

I find myself pondering: In these times, our world seems disoriented from all perspectives, stirring introspection about our convictions, fears, perceived dangers. It’s thrilling to observe this process unfold.

In addition to Caitríona Balfe, Michael Stuhlbarg, Holt McCallany, and Julianne Nicholson, Laurence Fishburne is also part of the movie cast. Fishburne plays the role of Charlie’s mentor, Robert “Hendo” Henderson, who has been a fan of this genre for a long time. He shared his thoughts on why he enjoys it: “I think it’s because they’re full of secrets—and we all like uncovering secrets.

Without a doubt, this suspenseful film is brimming with adrenaline-pumping action scenes, which was one of its most enticing aspects. “I’m quite looking forward to a significant battle scene in the movie,” Fishburne hinted playfully. “However, let me add that there’s an exceptional action sequence in Marseille that features cars, boats, drones, and even birds, and I must say it’s brilliantly edited together. It’s truly stunning.

A notable moment from the movie that’s worth mentioning is the shattering pool glass scene, a clip that was previously shown in the film’s preview.

Finding this place was quite unnerving and required someone’s permission for a staged explosion, 16 stories high, above their swimming pool,” Hawes explained. “It turned out that this location in London was directly across from the American Embassy, so we had some delicate negotiations with them too.

“The Amateur” is now playing in theaters.

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2025-04-12 18:46