Curious that that they would pick Jude. First off he's British playing an American. Why wouldn't they have considered an American actor?
He's doing a bang-up job and then some but still wondering and looking to be enlightened.
"It is not the critic who counts...." - T. Roosevelt
Why not Jude Law? He is both young enough and and old enough to take on the part as well as has a 'divine' face with near flawless looks. And he is a fine actor who ranks right up there with the greats in delivering lines. His repartee with the Italian Prime Minister was pure genius and his scenes with Esther teaching her to pray and then spurning her advances were so jaw-dropping beautiful, sensual while stirring the mind and soul. I cannot think of a single American actor who could have done better.
ETA quote from an article why Sorrentino chose Mr. Law. I think it says it all:
In turn, Sorrentino says he was looking for a performer who could capture the “juxtaposition between childishness and virility, innocence and power” that characterizes Lenny, who is elected by cardinals who foolishly expect him to be their “telegenic puppet.”
He exudes pure elegance. He's doing a bang up job, he's got the accent down quite well, he's perfect for this role. I find myself very drawn in and believing.
.............damn, I'm going to miss these boards.
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And I stepped on the ping pong ball!
He always seems devilish. Perfect for this role.
shareWhat's funny is how his DEVILISH NATURE is also USED by others on him when they also do something to him like whatever it is that he's done to someone else:
The EFFECT of HUMILIATION Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRPl5wa7L1Q
NOTE the way ESTHER also seems to have used the SAME EFFECT on LENNY later on by leaving the PHOTO of him with her BABY behind when she DISAPPEARS without telling him she's leaving???
LENNY can be such a SMUG and SELF RIGHTEOUS SOB.
Can't he???
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Agree that Mr. Law's devilish side helps to make him perfect for the role. I noticed them in the Sherlock Holmes movies which were just so much fun! Personally I think his theatre training is the value added qualities he brings to the role and heightening some of the Young Pope's quirky behaviours that the audience consciously and subconsciously takes note. And they're pretty quirky at times.
"Absence is presence". - Pius XIII (Lenny Belardo)
He is also the Producer of this series. I'm sure that affords him a lot of leeway.
shareYes I noted that he is also a producer. Leeway? In what way?
What I am very curious about is why he chose to do this project. I don't know much about this actor except for his performances (movies) and that he always makes a dashing fashion statement when he turns up on talk shows and in interviews. Interesting career move for Mr. Law but I do think this is his first HBO series.
"Absence is presence". - Pius XIII (Lenny Belardo)
I saw an interview of him on morning television about a month before it aired in the U.S. He stated that the role was just so juicy, that he wanted to do it.
Now, with him being the producer of the series, he had a lot of say as to what was going on.
Who is going to argue with Law when he says that he wants the lead role? Obviously he was well qualified.....
Who is going to argue with Law when he says that he wants the lead role? Obviously he was well qualified.....
I have liked Jude Law for many years, when he was younger he looked like a god and he is still beautiful :)
I think this might be one of hist best roles, I am looking forward to season 2 (and maybe there will be more, I have my fingers crossed 😃 )
A god? Good one. ☺ Guess he's had a little coming down doing the Pope, eh? I mainly recall Cold Mountain and Ripley. And recently Enemy at The Gates which showed up on TV that I viewed.
I note that he has been made to look a bit older (more grey in his hair) but the close up scene where he spurns Esther's advances the camera moves in on him very closely and I don't think any amount of make up or lighting (editing?) could enhance the 'godliness' that doesn't already exist. Looks like he takes good care of his health.
I would like to catch more of his on stage performances as well. I don't live in a location that gives me much opportunity in the way of live performances with A-list actors. I would have to cross the pond. I was directed by another poster to some youtubes of his Hamlet which I felt he did extremely well. I think I like him now too.
"Absence is presence". - Pius XIII (Lenny Belardo)
But god to Pope is probably the smallest possible step down, so I guess that's OK 😃
They also made him a few years older in the show than he really is, I guess that's why they gave him a few grey hairs. And the close-up in the Ester scene is very lovely 😃
I am thinking about that (=theatre) as well. He lives in London and I think a lot of his stage performances take place there,so for me it should be easy enogh to go. I have to admit I am not much of a theatre goer but after seeing another favourite actor of mine in the theatre 3 years ago and watching National Theatre live in the cinema, I am beginning to appreciate it more 😃
I like live theatre. Having a young person close to me involved in high school adaptations I am developing an appreciation of the craft.
I had to Google National Theatre live to discover what it is. There is one venue although not close to me but might be worth the trip. Thanks for that, Zwergin!
"Absence is presence". - Pius XIII (Lenny Belardo)
I have seen Frankenstein with Benedict Cumberbatch 3 times already in 3 different cinemas, it is absolutely stunning. I don't know if they are going to show it again, but in case they do, run to it 😃
I also saw a couple of others and they were all worth watching.
I had to look up the kid who played teenage Lenny. At first thought it was Law's son. Nearly a dead ringer. Young actor named Patrick Mitchell.
There are NO gratuitous scenes of Law in this series. It is essential the audience sees him as beautiful and saintly even when he's a badass. That he can act rings around most other actors doesn't hurt the series nor his future prospects. And it's original.
"It is not the critic who counts...." - T. Roosevelt
Yes Crystal, this series is about all things beautiful. And what a treat it has been. Christmas didn't end for me this year but extended on into February. At first I thought its release had been badly timed in terms of current events. But as the series unfolded, as it turns out it is timed perfectly.
Zwergin, I love Cumberbatch's acting. He is talented but not what I would call beautiful. I love anything Sherlock Holmes and a huge fan of the BBC series and BC's frenetic feel to Holmes. What a glorious pairing it would be to see Jude Law and Benedict Cumberbatch in a movie together. Just not as Sherlock and Watson please. I loved Guy Ritchie's two wild and crazy super sleuths just as they are.
"Absence is presence". - Pius XIII (Lenny Belardo)