Eddie Redmayne Drew Inspiration from David Bowie for Day of the Jackal

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As a cinema enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the silver screen world, I find myself utterly captivated by Eddie Redmayne’s transformation into the elusive assassin known as The Jackal in Peacock’s new spy thriller, The Day of the Jackal. His preparation for this role was nothing short of fascinating, drawing inspiration from an unexpected source – the iconic chameleonic singer, David Bowie.

Eddie Redmayne (known for Fantastic Beasts and The Danish Girl) drew significant inspiration for his captivating portrayal of the elusive assassin, Jackal, in Peacock’s new spy thriller, The Day of the Jackal, from an unexpected source: a legendary, shape-shifting singer. As Redmayne put it, “I collaborated with Alexandra Reynolds, a remarkable woman who I previously worked with on The Theory of Everything. Together we explored the various physical aspects of Jackal to help define his character, as he is essentially a vessel; he’s so mysterious.

In a recent MovieWeb interview, Redmayne mentioned an intriguing ’70s interview he discovered featuring David Bowie. He highlighted that this article presented a unique side of the singer, contrasting with his usual glamorous stage character. Bowie appeared as his true self, without any special attire or makeup. Essentially, he was bare. Comparing Bowie’s versatile personas to Jackal’s enigmatic appearance, Redmayne pointed out.

I found that Bowie often spoke about how he felt uneasy playing himself, but excelled at embodying others. His mysterious allure and soft-spoken nature, combined with his unique perspective, made him impossible not to be captivated by. This is a theme I frequently returned to in many ways.

Will Jackal Earn Eddie Redmayne an Emmy Nomination?

Without a doubt, I can’t help but be captivated by Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal in “The Day of the Jackal.” Adapted from Frederick Forsyth’s 1971 novel and brought to life again in a 1973 film adaptation, Redmayne masterfully embodies the cunning Jackal. In this gripping tale, he is hired to eliminate a tech magnate before the launch of his new app, promising transparency among the world’s wealthiest individuals. The relentless pursuit by British intelligence officer Lashana Lynch, known for her stellar performance in “Captain Marvel,” only fuels Jackal’s ability to outmaneuver her through clever disguises and swift actions. Yet, as Jackal’s wife, Úrsula Corberó, begins to question his frequent business trips, the stage is set for a thrilling cat-and-mouse game. The exceptional performances of these talented actors, along with the prosthetics team and costume designer, make this production ripe for Emmy nominations.

The show offers an exhilarating blend of thrill and mystery, keeping viewers eager for more after each episode. Renowned writer/producer Ronan Bennett (“Top Boy”) steers this series, already garnering attention for its exceptional acting, gripping suspense, and intricately choreographed action scenes. Paul Bidiss, the military advisor for “Gladiator II”, is also involved in the project. Unlike the original film, “The Day of the Jackal” offers an extended backstory for the character, shedding light on his past and offering fresh insights into who he became. Originally premiered in the UK on Nov 7th, the first five episodes will be available on Peacock in the U.S. starting from Nov 14th; you can watch it using the link provided below:

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2024-11-09 07:31