Ralph Fiennes, renowned for his compelling screen presence, continues to impress audiences with his versatile performances across various genres. With the highly anticipated release of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple this Friday, the Oscar-nominated actor demonstrates once again why many consider his work some of the best in film. This article explores Ralph Fiennes best roles, highlighting his remarkable ability to inhabit diverse characters in memorable genre films.
7. Portraying Lenny Nero in the Dystopian Thriller Strange Days
Early in his career, Ralph Fiennes took on the role of Lenny Nero in Kathryn Bigelow’s dark science fiction film, Strange Days. The movie explores a dystopian future where technology enables the illegal recording and replaying of others’ memories and physical sensations, raising questions about voyeurism and consent. Fiennes embodies Lenny, a former cop turned black-market dealer of this illicit technology, with a morally ambiguous yet captivating portrayal that fits the film’s tense atmosphere.
6. Giving Voice to Lord Victor Quartermaine in Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
While often associated with intense dramatic roles, Fiennes reveals a different facet of his talent in the animated horror-comedy Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. As the pompous and snobbish Lord Victor Quartermaine, Fiennes delivers a deliciously villainous performance entirely through voice acting. Directors Nick Park and Steve Box praise the film as “the first vegetarian horror movie,” where Fiennes’ sophisticated delivery adds depth and authenticity, making it an excellent introduction to his work for a younger audience.
5. Embodying Dennis “Spider” Cleg in David Cronenberg’s Spider
In the psychological thriller Spider, Fiennes portrays a mentally troubled man attempting to piece together fractured memories of a dark childhood. The role demands subtlety and restraint, which Fiennes offers through his haunting and deeply emotional performance. Rolling Stone described his character as a
“freak man-child who struggles to order his confused memories into a kind of truth,”
capturing the film’s eerie and unsettling tone. Notably, David Cronenberg revealed that Fiennes even relinquished his salary to ensure the film’s funding, underscoring the actor’s dedication to his craft.
4. Bringing Depth to Dr. Ian Kelson in 28 Years Later
The announcement of a sequel to Danny Boyle’s influential zombie film, 28 Days Later, sparked excitement, further heightened by news of Fiennes’ involvement. In 28 Years Later, he plays Dr. Ian Kelson, a former NHS general practitioner who honors the dead by constructing an ossuary known as the Bone Temple. Fiennes lends empathy and humanity to a grim, post-apocalyptic Britain, offering one of his most tender performances as he assists survivors Spike and Isla, played by Alfie Williams and Jodie Comer respectively. Though Kelson features primarily in the film’s latter half, audiences can expect more appearances in the future.
3. Terrifying as Francis Dolarhyde in Red Dragon
Within the extensive legacy of Hannibal adaptations, Fiennes stands out as the chilling serial killer Francis Dolarhyde, also known as the Tooth Fairy, in Brett Ratner’s Red Dragon. His portrayal diverges from previous interpretations by Tom Noonan in Manhunter, embracing a frantic desperation that amplifies the character’s menace. Fiennes convincingly balances psychopathic intensity with a dangerous edge, delivering a performance that etches itself among the most memorable in the franchise.
2. Mastering Chef Julian Slowik in the Dark Comedy The Menu
In Mark Mylod’s sharp horror-comedy The Menu, Fiennes plays Chef Julian Slowik, blending dark satire with nuanced character work. The film critiques elitism and excess, and Fiennes’ role requires a balance of dry humor and emotional depth. He portrays Slowik as simultaneously intense and vulnerable, a rare example of a complex antagonist who is both skeptical and compassionate towards human flaws. The performance is so convincing that audiences might even believe Fiennes could excel as a chef himself, complete with a knack for culinary creation.
1. Commanding as Dr. Ian Kelson in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Returning to the world of 28 Years Later under Nia DaCosta’s direction, Fiennes elevates Dr. Ian Kelson from a supporting figure to the central force of The Bone Temple. In a lost and fractured world, Kelson’s compassion and empathy stand as a beacon, reminding viewers of the shared humanity that endures even amid chaos and infection. Fiennes displays a remarkable combination of Shakespearean theatrical skill and subtle emotional depth, delivering a performance both magnetic and heartfelt. His scenes with Chi Lewis-Parry’s imposing character Samson showcase the actor’s versatility, proving that genre lines pose no limits to his skill. While deeply thoughtful, Fiennes also indulges in moments of dramatic flair, illustrating his capacity to balance gravitas with showmanship. Fans are encouraged to experience this riveting film during its theatrical run.
