Toby Jones: The Hardest-Working Man in Show Business?

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Toby Jones wonders if the film and TV industry is becoming more risk-averse.

The veteran actor shares with The Hollywood Reporter his feelings about the lack of original stories in film today. He asks if it’s tougher for new talents to break through or if technology will help them. He also mentions that some might make movies using their phones, like Sean Baker does.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but point out that when it comes to this subject, Jones is definitely worth your focus. Chances are, you’ve come across him in one or more of his over 70 films throughout his long-standing career – perhaps as the enchanting voice of Dobby in the cherished Harry Potter series, or as the sinister Arnim Zola in Marvel’s Captain America: The First Avenger.

You might recognize him from films like “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”, where he played Truman Capote in “Infamous”, or as Claudius Templesmith in “The Hunger Games”. For viewers in the U.K., he could be best known as forklift driver Lance from the popular BBC TV series “Detectorists” or as the main character in the controversial ITV drama “Mr Bates vs The Post Office“, which made waves in Britain and led to the government clearing hundreds of sub-postmasters wrongly accused of theft due to a flawed IT system, in a scandal that shook the country.

The list continues, but there’s hardly anything Jones hasn’t accomplished. Remarkably, the actor exudes humility. “I’m incredibly grateful for the diversity,” he expresses. “I’ve managed to make a living in this field. However, my role isn’t to judge. I aim for scripts as diverse as possible – that’s what I strive for. A culture that’s deep and multifaceted, filled with content from various sources, people creating it – that’s what fosters growth.

Jones is currently in a position to be selective with the acting roles he accepts, but he compares it to gambling. He mentions that making such choices isn’t often within his control. Reflecting, he notes that actors are essentially shaped by others’ perceptions of them. For instance, even if Jones feels like he could embody James Bond or desires the role, ultimately, it won’t matter what he thinks because public opinion and decision-makers hold more sway.

Jones, born in 1966 in west London to actors Jennifer and Freddie Jones, initially shied away from the profession he observed his parents excel in. As he attended university, he held the belief that he wouldn’t follow their footsteps, expressing this sentiment to THR. However, the allure of working with literature and words proved too strong. “It’s a captivating realm,” he admitted. “Being immersed in such creative expressions is truly enticing.

In 1992, Jones made his debut acting appearance in Sally Potter’s film Orlando. Subsequently, he landed several prominent roles around the mid-2000s. With over three decades of experience in the industry, Jones has been a witness to some of its most groundbreaking transformations. Among these changes, technology stands out as the most impactful. “Cameras have improved significantly, and everything is now shot digitally instead of on film,” he reflects. However, he expresses a strong sentiment about the importance of physical interaction between actors: “I feel quite strongly that actors rely on being able to connect with each other in a real space.” Despite this, there seems to be an increasing focus on screens, whether it’s through text messages or recorded auditions on phones. Jones muses, “It makes one wonder, ‘What can you learn about someone otherwise than just their appearance?’ You’re not really understanding how they will react to direction.

A significant change in the actor’s profession is the increased pressure for public appearances and self-promotion, as mentioned by Jones. “The expectation on actors to constantly give interviews and market themselves as personalities, rather than just their craft, has somewhat distorted the essence of acting,” he explains. “It seems simple, but let me tell you, when you’re working with skilled performers, it feels effortless. However, you occasionally encounter individuals who lack extensive experience for various reasons, and they might not fully grasp what’s expected. And that does add complexity to the job.

In conclusion, speed is another crucial factor. Time constraints affect everyone, not just those in the film and television industry, according to Jones. However, his line of work requires a certain level of patience. “Things are moving faster,” he says, “but the fundamentals I’m discussing remain constant. … You might need to spend some time figuring out how to enhance a scene, it could call for some exploratory research.

As a gamer, I’d say: “But some things, you just can’t rush. Actors, from what I’ve seen, have their lines down pat. Yet, we’ve always been told they don’t memorize their lines. However, they are quite efficient. They show up on time for work.

In his next project, Jones will be featured in “Mr. Burton,” a forthcoming film that delves into the early years of Welsh actor Richard Burton, born as Richard Jenkins, son of a miner with a drinking problem. Here, Jones portrays Philip Burton, the English teacher who identified and nurtured Rich’s talent, and who came close to becoming the star’s adoptive father.

Jones admitted he wasn’t familiar with Richard Jenkins’ transformation into Richard Burton when he took on the role. He found this movie to be a tender tale, one that might struggle to secure funding nowadays due to its quiet and reflective nature. Despite its subtlety, it’s a film about finding inspiration and the impact a teacher can have.

He goes on to say: “Indeed, it does have elements of a love story. We trace their relationship, featuring the complexities typical of a love story. Moreover, an unfamiliar figure to many, Richard Burton, plays a significant role in this narrative.

As a devoted admirer, I often wonder if less seasoned fans are only familiar with Richard Burton as Elizabeth Taylor’s twice-wedded partner. However, it’s quite astounding to think about such a figure, who was one of the world’s most recognized faces from the late ’60s till the early ’80s, being perceived primarily in that light. Truly, he embodied the quintessential modern celebrity.

This film focuses on Port Talbot, a small Welsh town that served as a gateway for social advancement for Burton. Lesley Manville (from “The Crown”) and Harry Lawtey (known from “Industry” and “Folie à Deux”) join forces with Jones, who portrays an early version of the Hollywood star. Jones revealed that Lawtey’s role was quite challenging. “He had to perform one of the most difficult tasks – acting as if he was learning to act, being curious and captivated by the craft of acting, gradually transforming into an actor under my guidance. This distinctive voice, which Burton was renowned for, was something Lawtey had to fully embrace. In a sense, my role was less complex. I had to bring him out of his shell and motivate him on this journey, not only as a character but also as an aspiring actor.

In our on-set interaction, it seemed that Jones and Lawtey’s teacher-student dynamic mirrored their off-camera rapport as well, or so it appeared to me. However, let me clarify, I wasn’t technically his teacher. Rather, our relationship was more about different levels of experience. You see, one of the fascinating aspects of being an actor is that there’s always something new to learn from younger actors. They bring fresh, instinctive choices to the table, and as we grow older, it can be easy for us experienced actors to become too guarded.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Jones continues to discover fresh roles to delve into. Currently, it’s “Captain America” (for the younger generation), “Detectorists” (representing traders and artisans), and “Mr Bates” that garner recognition from passersby.

Regarding his cherished vision, the famous figure confided to THR that he had discussions with David Lynch prior to the latter’s demise in January at the age of 78. “For the past five years, I have held multiple conversations with him,” Jones expressed, “and it brings me great sorrow that the ideas we were exploring will never materialize.” He continued, “Lynch was undoubtedly one of my admired directors, but I am deeply thankful for the interactions we shared.

Currently, Jones continues to toss the dice. It appears this propensity is ingrained within him: “What strikes me is that whether it’s a burden or simply who I am, I’m fascinated by people and their dynamics. I wish it was something more admirable, but it’s just what keeps drawing my attention.

Mr Burton is in U.K. cinemas from April 4. A U.S. release date is yet to be confirmed.

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2025-03-27 23:55