Suddenly, I Was Taken Seriously as a Film Actor

For most of his career, Sir Ian McKellen was primarily recognized as a theater actor, having performed Shakespeare’s works since the mid-‘60s. From “Much Ado About Nothing” to “Hamlet,” he graced the stage with numerous notable roles. In 1981, he even garnered a Tony nomination for his portrayal of Salieri in Peter Shaffer’s “Amadeus” on Broadway, where he starred alongside Tim Curry.

However, McKellen attributes a significant shift in his career to his performance in both the stage and film productions of “Richard III” during the 1990s. In a recent interview with The Guardian, McKellen explained how this role altered his professional trajectory.

“When we were doing ‘Richard III’ at the National Theatre in 1990, the director Richard Eyre, designer Bob Crowley, and I felt the design should include modern references,” McKellen said. “Although it is a history play, the original audience would have had people whose grandparents lived during Richard III’s time. Richard suggested looking back to the 1930s and fascism, which seemed like a modern equivalent. Just before the play opened in the US, I suggested we film it. He agreed and said: ‘Yes, you’d better write a screenplay.’”

By the time McKellen’s screenplay was ready to be turned into a film, he understood that a bigger star power was necessary to draw audiences. Though well-known in the theatrical sphere, he acknowledged his lesser-known status in the film industry.

“I wasn’t known as a film actor, so we wanted to get some American stars,” McKellen noted. “I thought the Woodville family, which Richard III marries into, could be American. That’s why we cast Annette Bening and Robert Downey Jr. It helped explain why everybody hated them — it was like people being appalled by the idea of Edward VIII marrying an American divorcee. Except Annette didn’t want to do it with an American accent. She said: ‘People will think I can’t do an English one. And I can.’ We had to keep saying: ‘Please make it more American!’”

Reflecting on the final product, McKellen admitted that he still has issues with the film but acknowledged its pivotal role in elevating his status. “I thought the film was probably 10 minutes too short: it was in danger of becoming a cartoon version. But, just as with Iago in ‘Othello,’ you find yourself wanting Richard to succeed against your better instincts, just to see how far he’ll go – so it races along. Suddenly I was being considered seriously as a film actor.”

He added, “If Bryan Singer hadn’t seen it, he would never have asked me to be in ‘Apt Pupil’ or ‘X-Men.’ ‘Richard III’ the movie changed my life.” McKellen’s role in “Richard III” not only demonstrated his versatility as an actor but also opened new doors for him in Hollywood.

This performance marked a turning point, transforming McKellen from a revered stage actor to a sought-after film star. His subsequent roles in major Hollywood productions attest to the impact “Richard III” had on his career, making it a significant milestone in his journey.

Source: The Guardian