Nina Gold deserves every award she gets for assembling a cast this good. However, some actors truly stand out.
For me, the revelation of this season is Alfie Allen. Theon is a character that is incredibly tricky to play. You have to convey that the character is expressing a complex mix of emotions and doesn't have the psychological fortitude to figure how to do the right thing with them. He's desperate for love, didn't want to be the bad guy, but here he is roasting children alive. Allen not only has to grasp this conflicted state, but he has to also show that Theon doesn't fully grasp why he's doing what he's doing or feeling what he's feeling. And he does it very well.
Maisie Williams is impressing me too, for her ability to hold her own in scenes with actors who have such commanding screen presence. Michelle Fairley and Iain Glen could probably give master classes on how to act with only the smallest of facial movements.
Honestly, the one actor that is disappointing me this season is Kit Harington, which is a shame because Jon Snow's one of my favorite characters. He does very well when he has to interact and play off other actors, but the second he has to anchor a scene with just facial expressions and body language, he falters. The scene where he realizes that Ygritte led him into an ambush was particularly disappointing. I don't know what he was going for when he was staring around at all the wildlings, but all I got was sort of blank and bored. It especially stood when, later in that episode, you had a similar close-up on Alfie Allen's face as he showed off the murdered boys and he managed to convey the full weight of the situation with just the movements of his face.
In terms of actors that look most like the characters as I pictured them in the books, Rose Leslie (Ygritte) and Gwendoline Christie (Brienne) hands down. However, I don't mind if liberties are taken with the physical appearance as long as the actors get everything else right. Iain Glen is the complete antithesis appearance wise to Book!Jorah, but I wouldn't want anyone else playing that role.
Acting: Role-Playing the Game of Thrones
Started by
Blue Nocturne
, May 22 2012 06:39 PM
57 replies to this topic
#1
Posted May 22, 2012 @ 6:39 PM
#2
Posted May 22, 2012 @ 6:57 PM
I agree. Rose Leslie, Gwen Christie, Maisie Williams, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Charles Dance and Alfie Allen have been killing it this season. Honestly, Alfie Allen is bound to win some acting awards for his role, maybe not this season but in the future, if the writing keeps up with him.
My main disappointments have been Oona Chaplin (horrendous) and, unfortunately, Richard Madden. Though I'm convinced that Chaplin's craptastic performance has colored my view of Madden, who is normally so good (loved him in Sirens).
ETA: How could I forget Emilia Clarke? HUGE disappointment for me this year. I think it's mostly the lack of an amazing acting partner to play off of, otherwise known as the amazing Harry Lloyd. Without him, on her own? Stomping, yelling, "where are my dragons?!" blah blah blah. I'd blame the writing for this but Emilia's terrible over-acting this season kills her story line for me.
My main disappointments have been Oona Chaplin (horrendous) and, unfortunately, Richard Madden. Though I'm convinced that Chaplin's craptastic performance has colored my view of Madden, who is normally so good (loved him in Sirens).
ETA: How could I forget Emilia Clarke? HUGE disappointment for me this year. I think it's mostly the lack of an amazing acting partner to play off of, otherwise known as the amazing Harry Lloyd. Without him, on her own? Stomping, yelling, "where are my dragons?!" blah blah blah. I'd blame the writing for this but Emilia's terrible over-acting this season kills her story line for me.
Edited by Candy Moocher, May 22, 2012 @ 7:04 PM.
#3
Posted May 22, 2012 @ 7:51 PM
Yes, Alfie Allen is certainly the break out performance of the season IMO. I had no doubt Peter Dinklage and Lena Hedley would "bring it", but Alfie has proven himself. Yes Emilia Clarke hasn't had much to do this season, I feel her and Kitt's stories have suffered the most.
Mansie and Sophie, as well as Issac deserve....oh what are those awards called for young actors? A Young Artist Award (although Sophie might be too old now).
Mansie and Sophie, as well as Issac deserve....oh what are those awards called for young actors? A Young Artist Award (although Sophie might be too old now).
Edited by scarlett45, May 22, 2012 @ 7:52 PM.
#4
Posted May 22, 2012 @ 11:14 PM
The guy who plays Bron is also great. He's very effective in persuading me that Bron us a scary badass, and yet he also seems to be enjoying himself more than anyone else on the show. The relish with which he told Tywin Lannister "you wouldn't know him" when all of Tyrion's mountain men were introducing themselves still cracks me up, as did his throw away reply "not if you win" when he proposed a drinking game and Tyrion asked if you could lose your fingers playing.
But of all the great performances, I have to concur, Maisie is great. Just think about how she conveys with her face, which is half covered by her hair most if the time.
I think Richard Madden is doing a good job for the most part, but he was too romcomy taken with Talisa when they first met over the leg amputation. The actress who plays her leaves me somewhat cold too, which doesn't help. Madden is very effective in communicating with his eyes and face that he's really into her, but the writing of their scenes hasn't given enough substance to justify the enamoured looks he gives her. She doesn't return it in her face and body language (prior to jumping his bones) so it hasn't been working.
But of all the great performances, I have to concur, Maisie is great. Just think about how she conveys with her face, which is half covered by her hair most if the time.
