Paul Bettany: Front & Center |
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This week, in an effort to further fuel the mania associated with the release of the THE DA VINCI CODE—one of the most eagerly anticipated films of the century (well, in a long time)—we bring you a closer look at one of the most dynamic supporting character actors on the mainstream film scene.
Unbeknownst to the thirty-five-year-old, London-born Paul Bettany, upon accepting the pivotal role of the sinister albino Silas in the trumped-up THE DA VINCI CODE, he has also unwittingly taken on a wealth of controversy.
While some white-haired, fair-skinned individuals have already expressed their disdain for the manner in which "albinos' are depicted in THE DA VINCI CODE, along with doing a convincing job of transforming his outward appearance, Bettany (who has a naturally light complexion and whitish blonde hair)-manages to tastefully respect the character without disparaging the pale skin and hair afflicted demographic.
With respect to special interest groups lobbying against the film—particularly the character of the evil monk, Silas, Bettany in a recent interview stated, "I guess taking things too seriously is an indictment of our times. It amazes me how seriously people take everything. In this case, I just want to scream, 'It's just a movie!' "
And, though, the scrutinizing role required more than two-hours a day in the make-up chair, Bettany—on the Film Guardian's web site—still was able to recollect his enthusiasm for securing the role of the self-flagellating, sinister zealot in the film based on the book that sold more than 40 million copies worldwide.
"The role is meaty and complicated, but also very clear. He (Silas) starts off his life by being called a ghost by his dad. He winds up killing his dad; goes to prison; then escapes prison. After being saved by this bishop called Aringarosa, whom he ultimately calls an angel, he suddenly feels there's a purpose to who he is. In truth, I actually felt invigorated by the part. It just felt good," explained Bettany.
Directed by the Oscar® winner Ron Howard (A BEAUTIFUL MIND, CINDERELLA MAN, THE MISSING), the religious detective story DA VINCI CODE reunites Bettany with Howard. Note: The two previously worked together on A BEAUTIFUL MIND.
Coming on the heels of his corrupt role in FIREWALL (2006) opposite Harrison Ford, Bettany, as Silas, gets to revisit the notion of playing a venomous character as opposed to the many good guy | best friend roles he took on in his formative acting years.
Trained at the London's famed Drama Centre, Bettany began his 
Bettany and Bettany as Silas in the THE DA VINCI CODE |
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acting career on the stage starring in such theatrical productions as "An Inspector Calls," "One More Wasted Year" and "Love and Understanding."
From the stage he went on to appear –first, in British telefilms and then, in feature films. It was with a film entitled, GANGSTERS (1997) that he received attention from the critics and garnered nominations from the British Independent Film Awards and the London Film Critics Circle Awards.
Bettany's introduction to the American public came in the form of the character-James Steerforth, the part he played in the made-for-television film "David Copperfield" (2000). That same year, he landed the role of Jimmy in the off-beat film, KISS KISS BANG BANG (2000) (not to be confused with KISS KISS BANG BANG with Michelle Monaghan in 2005) featuring the late Chris Penn and Stellan Skarsgärd.
However, Bettany's true break-out year had to have come in 2001, when he donned a costume to play Geoffrey Chaucer opposite Heath Ledger's Sir William Thatcher in A KNIGHT'S TALE. And, that very same year, he also exquisitely enveloped the fictitious collegiate friend, Charles, to Russell Crowe's mathematical genius John Nash in the aforementioned A BEAUTIFUL MIND.
While both of these roles affirmed his acting career, the year 2001 was perhaps most memorable for Bettany for it gave him the opportunity to meet and work with his future bride, Jennifer Connelly, who Oscar® winningly played the role of Alicia Nash. (Note: They couple was married on New Year's Day 2003)
With his career, Bettany continued to make both risky and conventional choices. In 2003, Bettany worked with the experimental director Lars Von Trier and the Oscar® winning Aussie actress Nicole Kidman in DOGVILLE and then reunited with another Aussie, Russell Crowe for the sea-faring drama MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD. In 2004, he netted a leading romantic role playing the fading tennis star, Peter Colt, opposite Kirsten Dunst in WIMBELDON.
In a short time, the undeniably talented actor seems to have convincingly covered the entire court from art-house films and weeping romances to blockbusters and searing dramas. Outside of the currently in production feature film, THERE FOR ME (which tells the dramatic tale of a couple at a crossroads), there is just no telling where this remarkably driven and ambitious Brit will go next.
Yet, one thing is for certain, he definitely has the inner fire and devotion to go the distance....
Paul Bettany on MatchFlick
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A capsulized profile on an emerging talent, i.e., actor/director in the film world and a snippet as to why he or she is destined to soon become a household name.
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| Nancy Simon |
A Chicago-based freelance writer and film enthusiast, Nancy has an insatiable curiousity and knack for picking out talented, promising individuals.
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