Bertie Carvel used Dalgliesh to process loss of his mother: “It’s therapeutic”

As a film enthusiast with a rich tapestry of life experiences, I find myself captivated by the enigmatic figure of Adam Dalgliesh, portrayed brilliantly by Mark Bonnar. The view from his sofa, with its layers of time and memories, mirrors the intricate plots that unfold in the detective series.

What’s the view from your sofa?

From my hilltop abode in London, I gaze upon a panorama that stretches to Windsor Castle on clear days, a sight that’s been etched into my memory since childhood. Yet, the room within, no longer retains the familiarity of yesteryears shared with my mother. Now, it echoes with laughter and joy from my wife and son. Thus, this view is not merely of trees and windows, but a tapestry woven with threads of time and memories, a testament to our ever-evolving family life.

Can TV compete with the view?

I rarely watch TV on a traditional television set. Instead, I find myself mostly streaming shows on my laptop or tablet, which can strain the eyes. Aren’t we always staring at screens these days?

Do you ever watch TV as a family?

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve just concluded “Colin from Accounts,” and currently immersed in “Industry.” It’s fantastic! The same goes for “Shōgun” – it left me captivated. However, one of the challenging aspects of modern television is the way we consume it. With streaming, viewing experiences have become fragmented, making it easy to watch something without any connection to others’ watching experiences.

Not at all. So do you think viewers enjoy watching tortured souls like Detective Adam Dalgliesh?

Translating that into more conversational language: Essentially, in the classical sense, tragedies are about providing emotional relief or purification. When we follow a tragic story, we feel connected to the main character, which allows us to release and lessen our own fears and anxieties.

Do you believe that?

Initially, I didn’t often consider this perspective. However, as I grow older, I’ve come to understand that observing another’s suffering can provide solace, not in a cruel or joyful sense, but rather as a means of healing. It also serves as a reminder that regardless of how you feel, you are never alone in your experiences.

Did you enjoy playing him?

Before we killed Dalgliesh, my mother passed away, and I found some healing in dealing with that situation. I’ve sometimes pondered if this was a self-serving act. Was I exploiting the situation for my benefit or genuinely helping ‘it’ (the story)? If creating a narrative about a suffering character involves expressing one’s own pain as part of that process, and if exposing genuine pain can be beneficial to the audience by allowing them to empathize and recognize their own, then it’s not self-indulgent; rather, it serves as therapy.

What do you make of our fondness for murder mysteries?

PD James believed that detectives provide a sense of order amidst confusion, and as the world seems increasingly chaotic, there’s a certain comfort derived from resolving mysteries.

You’ve played divisive characters Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch. How did you find their humanity?

Indeed, they are individuals, and when interacting with them, it’s essential to understand their perspective. Not all people may hold themselves in high regard, but each person is the protagonist of their own narrative, likely striving to view events in a manner that, if not justifying wrongdoings, positions them as active players within that story.

If you were to editorialize while performing, it results in a unique type of presentation, but that’s not typically my approach. I strive for impartiality and balance, aiming for the characters I portray to be well-rounded depictions, showcasing both light and dark aspects.

2024-12-02 04:33

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