Rami Malek: Action Cinema with Emotional Depth in 'The Amateur'
Rami Malek, the Academy Award winner, is currently captivating audiences with his latest role in "The Amateur: Operation Vengeance," now showing on Mexican screens. In an interview with M2, Malek delves into the emotional core of this action-packed thriller, highlighting its unique approach to the spy genre.
From Codebreaker to Avenger: A Story of Loss and Determination
Malek portrays Charlie Heller, a CIA codebreaker whose life is irrevocably altered when his wife is tragically killed in a London terrorist attack. Frustrated by the lack of action from official channels, Charlie embarks on a perilous mission to avenge her death, despite lacking the conventional skills of a field agent. According to Moscatel (2024), “*El amateur* is a different and entertaining film, with the potential to move beyond just the action film audience”.
"The Amateur" distinguishes itself by emphasizing the power of emotions and intelligence over brute force. Malek shares his enthusiasm for the project, stating, «I always see this process of making a film as something complete. I don't want to enter and exit. If I am going to dedicate time to this, because it takes a long time to make a well-made film, I don't want to do anything halfway.»
Crafting a Sophisticated Thriller
Malek further explains his vision for the film: «We seek to make the film more elegant, more sophisticated and from a perspective that we have never seen before. Someone who is not the hero, with whom they would never identify, but that in some way, at the end of the film, we could say that he is capable of some extraordinary things too.» He sought to create a spy thriller that resonates with audiences on a deeper level, exploring the motivations and vulnerabilities of its protagonist.
The Emotional Core: A Love Story Amidst Chaos
The actor emphasizes the love story at the heart of the film, despite its violent backdrop. "There is an extraordinary loss at the beginning of the film and you see a couple of people who, again, you would not expect to be together, but they recognize something unique between each other," Malek explains. This connection fuels Charlie's relentless pursuit of justice and ensures that his wife's memory is honored. The emotional depth adds weight to the action sequences, grounding them in a profound sense of loss and determination.
Disney's Influence: Honoring the Departed
Connecting the film's themes to Disney's animated masterpiece, Coco, Malek reflects on the importance of honoring the deceased. «Disney animated films make people cry more than the rest of the dramas. They have a way of connecting with one emotionally, they dare to reach a place where, perhaps because they are animation, you allow yourself,» he observes. This emotional connection is something he strived to achieve in "The Amateur," creating a character with whom audiences can readily identify.
Relatability and the Capacity for Greatness
Despite the extraordinary circumstances, Malek believes that Charlie Heller is ultimately relatable. «There is no distance or a large wall between me and this character. He is someone with whom I can identify,» he affirms. This relatability underscores the film's message that ordinary individuals are capable of extraordinary acts when driven by a strong moral compass. In the context of an interview with Grupo Milenio (2024) Malek added, «When it comes from a good place, a place of integrity and justice, I think it's something we can bet on. We can identify.»
Beyond Superheroes: Finding Inspiration in Everyday People
When asked if he ever fails to recognize himself on screen, Malek responds that he finds greater inspiration in the everyday heroes he encounters in real life. «They are people that I see day in and day out. And I look at that and say, well, why can't we put someone like that on the big screen?» This philosophy informs his portrayal of Charlie Heller, a flawed but ultimately heroic figure who embodies the potential for greatness within ordinary individuals.
Key Facts About "The Amateur"
- Based on the novel written by Robert Lintel (1981).
- Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) stars as Sarah Horowitz, Charlie's wife.
References
Moscatel, S. (2024, April 10). Rami Malek: Cine de acción emocional. Milenio. Retrieved from https://www.milenio.com/espectaculos/rami-malek-cine-de-accion-emocional