I think Richard Madden is doing a good job for the most part, but he was too romcomy taken with Talisa when they first met over the leg amputation. The actress who plays her leaves me somewhat cold too, which doesn't help. Madden is very effective in communicating with his eyes and face that he's really into her, but the writing of their scenes hasn't given enough substance to justify the enamoured looks he gives her. She doesn't return it in her face and body language (prior to jumping his bones) so it hasn't been working.
#5
Posted May 23, 2012 @ 2:19 AM
Charles Dance, Charles Dance, Charles Dance. The man has such a dominanating screen presence, among the best I've ever seen. This is a character who is very overbearing especially for his children, to the point where reference to him dominates (there's that word again) scenes he's not even in as they talk about what he will say and do, and he doesn't disappoint when he makes an appearence. You totally believe he is ruthless, powerful and very competent.
Madden is better than Harrington, who is a block of wood most of the time, and he's had more chance to flex his acting chops, but although initially I thought he was playing it well, I think he's a weak link.
The guy playing Bron has great charisma, and Alfie Allen has been the standout this season for sheer emotional turnmoil.
That said, the guy playing Stannis is fantastic. He displays no passion, no heat, evn when making portentous or potentially badass statements (I'm sure they punched up how dynamic the statements were in trailers to make him seem more badass sounding), but it totally works. He has a sort of anti-charisma, and I'm really starting to enjoy the character and sympathize with him, even though he's a rigid, brother killing marital hypocrite.
Madden is better than Harrington, who is a block of wood most of the time, and he's had more chance to flex his acting chops, but although initially I thought he was playing it well, I think he's a weak link.
The guy playing Bron has great charisma, and Alfie Allen has been the standout this season for sheer emotional turnmoil.
That said, the guy playing Stannis is fantastic. He displays no passion, no heat, evn when making portentous or potentially badass statements (I'm sure they punched up how dynamic the statements were in trailers to make him seem more badass sounding), but it totally works. He has a sort of anti-charisma, and I'm really starting to enjoy the character and sympathize with him, even though he's a rigid, brother killing marital hypocrite.
#6
Posted May 23, 2012 @ 2:33 PM
Honestly, the one actor that is disappointing me this season is Kit Harington, which is a shame because Jon Snow's one of my favorite characters.
However, I don't mind if liberties are taken with the physical appearance as long as the actors get everything else right. Iain Glen is the complete antithesis appearance wise to Book!Jorah, but I wouldn't want anyone else playing that role.
First, I totally agree with that last statement. I reread ACoK before Season 2 started and Glen has completely reconfigured my image of Jorah.
As far as Harington goes, it's weird. A lot of people have identified him as the weak link this season. I hadn't noticed, myself, but that in itself is a problem. I suppose he's seemed more mediocre than actually bad, and his storyline hasn't been brilliant, but this is a show where you have to make every nanosecond of screentime count. And nearly all the cast do. There are precious few characters I would consider to have had serious screentime this season, and many have had mere moments, but I still notice them ... for being good. Liam Cunningham's had very little time to establish Davos as a character, but I'm already interested to see him on the screen. We've all (well, most of us) been wowed by Tom Wlaschiha's performance as Jaqen. Isaac Hempstead-Wright's time has been extremely limited this season, yet Bran remains compelling and sympathetic.
Then you have the more major characters; few of these have had a great deal of time on screen, either. As others have mentioned, Alfie Allen has been superb as Theon (another that doesn't match the mental image). Jack Gleeson's Joffrey is incredible (his appearance is nothing like how I pictured that character, come to think of it); perfectly chilling, and yet weak and pathetic at the same time. Peter Dinklage and Lena Headey are, I think, the Old Reliables in this cast, always dependable for a convincing, silencing scene. As others have noted, the scenes with Charles Dance and Maisie Williams have been amazing, a huge credit to both actors.
Maisie has been unbelievable. It's an opportunity beyond dreaming for her to work with someone like Dance, but she took it and ran with it. Good writing, yes. Good casting, definitely. But fantastic acting.
It makes me feel a little sorry for Sophie Turner, though, because in a comparison Sansa will almost always come second to Arya, and that extends to the actresses, and it shouldn't. I love Arya, and think Maisie is near-perfect, but from what we've seen, Sophie is every bit as good. She hasn't had as much screen time, and her scenes aren't stand-up-and-cheer ones, but she's still handled some incredibly tricky material very deftly.
Now, she's another one who didn't match my mental image (I pictured her way less tall, less pale, and younger, like all the kids) but like Joffrey and Jorah, my imagination has shifted to accommodate them.
And yet it won't for Jon.
Harington's nothing like how I pictured Jon, and this bugs me far more than the others. Does the fault here lie with the actor, or with me, the viewer? After all, my mental image changed to accommodate the fantastic performances of the other actors. I genuinely don't know the answer here.
For me, the other failure, I'm sorry to say, is Gemma Whelan as Yara. Her casting photo looked perfect for the part, which made me wonder why they changed her so much. It's not just appearance (although shorter, darker hair would help) but it's mannerisms. She's too quiet, too softly spoken (her tone, not her language, which is plenty colorful), and she's just too calm, too still. I just feel she should be more animated, more lively, and more cheerfully mocking.
Edited by Spirit of 74, May 23, 2012 @ 2:35 PM.
