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World-renowned actor, recipient of the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (2000), Honorary César (2007), National Board of Review Award for Best Cast (2004) and British Independent Film Award – The Variety Award (2011), Jude Law, makes a compelling return to the silver screen portraying a historical figure, that of Henry VIII. The soon-to-be-released film, Firebrand (Le jeu de la Reine), set for late March, narrates the story of Catherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of King Henry VIII, portrayed by Alicia Vikander.
Celebrated for his distinguished performances in several films such as Enemy at the Gate, A.I., Closer, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Holiday, and J.K. Rowling’s adaptation, Fantastic Beasts, Jude Law emerges once again in a riveting role. In Firebrand, the actor embodies the iconic character of the English King Henry VIII during the last days of his life. Law, barely recognizable in his costume comprising a hairstyle, doublet and hose, jerkin, breeches, legwear, crown and jewelry, successfully immerses himself into the character’s psyche. The discomfort caused by the attire proved instrumental in enabling him to better represent a king suffering from a leg injury, witnessing the erosion of his power at life and encapsulating diminished vulnerability. It was crucial for the actor to grasp the king’s physical condition, which dictated his mindset. Once perceived as the ultimate hero next to God, he is forced to relinquish this lifelong belief.
Transformed with a beard, distorted body, and legs afflicted by necrosis, Jude Law further enhances his character immersion by spraying foul-smelling perfumes around him, repelling those who drew near. The film was shot in a medieval castle, where the pervasive scents of wood fire, animals and food enriched the setting. Law’s portrayal is marked by paranoia and anger, pain and fragility, unpredictability and ruthlessness. Given his striking versatility, wide emotional range, critical acclaim and dedication to character immersion — often disappearing entirely into his roles and constantly pushing beyond his comfort zone — his remarkable performance is no anomaly. Embodying a complex English King posed a significant challenge for the legendary actor. His ability to oscillate between vulnerability and harshness, forging a poignant emotional connection with the audience, is unsurprising.
What rendered the role accessible to him transcended the historical dimensions of the character. Jude Law delved deeper, embodying a human being confronting his decline at life’s end. He, who had tormented his wives — the five predecessors before the last —, he, who had ruled with merciless dominance, now finds himself a suffering, embittered man at life’s conclusion.
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