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Tom Felton breakout from typecasting potential shown in this movie?

posted 11 years ago by Breath_Taker
7 replies | jump to latest

Tom's role as James Ashford of course is antagonistic, but within the layer of this role he shows great potential to be a passionate gentleman. When he grabs Belle and fondles her lips, he is captured in a powerfully depicted captivated gaze into Belle's eyes. He seemed in tears not wanting his brother Oliver to marry Belle, as though she would be a household temptation for him. I've never seen that depth out of Tom's antagonistic characters in a movie. I could be wrong and he has brought that out in some other movie I haven't seen yet, but in Belle, he was really present and in the moment in his eyes. Great job.

[–] Sook-Yongsheng 11 years ago

I've never seen that depth out of Tom's antagonistic characters in a movie.

That may be the case, but he still came across to me like a typecast "bad guy"; i.e., what a slightly older Draco Malfoy potentially could have been.

That is, if the Harry Potter saga had not shaken out the way it eventually did.

Only Lovers Left Alive: 8
Oculus: 7
Joe: 10
Locke: 10
Blue Ruin: 9
Belle: 8
Ida: 9

[–] EnglishBliss 11 years ago

I don't know what the big deal is about Tom being typecast. I've never really understood why people go on and on about it as if it's a bad thing. If Tom didn't wish to play an antagonistic character then all's he would need to do would be to politely decline these roles. He's actually had more non-antagonistic roles when you look at his filmography as a whole. And obviously, directors feel that his performances are at their strongest when he's playing the role of an antagonist.
I've seen a few articles now which state that Tom's performances in both Belle and Murder In The First have been recognised by major critics as being extremely powerful and impressive; both individually having a great effect on the audience. These critics apparently believe that his performances will result in him being offered lead roles in future Hollywood blockbusters. Tom plays the antagonist in both Belle and Murder In The First - and as far as the critics are concerned, him being typecast will not be a problem for him at all.

[–] Sook-Yongsheng 11 years ago

I don't know what the big deal is about Tom being typecast. I've never really understood why people go on and on about it as if it's a bad thing... directors feel that his performances are at their strongest when he's playing the role of an antagonist.

Antagonist-like roles are all I've ever seen him in, but maybe that's simply because I haven't seen him in the (non-antagonistic?) roles you have.

The question is whether the non-antagonistic roles are what get him noticed, or do people keep seeing him more often in the "negative" ones since -- as you said -- that's what is considered to be his "forte"?

It would just be a shame for him to get typecast; I guess I differ from you in thinking that typecasting is not a good thing. I think it may limit his choices in future to villain roles (but then that's just me).

That's what appears to have happened to James Wilby in the 1980s after his break-through role as the protagonist in Maurice.

Only Lovers Left Alive: 8
Oculus: 7
Joe: 10
Locke: 10
Blue Ruin: 9
Belle: 8
Ida: 9

[–] JacksCatGirl 11 years ago

He gets typecast as it because he's so damn good at playing spoiled racist brats.

Jacks

[–] Ithilfaen 11 years ago

Ummm... No. He sucked and he was again playing an *beep* and let's be honest, with his petulant one-note acting, that's all he can ever do so deal with it.

For every lie I unlearn I learn something new - Ani Difranco

[–] Truekornkid 10 years ago

Sounds to me like you're just anti-slytherin. ;) Get over it! Harry Potter is OVER!

[–] Truekornkid 10 years ago

Your'e right! Felton was AWESOME! He was the best in this movie!