#7
Posted May 23, 2012 @ 2:45 PM
I don't think it's a 'mental image not fitting actor' issue with Kit Harington so much as a 'has the same confused/sad expression on his face in every scene' issue. And I'm not willing to chalk it up to bad writing because I thought he had the same problems last year. I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt then as Harington hadn't been on camera before. But as I've seen the other young actors (Sophie Turner, Isaac Hempstead Wright) grow, Harington remains disappointingly the same.
#8
Posted May 23, 2012 @ 5:55 PM
Kit is young and a lot less experienced than many of his co-stars, but he's still making me like Jon Snow. To put it in perspective, I've never read the books but Jon is my favorite character and has been since the start. I suppose that may just be me identifying with his character, but oh well.
The problem is that all the actors bring it so well, unfortunately Kit ends up looking like the weak link. He's criticized for underplaying a lot of things, but I think that's just a combination of his own personality and how he's decided to play Jon. He's said in interviews that he's an introverted person, and that is something that really made him like Jon and he's also mentioned it kind of helped him get the role.
On top of all this, his story has been moving at a snail's pace in comparison to all of the build up so far. They made such a big deal with the Night's Watch marching north of The Wall and then followed it with very little to back it up.
Maisie is amazing though. She has such a presence for being such a young actor. Just watch an interview with her on YouTube, she's adorable and seems like such a sweet person! We can only hope that her career continues to thrive as she grows because she has some real talent.
The problem is that all the actors bring it so well, unfortunately Kit ends up looking like the weak link. He's criticized for underplaying a lot of things, but I think that's just a combination of his own personality and how he's decided to play Jon. He's said in interviews that he's an introverted person, and that is something that really made him like Jon and he's also mentioned it kind of helped him get the role.
On top of all this, his story has been moving at a snail's pace in comparison to all of the build up so far. They made such a big deal with the Night's Watch marching north of The Wall and then followed it with very little to back it up.
Maisie is amazing though. She has such a presence for being such a young actor. Just watch an interview with her on YouTube, she's adorable and seems like such a sweet person! We can only hope that her career continues to thrive as she grows because she has some real talent.
#9
Posted May 23, 2012 @ 9:37 PM
The problem is that all the actors bring it so well, unfortunately Kit ends up looking like the weak link.
That doesn't help Harington much either--so many around him are so good that his decent if flawed job looks so much worse relatively. The actor is likable and I think he does understand what makes Jon Snow tick. So while objectively I think him one of the weaker players (hence the disappointment), subjectively I like him and hope he gets a chance to improve.
Of the major characters, I'd have to say my least favorite is Aiden Gillen as Littlefinger. I know objectively Gillen is fantastic and can do subtle powerful work. But he plays every scene as if he were delivering a Shakespearean villain aside, even scenes where presumably Littlefinger the character would want to turn the smarm off. It's just over the top and grates on me. Compare Conleth Hill as Varys, who knows when Varys would want to turn off the preening eunuch shtick (with Ned in the dungeon) because that's just what it is--shtick.
My main disappointments have been Oona Chaplin (horrendous) and, unfortunately, Richard Madden. Though I'm convinced that Chaplin's craptastic performance has colored my view of Madden, who is normally so good (loved him in Sirens).
Oona Chaplin I don't quite know what to make of yet. Her character feels so jarringly out of place in the Game of Thrones universe that I can't decide if she's hitting false notes because she's bad or if she's hitting false notes because of the way her character is written. That speech Talisa gave Robb before jumping his bones sounded like a college admissions essay. The spunky girl who wants to run away from highborn frivolity to make a difference, that's "Connecticut girl joins the Peace Corp" to steal a line from a review I read. I think she plays that character decently enough, but that character just doesn't quite fit.
#10
Posted May 23, 2012 @ 10:22 PM
I think Charles Dance and Maisie Williams have owned this season so far. They have been absolutely brilliant and totally flawless.
Lena Headey's performance has shown a marked improvement over last year. While I have loved Dinklage from the start, I am glad his accent work has improved.
Emilia Clarke and Iain Glen have been acting their heart outs but unfortunately the material isn't matching their efforts. Clarke has been saddled with some real clunkers and I feel like they keep replaying the same scene. Glen brings so much nuance to his material but this story needs to get moving.
My main annoyance acting wise continues to be Aiden Gillen. His material is really overwritten but he needs to dial it back about thirty percent.
Lena Headey's performance has shown a marked improvement over last year. While I have loved Dinklage from the start, I am glad his accent work has improved.
Emilia Clarke and Iain Glen have been acting their heart outs but unfortunately the material isn't matching their efforts. Clarke has been saddled with some real clunkers and I feel like they keep replaying the same scene. Glen brings so much nuance to his material but this story needs to get moving.
My main annoyance acting wise continues to be Aiden Gillen. His material is really overwritten but he needs to dial it back about thirty percent.
#11
Posted May 24, 2012 @ 12:39 AM
I want to remark on how much I'm enjoying Michael McElhatton's portrayal of Roose Bolton.
He's definitely nailed that ambiguous air of danger that I think the producers are trying to sell with Bolton. He's obviously soft spoken, but even more obviously a guy you would never want to mess with. When he offered the opinion that a flayed man has no secrets, I got chills. The man is terrifying.
I can't wait to see more of him.
He's definitely nailed that ambiguous air of danger that I think the producers are trying to sell with Bolton. He's obviously soft spoken, but even more obviously a guy you would never want to mess with. When he offered the opinion that a flayed man has no secrets, I got chills. The man is terrifying.
