Whishaw upon Whishaw | The Film Club | September 2017

Whishaw upon Whishaw
An Exploration Through the Heart of an Artist 

This month's film club is examining the brilliant work of Ben Whishaw. Often dubbed as this generations Olivier, Whishaw's collection of work is a stunning representation of the power and versatility of an artist. Whishaw has this immaculate ability to bring the human spirit to life on stage and screen. His fine skills as an artist brings to life the most vibrant and gorgeous characters. Whishaw, who usually opts for the supporting role over the lead, has the ability to turn any character interesting and you can't help but become completely engrossed in his performances. From his body language to his quirks, Whishaw creates an aura surrounding his characters that make you truly believe these characters are real. 

Ben Whishaw, in every role he performs, gives a masterclass on how to transcend one's own self and become a vessel to tell another's story. He is a true actor -- one who tells a story not just with his voice but with his mannerisms and presence. He has a quiet presence on screen, but don't let that make you think he doesn't dominate every scene. 

I'm really excited to have curated a collection of Ben Whishaw's work for this month's film club. He is the first actor that truly taught me that acting is more than just reading lines with different intonations (something some professional actors still haven't learned). His performances are powerful and dynamic; they will often move you to tears. 

I chose this collection of work to show the range of Whishaw's characters. This collection includes some his most notable performances on screen and, in my opinion, some of his most powerful and moving work. Most of the time Whishaw opts for the supporting role (playing to his strengths as a more dynamic actor), but these films showcase his work as leading man. I hope you enjoy this month's selections and don't forget to let me know what you think!

The films and television programs of Whishaw upon Whishaw are:

Bright Star (dir. Jane Campion)
Brideshead Revisited (2008) (dir. Julian Jarrold)
Liliting (dir. Hong Khaou)
The Hour (Created by Abi Morgan)
Criminal Justice (Created by Peter Moffat) 
The Hollow Crown: Richard II (dir. Rupert Goold)

So, here's how the Film Club works. Each month I curate a collection of films that demonstrate the best of filmmaking. Over the course of the month, you watch as many films on this list as you can, and, with your help, we can discuss how these films work together as a collection and how they reflect the artistry of filmmaking. At the end of the month, come back here to read my review of the films in this month's collection. If you want to take part in this month's film club, leave a comment Tweet me, Tumblr me, or Email me discussing your thoughts on this collection! 

Part II of Whishaw upon Whishaw | The Film Club