As a seasoned movie enthusiast with a penchant for the dramatic and a soft spot for period pieces, I must wholeheartedly recommend adding “Rivals” to your watchlist. The moment I laid my eyes on the script, I knew that the role of Irish chat show host Declan O’Hara was not meant for me; Alex Hassell embodies Rupert Campbell-Black with such charm and panache that it would be akin to trying to outshine the Northern Star itself.
Add Rivals to your watchlist
When you received the script for “Rivals”, didn’t a small part of you secretly desire to portray the charming rogue Rupert Campbell-Black instead of the Irish talk show host Declan O’Hara?
Indeed, in my humble opinion, there’s no one else quite like Alex Hassel for this role. It’s a matter of finding the perfect fit, and I believe that role was tailored specifically for me. Admittedly, there aren’t many Irish actors who can bring Declan O’Hara to life as authentically as I can. To put it simply, the role of Declan O’Hara has always been my Oscar-worthy ambition.
How familiar were you with Jilly Cooper’s books before you were cast?
I once dated a girl from Ireland who was fond of Jilly Cooper’s works. She seemed to fit the part, but I hadn’t read her books until I began filming. On my first day on set, I found a copy of Rivals in my trailer. Although we had all the scripts, it was helpful to have the book as a guide for the right tone. It was convenient to have it at hand.
Declan has quite a distinctive look. Where did you go for inspiration?
A significant portion of the character Declan was influenced by my father, who sported a mustache throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Many aspects of Declan’s personality and physicality were modeled after my dad. Additionally, Declan is portrayed as a father, mirroring my own role as a father now. These similarities between our characters seemed particularly relevant to me.
Was there a TV interviewer or chat show host you studied beforehand?
Declan shares many qualities with William F. Buckley, a popular host from an American debate show called “Firing Line.” Although there are several contemporary British presenters, it’s the intellectual, thoughtful, and somewhat formal atmosphere of Buckley’s program that resonates strongly with Declan.
Have you had multiple interviews previously? What insights did you gain about life when you were behind the microphone instead?
When conducting an interview, power lies in the ability to ask questions, but it’s crucial to foster trust. If you merely criticize or berate others, chances are you won’t have a second opportunity – respect is essential. These aspects hold significance for Declan. He finds the word “chat” somewhat off-putting.
Rivals is set firmly in the 1980s. What would you like to bring back from that decade?
In the series, the absence of modern telecommunications like landlines and cell phones puts individuals in predicaments that could be quickly resolved through a phone conversation. Characters often find themselves traveling without notice to meet someone face-to-face because they can’t reach them over long distances. The environment is chaotic, with a sense of lawlessness, laxity, and unpredictability.
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2024-10-09 19:07