I can't wait to see more of him.
Edited by Maximum Taco, May 24, 2012 @ 12:41 AM.
#12
Posted May 24, 2012 @ 1:40 AM
Ah, an acting thread! I'd probably could go on for pages praising the majority of the cast, but I'll refrain from that, heh.
I kind of agree that there are those who are great but I kind of expected it, versus those who just continue to make me go "Wow" each week. For the former, Peter Dinklage and Charles Dance easily top the list. With their experience and past work, I'd just know that they will bring it each episode and it's great to watch. I especially love how this season, Peter gets to move past just witty lines and you see different emotions from Tyrion, now that he has to deal with things that aren't 100% in his control. As for Charles, as said many times in other threads, he just commands the screen. Whenever Tywin shows up, you know shit is about to get real.
As for the latter, I definitely agree with the Alfie Allen praises. He just has taken this part and aced it every time. The fact that even after he executed Rodrick and order the miller boys to be burn, he still made me feel sorry for him when Yara showed up and disrespected him, is just freaking impressive. He's easily my favorite of the younger men.
I could heap a ton of praise on all three kids, but Maise Williams is just especially amazing. Especially since a lot of her scenes are opposite of some big, well-known heavy hitters (Sean Bean in the first season, Charles Dance this season), and she more then keeps up with them. But she also is great in scenes with other characters; some of my favorite moments are Arya's scenes with Syrio, Jaquen, and Gendry. If I could control the Emmys, she and Kieran Shipka from Mad Men would be the front-runners it out each year.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is just spot-on as Jaime. If anything, I'm kind of bummed Jaime didn't have much to do this season. I really hope he gets more to do next time. Same with Varys and Conelth Hill. When he came back this recent episode, I just remembered how great he is and, for me, his scenes with Tyrion/Peter are right up there with Arya/Tywin as some of the best this season.
Jerome Flynn has done a great job with Bronn by making him almost funny as Tyrion, but every now and then, he'll show a sign that he can be kind of brutal and even a bit scary.
As for the newcomers this season, I liked a lot of them, but the stand-outs for me are Liam Cunningham (I actually wasn't a fan of Book Davos), Natalie Dormer (I'm a biased fan), Gwendoline Christie (someone deserves an award for that perfect casting), Tom Wlaschiha as Jaquen (someone else I found cheesy in the books, but awesome here) and Rose Leslie (makes Jon Snow's scenes much more bearable). And, a small role, but I'm really loving Nonso Anozie as Xaro Xhoan Daxos. I liked how he was also welcoming and friendly at first, but we see the take no prisoners guy he is, when he basically tells the Thirteen "We're going to do some corporate restructuring. And by 'restructuring', I mean by buddy Pree over here is going to slit all your throats, leaving us to rule. Xaro out, bitches!" I thought the actor was great in the Conan remake with what could have been a throwaway role, so I'm glad to see him here.
As for disappointments, I agree that Kit Harrington is the weakest. He was at his best playing opposite of Dinklage or Samwell/John Bradley, but other then that, not awful, but just kind of boring and bland. Also not a fan of Finn Jones/Knight of Flowers; not sure why, but I just don't care for the character or the acting choices. Agree that Aiden Gillen is too over-the-top as Littlefinger now. And while I liked her at first (last season), I've kind of been disappointed in Sibel Kekilli as Shae this season. I've heard she's actually a good actress in her native country (even won awards), but I just find something off about her recent performances and has no chemistry with Peter, which is surprising, since he has great chemistry with most everyone else.
As for Emilia Clarke, I loved her last season, so the biased person in me wants to blame most of it on the writing and character development, but, as much as it pains me to say it, yeah, she's sadly been a bit too over-the-top and stilted this season. I like her scenes with Ian Glen, but anytime she has to be all "I'm Daenerys Targaryan!", it's gets into cringeworthy/unintentionally hilarious territory. I can only hope they figure it out next season.
Finally, for the dearly departed: Harry Lloyd was truly amazing as Viserys and even made me feel a ping of sympathy for his death, and Sean Bean really deserved credit for making me love Ned, despite his idiotic decisions. And Bean could do a lot with just facial expressions and didn't have to use any words. A very underrated talent.
I kind of agree that there are those who are great but I kind of expected it, versus those who just continue to make me go "Wow" each week. For the former, Peter Dinklage and Charles Dance easily top the list. With their experience and past work, I'd just know that they will bring it each episode and it's great to watch. I especially love how this season, Peter gets to move past just witty lines and you see different emotions from Tyrion, now that he has to deal with things that aren't 100% in his control. As for Charles, as said many times in other threads, he just commands the screen. Whenever Tywin shows up, you know shit is about to get real.
As for the latter, I definitely agree with the Alfie Allen praises. He just has taken this part and aced it every time. The fact that even after he executed Rodrick and order the miller boys to be burn, he still made me feel sorry for him when Yara showed up and disrespected him, is just freaking impressive. He's easily my favorite of the younger men.
