Aaron Taylor-Johnson Says ‘Nocturnal Animals’ Role Was “Really Difficult”

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As a cinephile with a penchant for the unconventional, I must admit that Aaron Taylor-Johnson‘s transformation in “Nocturnal Animals” is nothing short of mesmerizing. The film, while often overlooked, showcases Taylor-Johnson at his absolute best, delivering a chilling performance as the sinister Ray Marcus.

What struck me most about Taylor-Johnson’s portrayal was not just the sheer depth of his character but also the apparent struggle he faced in accepting the role. In an era where actors are often typecast into heroic roles, it was refreshing to see Taylor-Johnson step out of his comfort zone and embrace the darkness that Ray Marcus represented.

It’s a testament to Taylor-Johnson’s versatility as an actor, and I can’t help but wonder if, deep down, he secretly enjoys playing the villain more than the hero. After all, who doesn’t love a good bad guy?

On a lighter note, it seems that even the most intimidating characters have their quirks. I mean, who would have thought that beneath Taylor-Johnson’s menacing Ray Marcus exterior lay a man researching serial killers like Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer for inspiration? Talk about an unexpected twist!

Prior to landing the role as the infamous Spider-Man antagonist in “Kraven the Hunter”, Aaron Taylor-Johnson had already made a name for himself playing a truly menacing character in one of the less celebrated thrillers of the 2010s. The film, titled “Nocturnal Animals” and directed by Tom Ford, was a thought-provoking, award-winning drama that boasted an impressive ensemble cast featuring Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, and, you guessed it, Taylor-Johnson. This role earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture. However, the actor has since confessed that he struggled significantly with accepting the part of serial killer Ray Marcus.

During an interview with The Guardian, Taylor-Johnson spoke about his role in Ford’s 2016 mystery thriller, where he played the antagonist based on a book character within the movie. This character’s story triggers the grief of novelist Edward Sheffield (Gyllenhaal). In the film, Taylor-Johnson portrays a serial killer who murdered and raped Tony Hastings’ wife and daughter, as depicted in the book written by Gyllenhaal’s character. The chilling role required Taylor-Johnson to metamorphose into a slippery, unsettling embodiment of evil that possesses an unexpected charm. It’s clear that Taylor-Johnson excelled in this role; however, he confessed to feeling apprehensive about taking on the unconventional part when Tom Ford initially offered him the film for Nocturnal Animals.

Initially, I struggled immensely with the idea of assuming that role. It was extremely challenging for me to comprehend why Tom Ford, whom I had a casual acquaintance with through dinner parties, wanted me to portray a serial-killer rapist. Frankly, I felt incapable and uncertain about how to approach this character. I was completely out of my element, as I didn’t understand what exactly was expected of me. Tom insisted that the character needed immense charisma, which he believed would make him unpredictable.

Tom Ford Wanted Ray to Be “Charismatic”

Previously, Taylor-Johnson was gearing up to play leading roles in numerous high-profile franchises, from Godzilla in 2014 to Avengers: Age of Ultron. However, the arrival of Nocturnal Animals appears to have served as a jolt for him. In an interview with The Guardian, Taylor-Johnson expressed that immersing himself in crafting his character, Ray, was “definitely a valuable lesson about stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

As a writer, I often find myself pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone to create unique and intriguing characters. Recently, I was tasked with transforming Ray, a fresh-faced, charming individual, into someone who is also weird and freaky, as requested by Tom. This challenge took me on a chilling journey through the minds of infamous serial killers like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Richard Ramirez.

One thing that stood out about these criminals was their charisma and charm, which they used to lure their victims. I drew inspiration from various sources, incorporating elements from different cases and personalities to create a character that would meet Tom’s expectations. This experience was both enlightening and unsettling, as it forced me to delve deep into the dark recesses of human nature and confront my own limitations.

In the end, I produced something that was unique and different – a character who, on the surface, seemed ordinary but hid a twisted and sinister side. This life lesson reminded me that sometimes taking risks and stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to unexpected results and personal growth.

In the vein of “Nocturnal Animals”, Tom-Johnson’s filmography continues to lean towards high-profile action movies such as “Bullet Train” and “Kraven the Hunter”. Yet, he manages to carve out time for ventures like “Nosferatu”, a modern reimagining of the 1922 silent horror classic using practical effects, and is poised to appear in the long-awaited sequel to “28 Days Later”, titled “28 Years Later”. Additionally, he’s set to star in its continuation, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple”. Regardless, “Nocturnal Animals” remains his most unconventional performance, one that will undoubtedly shine among his distinguished body of work.

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2025-01-02 21:32