The Amateur’s Rami Malek and Rachel Brosnahan Talk the Film’s Unconventional Hero

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In many cases, it seems like there’s a fresh action thriller hitting screens every week, featuring ordinary individuals unexpectedly thrust into extreme situations, only to reveal their impressive physical and mental abilities. These characters usually require viewers to suspend disbelief when it comes to their hidden superhero physiques or martial arts backgrounds. However, in the movie The Amateur, audiences encounter a character unlike any other. Rami Malek’s character, Charlie, is physically outmatched by those he encounters, and he grapples emotionally with performing violent acts in pursuit of revenge for his wife’s death. This offers a unique twist on the spy thriller genre, but Malek brings credibility to this role, as he garnered recognition for his portrayal of Elliot Alderson over four seasons of Mr. Robot. The Amateur will be released in theaters on April 11th.

In his own words to ComicBook, Rami Malek shared an experience he had in Serbia while working on a film, following the success of Mr. Robot. He was exiting a hotel in Belgrade when he saw a group of kids wearing “fsociety” t-shirts, reminding him of the connection his unconventional characters in both The Amateur and Mr. Robot had with those who felt overlooked, underestimated, and alienated. He reflected that there was a significant audience for such characters, one that was expanding, deep, and widespread. Rather than exploiting it, Malek prefers to respect and magnify it, particularly with a character like Charlie who is undervalued yet achieves extraordinary feats.

In summary, “The Amateur” revolves around Charlie Heller (Malek), a CIA employee who works in seclusion at their headquarters in Langley. He’s exceptionally intelligent but highly introverted. His tranquil life is disrupted when his wife dies in a terrorist attack in London. Despite requests from his superiors to let them handle it, Charlie embarks on a perilous journey worldwide to find the culprits. Using his intelligence as his primary weapon, he manages to evade those chasing him while relentlessly pursuing his revenge.

Additionally, Rachel Brosnahan is featured in the movie, preparing for a leap into the realm of superheroes alongside James Gunn’s “Superman.” The actor mused that while Superman could rescue her from the plot of “The Amateur,” what truly captivates this tale is its contrast to traditional heroism and the intrigue it presents.

One intriguing aspect of this story is that one reason it captivates me is because… Superman serves as a timeless character who resonates across various audiences, but the central figure in this movie is an unconventional superhero. It’s surprising and I believe Charlie represents something inspiring because we witness someone being pushed to their limits, discovering in the process what they are truly capable of. What makes it even more fascinating is that Charlie finds his own path to success, defying those who doubt him, such as Laurence [Fishburne]’s character, who questions Charlie’s abilities. Despite this, Charlie relies on his inner strength, intelligence, and intuition to accomplish his objectives. Additionally, the story delves into the human side of Charlie, showcasing his internal struggles with every choice he makes and action he takes, which feels incredibly relatable and human.

In addition to featuring Caitríona Balfe, Jon Bernthal, Michael Stuhlbarg, Holt McCallany, Julianne Nicholson, Adrian Martinez, and Danny Sapani, the movie is also under the guidance of director James Hawes.

The Amateur lands in theaters on April 11th.

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2025-04-09 19:17