September 11th 2024.
In a recent interview, James McAvoy opened up about his latest role in the psychological thriller Speak No Evil. The 45-year-old actor plays the terrifyingly unhinged character of Paddy, and he revealed that he didn't have to do much to prepare for the role.
The highly anticipated film, which is a remake of the 2022 horror movie of the same name, follows the story of two families who meet and grow close while on vacation. However, their reunion in the UK takes a chilling turn as they find themselves in danger at the hands of their hosts in Paddy's seemingly charming country home.
At the New York premiere of Speak No Evil, James spoke to The Agency and shared his thoughts on portraying the depraved dad. He reassured fans that he didn't have to "f**k himself up too bad" for the role, as he was just "faking it" on screen. Physically, he was already the right size and shape to play Paddy, and mentally, he just had to act.
However, one aspect of the role that proved to be a little challenging for James was Paddy's voice. Being a native of Glasgow, he had to swap his Scottish accent for a "West Country" tone with a mix of other accents to portray the character's well-traveled background. He explained that they wanted Paddy to sound rural, but not too idiosyncratic or parochial.
Despite his initial worries, James' efforts have been praised by critics, with his portrayal being described as "unsettling" and "unhinged" on Rotten Tomatoes, where the remake currently has an impressive 88% score.
When asked why he decided to take on the role, James revealed that he had heard of the original Speak No Evil but had not seen it before filming. He was glad that he didn't watch it before taking on the role, as he didn't want to compare himself to the previous actor's performance. He only watched the original after wrapping up the filming process.
In the film, James' character Paddy and his on-screen partner, played by Aisling Franciosi, are the "bad couple" who seem to have the kind of love that one can only dream of. In contrast, the "good couple," played by Louise, Ben, and their daughter Agnes, have a relationship that is described as "gray and depressing." According to James, this dynamic adds to the tension and makes for an exciting and thrilling watch.
Speak No Evil is set to hit cinemas in the UK on September 12 and in the US on September 13. Fans can expect a gripping and intense experience, and James' performance is definitely one to watch out for.
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