The Amateur

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In the movie “The Amateur”, Rachel Brosnahan portrays Sarah, the spouse of Rami Malek’s character Charlie Heller. However, due to a tragic turn of events revealed in the film’s trailer, Sarah is shown as already deceased at the start of the story. Despite her death being a central element that drives the plot of “The Amateur”, Brosnahan’s role doesn’t allow for much character development due to limited screen time.

Consequently, these early scenes between Brosnahan and Malek become crucial, as they must quickly convince viewers that the bond between Sarah and Charlie is so profound that its dissolution would drive Charlie into a world-traveling undercover mission for revenge.

In this conversation, ScreenRant chatted with Brosnahan and fellow star Caitríona Balfe about how Brosnahan tackled a part with minimal on-screen presence, how Balfe’s character’s actions convey her sorrow, and the methods each actor uses to “fill their silence.

Rami Malek’s Game-Changing Phone Call To Rachel Brosnahan

“He was talking to me about wanting to bring out a softer side…”

Among all, Rami Malek has a deeper understanding of Sarah’s character than Rachel Brosnahan does. In the story of “The Amateur”, the primary character’s motivations are significantly shaped by his relationship with Sarah.

Brosnahan revealed that when Rami contacted him regarding this project, he emphasized the significance of establishing a strong foundation for our relationship, not just to gain the audience’s trust in the movie, but also for his personal emotional journey. Over the years, we had already known each other, and as Caítriona did too, we had discussed collaborating. Particularly, he was focusing on revealing a gentler side of Heller, a character who often dwells within his thoughts. Since Heller is typically portrayed as someone who spends most of his time behind a computer, it’s crucial to show a completely different side of him with Sarah.

Brosnahan emphasized that it was crucial for them, herself and Malek, to ensure the viewers could empathize with Charlie’s situation as he pursues justice.

Brosnahan stated, “As he embarks on a journey that can be morally unclear, whether it’s about revenge or ‘justice-revenge,’ we are right there with him. We had the opportunity to construct this relationship together and enjoy time in London.

Caítriona Balfe Dissects Inquilline’s “Needing To Connect”

“The basic thing about humanity is feeling seen…”

In the movie, only Inquilline (played by Caitríona Balfe) seems to experience something similar to what Charlie goes through. Towards the end, there’s a scene where Inquilline asks for company in bed, not for any romantic reason, but merely to establish a sense of connection.

As a passionate cinephile, I found that scene strikingly beautiful. In another movie, it might have veered towards something more sensual, but here, it was all about two individuals who’ve endured loss, yearning for connection. The essence of humanity lies in the desire to be seen or understood, and this need is incredibly significant. My character is a solitary soul, having withdrawn from the world, yet simultaneously performing a heroic act by unmasking corruption and standing up against power.

Although Inquilline was driven by larger goals, Balfe took solace in the depth of emotions her character possessed.

Balfe commented, “I found it fascinating how complex this character was, with moments that may not have been lengthy in the film but were rich in depth. The character was carefully developed, and it was a pleasure to play someone like that. Plus, it was exciting to be part of something action-packed and enjoyable too.

In one of those poignant instances, Inquilline discusses with Charlie about coping with sorrow, where she points out that finding words during silence can be a challenging ordeal. Filling such quiet spaces is also present at the other extreme, as it can feel equally empty to spend time alone after the exhilarating heights of international promotional tours and filming on major movie productions.

Brosnahan observed that the entertainment industry can be peculiar because it offers enormous highs, yet there’s often a lack of genuine depth in relationships, particularly during certain experiences. She emphasized the importance of having people who keep you grounded. For her, this group has been the same friends she made in college and even before. It’s a wonderful blessing to have such people to call when needed, but sometimes, silence can also be beneficial.

I don’t usually fill the silence myself, as my three-and-a-half-year-old keeps it lively! Yet, I find this silence a beautiful equilibrium in my life. Coming home to this peaceful chaos is such a delightful experience for me.” (Balfe laughed)

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2025-04-21 19:18