I could heap a ton of praise on all three kids, but Maise Williams is just especially amazing. Especially since a lot of her scenes are opposite of some big, well-known heavy hitters (Sean Bean in the first season, Charles Dance this season), and she more then keeps up with them. But she also is great in scenes with other characters; some of my favorite moments are Arya's scenes with Syrio, Jaquen, and Gendry. If I could control the Emmys, she and Kieran Shipka from Mad Men would be the front-runners it out each year.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is just spot-on as Jaime. If anything, I'm kind of bummed Jaime didn't have much to do this season. I really hope he gets more to do next time. Same with Varys and Conelth Hill. When he came back this recent episode, I just remembered how great he is and, for me, his scenes with Tyrion/Peter are right up there with Arya/Tywin as some of the best this season.
Jerome Flynn has done a great job with Bronn by making him almost funny as Tyrion, but every now and then, he'll show a sign that he can be kind of brutal and even a bit scary.
As for the newcomers this season, I liked a lot of them, but the stand-outs for me are Liam Cunningham (I actually wasn't a fan of Book Davos), Natalie Dormer (I'm a biased fan), Gwendoline Christie (someone deserves an award for that perfect casting), Tom Wlaschiha as Jaquen (someone else I found cheesy in the books, but awesome here) and Rose Leslie (makes Jon Snow's scenes much more bearable). And, a small role, but I'm really loving Nonso Anozie as Xaro Xhoan Daxos. I liked how he was also welcoming and friendly at first, but we see the take no prisoners guy he is, when he basically tells the Thirteen "We're going to do some corporate restructuring. And by 'restructuring', I mean by buddy Pree over here is going to slit all your throats, leaving us to rule. Xaro out, bitches!" I thought the actor was great in the Conan remake with what could have been a throwaway role, so I'm glad to see him here.
As for disappointments, I agree that Kit Harrington is the weakest. He was at his best playing opposite of Dinklage or Samwell/John Bradley, but other then that, not awful, but just kind of boring and bland. Also not a fan of Finn Jones/Knight of Flowers; not sure why, but I just don't care for the character or the acting choices. Agree that Aiden Gillen is too over-the-top as Littlefinger now. And while I liked her at first (last season), I've kind of been disappointed in Sibel Kekilli as Shae this season. I've heard she's actually a good actress in her native country (even won awards), but I just find something off about her recent performances and has no chemistry with Peter, which is surprising, since he has great chemistry with most everyone else.
As for Emilia Clarke, I loved her last season, so the biased person in me wants to blame most of it on the writing and character development, but, as much as it pains me to say it, yeah, she's sadly been a bit too over-the-top and stilted this season. I like her scenes with Ian Glen, but anytime she has to be all "I'm Daenerys Targaryan!", it's gets into cringeworthy/unintentionally hilarious territory. I can only hope they figure it out next season.
Finally, for the dearly departed: Harry Lloyd was truly amazing as Viserys and even made me feel a ping of sympathy for his death, and Sean Bean really deserved credit for making me love Ned, despite his idiotic decisions. And Bean could do a lot with just facial expressions and didn't have to use any words. A very underrated talent.
#13
Posted May 24, 2012 @ 8:32 AM
I want to single out Jack Gleeson a bit, just for how hard it must be to get your first major role in a great franchise like this, and have it be a character you know everyone will absolutely despise. And yet he never once asks the audience for any sympathy, and goes for the pure evil all the time. I still find it really funny how protective everyone else is of him in interviews, swearing up and down that he's a great kid who's nothing like Joffrey, because they're that worried that his performance is that convincing.
#14
Posted May 24, 2012 @ 8:52 AM
It says something about Harry Lloyd that I genuinely felt sorry for Viserys when he was screaming for Dany to help him in 1x06.
I have to echo the love for Alfie Allen. My favourite Theon moment was when he "triumphantly" revealed the boys' bodies and his expression of triumph instantly disappeared and changed into muted shock and horror. I also love his anger and hurt when bitching out Balon in 2x03 for giving him away.
I hear Gleeson's going to retire from acting after GoT to pursue an academic career. It would be a shame, given how talented he clearly is, but on the other hand: how can you top Joffrey? Apparently Martin sent Gleeson a note reading "Congratulations on your marvelous performance. Everyone hates you." Ha!
I was iffy on the choice of Stephen Dillane as Stannis--since Stephen Dillane is a charismatic actor, and Stannis is, well, anti-charismatic--but the actor has won me over and then some. Over on Vulture.com, Stephen Dillane's line readings were praised as the best in the show. After his perfect speech to Davos about his experience of the siege of Storm's End--"Never liked cats. So, fine"--I'd have to agree. Liam Cunningham's Davos is making me love Show!Davos in a way I never loved Book!Davos: he just radiates humility and decency.
I will say that several of the show characters are quite different from their book incarnations and that in my opinion, the differences might not represent problems with the acting.
I have to echo the love for Alfie Allen. My favourite Theon moment was when he "triumphantly" revealed the boys' bodies and his expression of triumph instantly disappeared and changed into muted shock and horror. I also love his anger and hurt when bitching out Balon in 2x03 for giving him away.
Joffrey isn't even the magnificent bastard type of villain; he's truly repulsive as a character, not just sadistic and vicious but petulant, grandiose, cowardly, and not terribly bright. It takes a lot of courage to play someone so horrible without flinching and without toning it down at all. I mean, Gleeson even shrieked when he was struck in 2x06. Actually shrieked.I want to single out Jack Gleeson a bit, just for how hard it must be to get your first major role in a great franchise like this, and have it be a character you know everyone will absolutely despise. And yet he never once asks the audience for any sympathy, and goes for the pure evil all the time.
