Gary Oldman discusses his acting heroes and influences, reflecting on the figures who inspired his celebrated performances and shaped his unique approach to portraying a wide range of characters. In a recent interview before the release of his film about Winston Churchill, Oldman outlined the actors he most admires and shared insights into his creative process.
Oldman’s Journey to Acclaimed Versatility
Widely recognized for his extraordinary acting range, Gary Oldman has traversed roles as varied as punk icon Sid Vicious and wartime leader Winston Churchill. Each of his characterizations demonstrates a deep commitment to authenticity, earning him respect as one of Britain’s foremost screen talents. Oldman’s journey from the streets of South East London to international acclaim exemplifies his ascent from humble beginnings to knighthood.
Oldman’s approach to acting is fueled by the desire not simply to act, but to disappear into each character he takes on. He views the profession as a pathway to self-expression and a form of escape, shaped by his working-class upbringing. As he explained,
“I think it was my way out, a sort of avenue of escape,”
—Gary Oldman, Actor. He emphasized the transformative fun he found in acting, noting,
“The fun of it was getting away from myself and stepping into the characteristics and the behaviour of someone else. It stems from that thing of not necessarily being that comfortable in your own skin.”
—Gary Oldman, Actor.
Dedication to Authenticity and Craft
Oldman has long been meticulous about his craft, often immersing himself in the habits and psychology of his subjects. To prepare for his role as Churchill, for instance, he insisted on using genuine Cuban cigars throughout a challenging 48-day shoot, leading to both a hefty bill and physical consequences, all in the name of accuracy. This level of dedication is part of what distinguishes him from many of his peers, as he sees his art from both in front of and behind the camera, having directed as well as acted.
Discussing his method, Oldman draws a line between impression and deep character work. He revealed,
“Impressionists have to paint with a very broad stroke because you’ve got to see it within a couple of seconds. You go, ‘That’s a really funny Robert De Niro,’”
—Gary Oldman, Actor. For Oldman, true acting involves deeper immersion:
“As an actor, though, you look at different aspects of a character. I try to completely surround myself with the assignment. It’s like being in a big cloud, and then some of it rains through.”
—Gary Oldman, Actor.
The Enduring Influence of Oldman’s Acting Heroes
Throughout his career, Oldman has found continual inspiration by studying the performances of renowned actors. He often returns to the work of both leading men and character actors, respecting a wide range of styles and eras. As he puts it,
“I look at my heroes’ work,”
—Gary Oldman, Actor, listing names such as Alan Bates, Tom Courtenay, Albert Finney, and Alec Guinness among his most significant influences. He also acknowledges the work of popular screen icons, sharing,
“But my taste is very wide. I love Cary Grant. I love the absolute simplicity of Gary Cooper. I also look at Newman and McQueen and even Redford. I mean, if you watch Redford in All the President’s Men [1976], it’s one of the greatest screen performances.”
—Gary Oldman, Actor.
For Oldman, what sets an actor like Robert Redford apart is a subtle complexity that is not reliant on obvious transformations. He describes it as
“in the eyes” and admires the understated psychology conveyed through performance. He emphasizes to younger actors the importance of authenticity in even the most mundane scenes, especially phone acting, explaining,
“There are people who are very good at it and people who are not good at it. In All the President’s Men, there is one take of Redford switching phones, talking to different people; it’s about six or seven minutes long. Very, very slow push in on Redford. And I would say to students, ‘You want to see phone acting? That is the Michelangelo of phone acting.’”
—Gary Oldman, Actor.
The Nine Legendary Figures Who Inspired Oldman’s Art
Gary Oldman openly acknowledges the significant impact nine actors have had on his artistic development. His selection spans character actors and Hollywood icons, each with a style that offers something uniquely instructive or inspiring.
Here are the nine figures Gary Oldman recognizes as his primary acting heroes:
1. Alan Bates: Renowned for transforming into complex characters with emotional depth.
2. Tom Courtenay: Respected for raw, understated performances that reveal human vulnerability.
3. Albert Finney: Praised for his commanding screen presence and versatile artistry in both dramatic and lighter roles.
4. Alec Guinness: Celebrated for his chameleon-like ability to disappear into diverse roles, a model of character acting.
5. Cary Grant: Admired by Oldman for effortless charm and subtle comedic timing.
6. Gary Cooper: Honored for simplicity and quiet strength, Cooper’s minimalist acting made a strong impression on Oldman.
7. Paul Newman: A symbol of naturalism and authenticity, known for emotional truthfulness in his roles.
8. Steve McQueen: Emulated for on-screen cool and intensity, McQueen’s performances resonated for their internalized emotion.
9. Robert Redford: Especially influential, Redford’s understated approach in “All the President’s Men” remains, for Oldman, a gold standard in nuanced acting.
Legacy of Inspiration in Contemporary Film
Oldman’s reflections reveal the thread that connects different generations of performers, highlighting how present-day actors continue to look to their predecessors for both practical and artistic guidance. His dedication to authenticity and transformation, combined with a deep appreciation for his heroes’ work, underlines the ongoing cycle of artistic inspiration within the profession. As Oldman models for current and future actors, studying legends can spark aspiration and raise the standards for what is possible on screen.
In his own evolving body of work, Oldman ensures that the lessons from these nine influential figures remain alive, breathing new life into classic methods while continuing to inspire a new generation.
