Tom Hardy

October 12, 2009 by Cris G.
Filed under Actors 2Watch4

I like versatile actors who take on quirky roles and turn them into something memorable. Regardless of whether they are the main character or just have a few scenes sprinkled throughout the film, when they appear on screen they overshadow everyone around them. Tom Hardy is that kind of actor.

His talent is as undeniable as his looks. Since his debut under the direction of Sir Ridley Scott, his star has been on the rise. Which might be surprising to some because Tom Hardy, like many of his characters, has had a somewhat unconventional and complicated life. Stepping in front of a camera or onto a stage takes daring in and of itself, but doing so while fighting an addiction must be unbelievably daunting. Yet, that’s exactly what Tom did until he overcame his drug abusing habits. His determination to survive against the odds may very well be the driving force that causes him to inhabit his characters so well.

In smaller roles, he manages to bring something to light that makes the audience remember him long after the screen has gone dark. In Black Hawk Down, he was the soldier who deafened his friend by firing a rifle too close to his head. In RocknRolla, he was the gay gangster (the appropriately named Handsome Bob) who wanted a dance – a slow dance – from Gerard Butler before being sent off to serve a prison sentence. (A hilarious scene, by the way.) As a GI in “Band of Brothers{, he remembered to salute despite an awkward situation and his state of undress.

When he’s the lead, he transforms himself in a way few actors can. He can warp not only his physical appearance, but our perceptions as well. Through him, even the most morally reprehensible and misunderstood individuals become complicated people and sometimes, sympathetic victims. His turns in “Wuthering Heights” and “Oliver Twist” make you feel something akin to pity for Heathcliff and Bill Sykes. (That’s saying something because I hate Heathcliff with the fire of a thousand burning suns! A thousand, I say!). While we may still be thankful Charles Bronson (Bronson) is behind bars, we gain a deeper understanding of the man through Tom’s portrayal. And I dare anyone to watch “Stuart: A Life Backwards” and not bawl like a baby.

I have been a fan for years and will be for the foreseeable future. I, like countless others, eagerly await his next projects and sit back like old veterans when new fans spring up frothing at the mouth over him. I remember what it was like when I first found him. All I can say it that it will be okay. Just remember to breathe through your nose (and that I was here before you *pointed look*) and everything will be fine…just fine.

Look for Tom in the upcoming films Inception with Leonardo DiCaprio and Warrior with Nick Nolte.

Fansites:
Tom Hardy dot Org