I hear Gleeson's going to retire from acting after GoT to pursue an academic career. It would be a shame, given how talented he clearly is, but on the other hand: how can you top Joffrey? Apparently Martin sent Gleeson a note reading "Congratulations on your marvelous performance. Everyone hates you." Ha!
Flawless, flawless casting. Ditto for Gwendoline Christie as Brienne. Amazing.Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is just spot-on as Jaime.
I was iffy on the choice of Stephen Dillane as Stannis--since Stephen Dillane is a charismatic actor, and Stannis is, well, anti-charismatic--but the actor has won me over and then some. Over on Vulture.com, Stephen Dillane's line readings were praised as the best in the show. After his perfect speech to Davos about his experience of the siege of Storm's End--"Never liked cats. So, fine"--I'd have to agree. Liam Cunningham's Davos is making me love Show!Davos in a way I never loved Book!Davos: he just radiates humility and decency.
I was iffy on Whelan at first, but the tenderness and sadness in her speech to Theon in 2x08--trying to get him to back away from the precipice but knowing it's a lost cause--swayed me. It didn't seem like something Book!Yara (well, Asha) would say, and that was a good thing. Show!Yara seems more guarded, more subdued, but I don't mind the change.[Yara]'s too quiet, too softly spoken (her tone, not her language, which is plenty colorful), and she's just too calm, too still. I just feel she should be more animated, more lively, and more cheerfully mocking.
I will say that several of the show characters are quite different from their book incarnations and that in my opinion, the differences might not represent problems with the acting.
Edited by Blue32, May 24, 2012 @ 9:11 AM.
#15
Posted May 24, 2012 @ 9:25 AM
I want to single out Jack Gleeson a bit, just for how hard it must be to get your first major role in a great franchise like this, and have it be a character you know everyone will absolutely despise. And yet he never once asks the audience for any sympathy, and goes for the pure evil all the time. I still find it really funny how protective everyone else is of him in interviews, swearing up and down that he's a great kid who's nothing like Joffrey, because they're that worried that his performance is that convincing.
Gleeson has been absolutely stellar this season. As I mentioned in the awards thread if he was killing it any more it'd have it's head mounted on a pike above King's Landing.
I am truly upset that he isn't being considered for the supporting actor awards (unless of course he opted out by choice) as he and Alfie Allen have definitely been the standouts this season among the men.
#16
Posted May 24, 2012 @ 9:54 AM
And, a small role, but I'm really loving Nonso Anozie as Xaro Xhoan Daxos. I liked how he was also welcoming and friendly at first, but we see the take no prisoners guy he is, when he basically tells the Thirteen "We're going to do some corporate restructuring. And by 'restructuring', I mean by buddy Pree over here is going to slit all your throats, leaving us to rule. Xaro out, bitches!"
Bwah! I agree Anozie played that scene well.
Speaking of small roles that made a big impact, I need to give another shout out Francis Magee a.k.a. our dearly departed Yoren. Sometimes when the writers give a actor playing a small role a big monologue, it feels like they're trying to shoehorn in unearned character development (Talisa's "why I want to join the Westerosi Peace Corp" essay/monologue is an example of that). But by the time Francis Magee gave his big Willem monologue, it felt earned. The character he created felt so human and warm and full that he earned that moment of traumatic backstory reveal.
#17
Posted May 24, 2012 @ 10:44 AM
I don't know the actors names so I'll just call them by the characters.
I think the weakest are Jon, Robb, Littlefinger and Dani.
I'm not of the opinion that is the material at all, especially for characters that have so much screentime and complex storylines, but both Jon and Robb just can't do much outside the whiny face or the serious face, they're so lifeless in a TV show so full charisma. Littlefinger seems someone different every episode for some reason, especially the way he speaks, that could be different character directions though. As for Dani she's just cringy and it's hard for me not to roll my eyes when she starts raising her voice, even though Dani is one of my favourite characters.
The actor who plays Lancel is awful, he takes the joy out of the funny written scenes he's in.
Everyone else? Either good, great and mind blowing.
First shout out has to go the the younger cast, Arya, Sansa, Joffrey and Bran. They're put in such difficult scenes, they play with older more experienced characters and they hold their own so well. They make me root for them big time.
The Lannisters are so well casted, I buy them as a family and find it hard to believe they're not related. It's a family that we're supposed to despise (minus Tyron), yet, I find myself wanting them to not to lose, not only because of the writing, but also because of what each actors brings to their characters, like there's so much more to them than what they have to show to the outisde world. Twyin has a presense that makes me be scared of him in every of his scenes. So much respect.
Catelyn Stark, Brienne and Margaery. I'm surprised so many people dislike Cat, but I think much of my love for her is for the way she's played. Thinking of her children first and yet trying to make the right political moves, and to me the actress can bring to life all those feelings in Cat. Brienne? You can see the actress LIVES that character. She's fabulous. Margaery has been seen less than the others, but with only a few looks and lines she showed what the character is about, the nice and player woman and yet there's still something secretive about her.
Of the dead people, I especially loved Viserys and Renly. Viserys was the perfect villain, and there was room for his character to be so annoying and me wishing his death, but the actor knew how far to go, plus, he played very well with Dani and it seems she's suffereing from him not being there this season, I was shocked to see him dying so soon.
