Gary Oldman‘s transformative performance in Prick Up Your Ears drew high praise from renowned critic Roger Ebert, who called him
“the best young British actor around”
after viewing the film. Available now for streaming on Prime Video, the movie spotlights the actor’s ability to reinvent himself with each new role, further cementing his status among the most talented performers of his generation.
Gary Oldman’s Range and Early Recognition
Gary Oldman has long been revered for his extraordinary versatility, consistently astonishing audiences and critics with distinct, memorable characters across genres and eras. From reimagining Dracula in Bram Stoker’s tale to portraying Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour, a relentless police officer in Leon: The Professional, and a master spy in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Oldman’s chameleonic presence is undeniable. His talents garnered mass attention when he joined blockbuster franchises like Harry Potter and Batman Begins.
Despite these later successes, Roger Ebert was an early advocate for Oldman’s remarkable abilities, especially after witnessing his work in Sid & Nancy. However, it was in Prick Up Your Ears that Ebert declared there was
“no point of similarity between the two performances,”
emphasizing Oldman’s rare gift for total reinvention. Ebert further observed that Oldman was
“able to reinvent himself for every role.”
The critic’s high regard for Oldman was prophetic, as the next decade saw Oldman celebrated further with roles in acclaimed films like JFK and True Romance. Meanwhile, Prick Up Your Ears has endured as a significant LGBTQ+ film and a nuanced look at creative genius in turbulent times.
The Story Behind Prick Up Your Ears
Prick Up Your Ears centers on Joe Orton, played by Oldman, a playwright renowned in the 1960s for sharply satirical, often controversial work. Orton’s early life, shaped by poverty and a lack of formal education, took a turn when he encountered Kenneth Halliwell, portrayed by Alfred Molina. The two formed both a personal and creative partnership, and as Orton’s notoriety grew, so did tension between them. While Orton’s unfiltered wit won him fame, Halliwell felt increasingly overshadowed and isolated, struggling with envy over Orton’s ascent.
The film explores the complex interplay of inspiration and toxicity in Orton and Halliwell’s relationship, shedding light on their experience as outsiders confronting societal prejudice and open homophobia. Halliwell hoped to achieve acceptance by following conventions, while Orton defiantly challenged every authority, finding joy in boundary-breaking. Initially, Halliwell was drawn to Orton’s courage, yet their contrasting worldviews drove a wedge between them, fueling turmoil as Orton wrestled with perpetual conflict.
Distinct from standard biopics, Prick Up Your Ears captures the essence of Orton’s unique approach to life and art. The movie presents episodes from Orton’s personal journey that inspired his plays, immersing viewers in the atmosphere and creative spontaneity that defined his brief but influential career. Rather than forcing Orton’s life into a typical narrative arc, the film adopts a slice-of-life style true to his rebellious character. Notably, the cast includes Vanessa Redgrave as literary agent Peggy Ramsay and Wallace Shawn as theater critic John Lahr, both of whom contribute to the story from their own outside perspectives.
A Non-Traditional Take on the Biopic Genre
Prick Up Your Ears diverges from traditional biographical storytelling by framing the narrative through literary agent Peggy Ramsay and, in later sequences, theater critic John Lahr. Ramsay, played by Vanessa Redgrave, stands as a compelling figure who, within the film’s opening, discovers Orton’s body in the aftermath of tragedy. The structure then flashes a decade forward to Lahr, portrayed by Wallace Shawn, chronicling his quest to uncover the truth behind Orton’s dramatic end. This dual perspective enables audiences to engage with the story as outsiders themselves and injects dramatic momentum by revealing Orton’s fate from the outset, prompting viewers to interpret events with a sense of impending loss.
Oldman’s nuanced depiction of Orton is central to the film’s authenticity. Avoiding caricature or exploitation, Oldman’s approach allows audiences an empathetic glimpse into the motivations and eccentricities of a celebrated but misunderstood figure. His interpretation provided
“no point of similarity between the two performances,”
according to Ebert, further illustrating his ability to disappear into any character. Ebert asserted that Oldman was
“able to reinvent himself for every role,”
and this versatility brought Orton’s story to new audiences.
With Alfred Molina delivering a powerful turn as Halliwell, and Redgrave and Shawn anchoring the story through their roles as Ramsay and Lahr, the film builds a rich portrait of the English literary scene at a time of social change and tension. Prick Up Your Ears has thus remained relevant, not only as a dramatic retelling of true events but as a landmark for LGBTQ+ representation and a study in the intricate dynamics of creative partnership.
The Enduring Impact of Oldman’s Portrayal
Roger Ebert’s enthusiastic endorsement of Oldman’s portrayal in Prick Up Your Ears drew attention to a performance that many consider pivotal in the evolution of modern screen acting. Ebert described him as
“the best young British actor around,”
setting a standard that Oldman himself would not only meet but surpass in the years to follow. The film solidified Oldman’s place among celebrated performers like Sid Vicious and Winston Churchill and affirmed the power of nuanced, transformative acting to illuminate real-life stories.
Streaming as of now on Prime Video, Prick Up Your Ears offers a rare look at the collision of creativity and complexity, with Gary Oldman at the heart of its enduring appeal. As audiences revisit or discover this acclaimed drama, they are reminded of cinema’s ability to preserve and reinterpret history—one unforgettable performance at a time.
