MovieChat Forums > Silent Witness (1996) Discussion > Shout out about Richard Rankin

Shout out about Richard Rankin

posted 10 years ago by !!!deleted!!! (41638798)
3 replies | jump to latest

My god was he good in this.

Somebody else posted on another thread that he and Lana blew everybody out of the water--including the stars.

I have to concur. It's interesting this season that they are almost making Nikki, Jack and Clarissa background characters in their own show--but writing for and hiring great actor and actresses to play amazing characters in some of the best writing I've ever seen on this show in 18 seasons.

I really enjoyed Richard Rankin in "Crimson Field" but then he was easy to enjoy as the very handsome man in love with the errant nurse. With big eyes like he has that fill the screen, his mooning looks over his nurse crush were amazing to watch.

In CF a great deal of his character's emotions and feelings were conveyed with looks, the way it was written. He only got to "say his piece" to his crush at the end of 8 episodes.

The rest of the episodes, Rankin had to do it ALL with his face, eyes and body language in extended scenes where he had do almost all the work without dialogue. So I knew he could do "compelling."

But he blew off the screen in SW this past week, with enough charismatic energy to light the Christmas lights on Regent Street!

More Rankin please! He's been in two prominent Beeb shows now...more!

That final scene when he took Nikki to see his mum was heartbreaking. HE was heartbreaking.

What a young actor to watch.

[–] jane_boston 10 years ago

Lovely review, completely agree.

The way Richard translates the emotions in his head to his expressive eyes and specific gestures is a joy to watch. Like Capt. Gillan, DI Nelson is a complex character with both a tough and a tender side, which Rankin clearly excels in portraying.

He is filming S3 of The Syndicate now. Have you seen the previous two, written by Kay Mellor? They are brilliant. Can't wait for the new series!

[–] imboysmom93 10 years ago

I completely agree with your opinion of Richard Rankin's performance in Silent Witness. He has only been on my radar for a year or so, but everything I've seen him in, be it comedy in Burnistoun or drama in The Crimson Field or Silent Witness, his talent has knocked me off of my feet.
The way he uses his expressions to convey such complex emotions is enough to bring tears to my eyes...truthfully even sobs at times. I believe the future of television will be full of Richard Rankin. His talent is unbelievable, especially in such a young man.
I can hardly wait to see what's in store for him next! And us!

[–] !!!deleted!!! (41638798) 10 years ago

Oh yes, Burnistoun---a silly but knock down drag out funny show! Loved it.

Loved the Syndicate. In the first one, the Timothy Spall character broke my heart. It's such good writing--both series.

Sounds as though having done some very good work now, Rankin has his feet squarely under the table at the BBC. That, or he's got a new agent who's getting him the quality work he deserves.

He was just stunning in Silent Witness. The director had the good sense to keep the camera on his face in close ups over and over again to let him use his expressive face to the best advantage.

Saw some interviews with Rankin during Crimson Field. He's very funny. And very down to earth.

He was very self deprecating and said he was working some but as all young actors want to do, he wanted more jobs and better roles. Then he said he watched himself either on Burnistoun or another show and decided he was just simply...FAT! Or pudgy. And was muscle challenged. He had the height at a little over 6 feet, but said he looked like a muffin. LOL!

So he hit the gym big time to try to get fit and as a result he was successful with Crimson Field very shortly after.

But he was so modest. "I was fat!" haha