Renly is someone I'm still sad to see go. He was a character who's different emotional sides would be displayed in different contexts, and the actor was able to sell the confident sarcastic king in one second and the scared in love guy the next. Plus, he was very convincing rejecting that beautiful woman in front of him.
Other people that have impressed me are the woman playing Osha and the man leader of the greatest city that ever was or will be, he was hilarious.
I think the weakest are Jon, Robb, Littlefinger and Dani.
I'm not of the opinion that is the material at all, especially for characters that have so much screentime and complex storylines, but both Jon and Robb just can't do much outside the whiny face or the serious face, they're so lifeless in a TV show so full charisma. Littlefinger seems someone different every episode for some reason, especially the way he speaks, that could be different character directions though. As for Dani she's just cringy and it's hard for me not to roll my eyes when she starts raising her voice, even though Dani is one of my favourite characters.
The actor who plays Lancel is awful, he takes the joy out of the funny written scenes he's in.
Everyone else? Either good, great and mind blowing.
First shout out has to go the the younger cast, Arya, Sansa, Joffrey and Bran. They're put in such difficult scenes, they play with older more experienced characters and they hold their own so well. They make me root for them big time.
The Lannisters are so well casted, I buy them as a family and find it hard to believe they're not related. It's a family that we're supposed to despise (minus Tyron), yet, I find myself wanting them to not to lose, not only because of the writing, but also because of what each actors brings to their characters, like there's so much more to them than what they have to show to the outisde world. Twyin has a presense that makes me be scared of him in every of his scenes. So much respect.
Catelyn Stark, Brienne and Margaery. I'm surprised so many people dislike Cat, but I think much of my love for her is for the way she's played. Thinking of her children first and yet trying to make the right political moves, and to me the actress can bring to life all those feelings in Cat. Brienne? You can see the actress LIVES that character. She's fabulous. Margaery has been seen less than the others, but with only a few looks and lines she showed what the character is about, the nice and player woman and yet there's still something secretive about her.
Of the dead people, I especially loved Viserys and Renly. Viserys was the perfect villain, and there was room for his character to be so annoying and me wishing his death, but the actor knew how far to go, plus, he played very well with Dani and it seems she's suffereing from him not being there this season, I was shocked to see him dying so soon.
Renly is someone I'm still sad to see go. He was a character who's different emotional sides would be displayed in different contexts, and the actor was able to sell the confident sarcastic king in one second and the scared in love guy the next. Plus, he was very convincing rejecting that beautiful woman in front of him.
Other people that have impressed me are the woman playing Osha and the man leader of the greatest city that ever was or will be, he was hilarious.
#18
Posted May 24, 2012 @ 10:54 AM
I really wish that Aiden Gillen were allowed to use his actual accent. My biggest problem by far with his performance is his wandering accent and the weird modulation changes this seems to cause for him. I'd rather just fanwank that The Fingers have a suspiciously Dublinish accent.
I do also wonder if Kit Harrington could do more emoting if he didn't appear to be wearing a recliner. His body language just seems totally swallowed up by his outfit.
I do also wonder if Kit Harrington could do more emoting if he didn't appear to be wearing a recliner. His body language just seems totally swallowed up by his outfit.
Edited by WickedRipePlum, May 24, 2012 @ 10:56 AM.
#19
Posted May 24, 2012 @ 2:03 PM
My problem with the casting of Jon and Robb is not the actors' ability, but the fact that, as I understand the character arcs, they're supposed to be adolescents just at the point of learning how to be adults, but they look like mature full-grown men.
I know that for practical reasons it's more common than not for characters in their late teens to be cast with actors who are well into their 20s, but that convention often doesn't work for me, and this is an example. I'm sure the same guys with their current acting skills and their physical appearance as 18-year-olds would be great.
I know that for practical reasons it's more common than not for characters in their late teens to be cast with actors who are well into their 20s, but that convention often doesn't work for me, and this is an example. I'm sure the same guys with their current acting skills and their physical appearance as 18-year-olds would be great.
#20
Posted May 24, 2012 @ 2:40 PM
Ha! I loved how grossed out he managed to look when Margaery was coming on to him. A+++.Plus, [Gethin Anthony] was very convincing rejecting that beautiful woman in front of him.
I've seen comments here and elsewhere about Sophie Turner and Isaac Hempstead Wright improving from Season 1 to Season 2, but I'd argue that it's a case of both actors having much better material in Season 2 than Season 1 rather than any progression or development of acting ability.I've seen the other young actors (Sophie Turner, Isaac Hempstead Wright) grow
I'm so sick of all the accent suppression on this show that I almost wish everyone would just speak in their natural accents--Danish (Coster Waldau), American (Dinklage), Irish (Gillen, Fairley, etc.), Scottish (Madden)--and let the chips fall where they may, instead of trying to ape some generic English accent.I really wish that Aiden Gillen were allowed to use his actual accent.
Wlaschiha's Jaqen is awesome: not just dangerous and enigmatic, but also weirdly hilarious. His put-upon sigh when Arya insists on him killing Amory Lorch was the funniest moment of the series so far, for me.
Edited by Blue32, May 24, 2012 @ 2:46 PM.
