Stephen Dillane

[Neryssa]

Just wondering how many British fans of Stephen Dillane are aware that he has been a huge hit as Jefferson in the HBO series "John Adams." He was nominated for an Emmy for Best Supporting Actor. I did not realize that I have seen this fine actor in a number of films... Of course, he is better known as a stage actor who also won a Tony in the States in 2000. I must say that Dillane was very compelling, enigmatic and handsome as Jefferson. Not surprising that there are many English actors in this series.



Cheers,



Neryssa

[batman]

He was also good as Horatio in Mel Gibson's under-rated Hamlet.

[Neryssa]

I agree, it was an underrated film but I barely remember him in it. I do remember Dillane in "Welcome to Sarajevo." Apparently he has played a fine Hamlet himself in England.

[batman]

I agree, it was an underrated film but I barely remember him in it. I do remember Dillane in "Welcome to Sarajevo." Apparently he has played a fine Hamlet himself in England.

He did. I saw it.

[CaptainWaggett]

He was set to do both Hamlet and Prospero at the Old Vic this year but was prevented by some sort of personal problems (illness or maybe a bereavement?) though with David Tennant this year and Jude Law next it probably isn't the best time to be doing Hamlet in London.

[Neryssa]

I do not think that Jude Law is in the same league as Stephen Dillane, do you? Dillane is not as well known because he doesn't care for celebrity. I think of Dillane as a great stage actor. Not that I have been fortunate enough to see him...

[batman]

I do not think that Jude Law is in the same league as Stephen Dillane, do you? Dillane is not as well known because he doesn't care for celebrity. I think of Dillane as a great stage actor. Not that I have been fortunate enough to see him...

The poor reviews for Tennant's attempt would appear to indicate that he is not in Dillane's league either!



Stephen Dillane is IMHO one of our most under-rated actors.

[CaptainWaggett]

The poor reviews for Tennant's attempt would appear to indicate that he is not in Dillane's league either!



Stephen Dillane is IMHO one of our most under-rated actors.

I didn't see any poor reviews for Tennant's performance and personally I thought he was one of the best I've seen (certainly better than Alan Rickman's shockingly bad attempt a few years ago).

[batman]

I didn't see any poor reviews for Tennant's performance and personally I thought he was one of the best I've seen (certainly better than Alan Rickman's shockingly bad attempt a few years ago).

I have read three in magazines and they were all negative about Tennant .... calling his performance 'shallow', 'full of excessive mugging' and expressing a belief that he 'wasn't ready' for the role.



But as I haven't seen it, I am merely passing on the thoughts of others.

[CaptainWaggett]

I do not think that Jude Law is in the same league as Stephen Dillane, do you? Dillane is not as well known because he doesn't care for celebrity. I think of Dillane as a great stage actor. Not that I have been fortunate enough to see him...

Jude Law is an excellent stage actor - he has given great performances in 'Tis Pity She's a Whore and Doctor Faustus in recent years. Obviously I can't comment on his Hamlet since he hasn't done it yet, but don't dismiss him as a stage actor simply because he's better known for films (why do people do that? Nobody suggests that stage actors can't give good film performances). I'm simply saying that with the two highest profile Hamlets of the last few years coming to London, it probably isn't the best time for Dillane to do his - there is a limit to how many Hamlets even the most dedicated theatre fan wants to see!

[Neryssa]

Jude Law is an excellent stage actor - he has given great performances in 'Tis Pity She's a Whore and Doctor Faustus in recent years. Obviously I can't comment on his Hamlet since he hasn't done it yet, but don't dismiss him as a stage actor simply because he's better known for films (why do people do that?

Ignorance.



My apologies, I did not know that Law was an accomplished stage actor. And I am in no position to judge his work on stage - unfortunately.

[nomansland]

The poor reviews for Tennant's attempt would appear to indicate that he is not in Dillane's league either!

Not sure what reviews you have been reading but the critics so far were enthusiastic:



Review round up from all the dailies



Variety



Sunday Times



Observer



Independent on Sunday



I was thinking whether to see the production, now it seems it's too late since it's sold out and the reviews only attract more people.

[batman]

I never believe what I read in the papers!

[Neryssa]

BTW, I thought that I should post a link to a very nice website about Dillane:



Thank you for indulging me





Stephen Dillane

[Neryssa]

I am renewing my acquaintance with this wonderful forum. I was able to see Mr Dillane in New York in 2009 and 2011 reciting T.S. Eliot's "Four Quartets." He was superb. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend Mendes'
Bridge Project a couple of years ago (London, New York, et al). Dillane appeared in The Tempest (Prospero) and As You Like It (Jaques). Has anybody seen his latest film "Perfect Sense?"

[didi-5]

Stephen Dillane has always been a favourite of mine. An underrated talent on both stage and screen. And yes, he was one of the great Hamlets, IMO.

[Neryssa]

He is underrated. Why? You are fortunate that you saw his Hamlet. I was hoping that he and director Travis Preston would return to the stage this year with the solo-Macbeth. However, I understand the funding is not available yet.

[didi-5]

Sadly though I didn't get to see the Four Quartets ... gutted I couldn't make that. I'm glad you got to see that Neryssa.

[Neryssa]

Thank you, didi-5. I had to fly from the Western U.S. to New York to see him in FQ but it was worth it. Hope you get to see it in the near future.

[ayrshireman]

Excellent and very underrated actor.

Just watched him last weekend in 44 Inch Chest.