#21
Posted May 24, 2012 @ 3:23 PM
I'm the show Robb and Jon are supposed to be 18ish. IMO there isn't a big difference looks wise between 18 and 25. But then again people think I'm 16 ALL THE TIME and I'm 26. Lol.My problem with the casting of Jon and Robb is not the actors' ability, but the fact that, as I understand the character arcs, they're supposed to be adolescents just at the point of learning how to be adults, but they look like mature full-grown men.
I know that for practical reasons it's more common than not for characters in their late teens to be cast with actors who are well into their 20s, but that convention often doesn't work for me, and this is an example. I'm sure the same guys with their current acting skills and their physical appearance as 18-year-olds would be great.
I think that Kitt Harrington is playing Jon as an introvert. Which he is but that's a HARD acting choice. The actor that plays Stannis is doing a great job, but it takes a great actor to do that well. I don't think Kitt is bad, but as someone has said up thread, the other stand outs made him look worse. I feel Jon's passion whenever he talks about his duty, or his family (we learned that Robb wrote Jon and told him about the wilding attack) and even so far away he wants to defend his little brother Bran. That shows me that Kitt will improve.
#22
Posted May 25, 2012 @ 11:46 AM
My problem with the casting of Jon and Robb is not the actors' ability, but the fact that, as I understand the character arcs, they're supposed to be adolescents just at the point of learning how to be adults, but they look like mature full-grown men.
I know that for practical reasons it's more common than not for characters in their late teens to be cast with actors who are well into their 20s, but that convention often doesn't work for me, and this is an example. I'm sure the same guys with their current acting skills and their physical appearance as 18-year-olds would be great.
I explain this away by reminding myself that this is Westeros, and people their age have to be MUCH more mature than they do in this day and age. When you grow up in a time of much less convenience, where everything is more serious and more life or death, and where you can possibly see your father chopping some guy's head off on any given day, I'd assume you'd mature at a much faster rate and it's not unheard of to be fully matured at 18 or 19 years old.
#23
Posted May 28, 2012 @ 9:36 AM
Lena Headey owned this episode. How this woman can go from menacing to hysterically funny to pathetically sad (sometimes at the same time) and have it all make sense was wonderful.
I have to give Sophie Turner credit though, trying to be stoic but yet being properly horrified at all that was going on around her.
I have to give Sophie Turner credit though, trying to be stoic but yet being properly horrified at all that was going on around her.
#24
Posted May 28, 2012 @ 10:01 AM
If Lena Headey submits this episode for herself and does not get a nomination, there is no justice. It is very difficult to do the "talky" scenes in an episode that is all about a huge battle but she totally pulled it off, with excellent support from Sophie Turner and the actress who plays Shae. And while wearing golden boob armor to boot! I saw some closeups of her battle dress on another site and the level of detail is extraordinary. I thought those swirly golden details below her shoulders were lions but they were actually birds.
LOVED it when Drunk!Cersei just interrupted Sansa when she was about to go yet again into her "I love Joffrey with all my heart" spiel with a simple "Oh shut up you stupid fool!"
LOVED it when Drunk!Cersei just interrupted Sansa when she was about to go yet again into her "I love Joffrey with all my heart" spiel with a simple "Oh shut up you stupid fool!"
Edited by Titus, May 28, 2012 @ 10:04 AM.
#25
Posted May 28, 2012 @ 10:45 AM
Props Must once again go to Jack Gleeson for his performance this episode. His boasting scene with Sansa. Going from "I'm going to impress her" to "Stupid Girl Don't Question how Awesome I am" to "Menacing I'm going to kill your brother and you won't doubt how much of a warrior I am" and later his scene with Tyrion/Hound. When he order Cleagane outside to fight and was told to go screw himself. The look of Jack Gleeson's face ALMOST made me forget all of the horrible things Joffrey has done. And his slithering away with the full knowledge that he IS a coward. Wonderful acting.
Sophie Turner also did a very good job with Sansa. Her contempt for all things Lannister (even Tyrion) was well played as simmering just below her courtesy armor. The way she played Joffrey, trying to goad him into battle. Her sense of being stunned when she hears just what Cersei truly thinks of both people and the world. All wonderful. Brava Ms. Turner.
Lena, Peter, The Guy who plays Stannis and Varys all did a wonderful job. The material is very good but these actors really take what their given and run with it.
Sophie Turner also did a very good job with Sansa. Her contempt for all things Lannister (even Tyrion) was well played as simmering just below her courtesy armor. The way she played Joffrey, trying to goad him into battle. Her sense of being stunned when she hears just what Cersei truly thinks of both people and the world. All wonderful. Brava Ms. Turner.
Lena, Peter, The Guy who plays Stannis and Varys all did a wonderful job. The material is very good but these actors really take what their given and run with it.
#26
Posted May 28, 2012 @ 5:58 PM
I don't mind Aiden at all. His natural accent sounds too common folk for Littlefinger. Littlefinger goes out of his way to be seen as upper class so his fakey posh accent actually works. I think he is trying to be different around different people (to show what a great player Littlefinger is) but, the show has been so heavy handed with LOOK AT HIM HE'S EVIL that all we see is slime. He did American for years no problem. Nik's accent cracks me up because when I was at study abroad in London my roomie was a Swede and she could flip between that super "fake sounding" high class brit accent and generic American in a second not even on purpose it was just how she learned to say the word she said it. I noticed in interviews Nik does the same thing. The only one I find "shaky" is Kitt. But, yeah playing Jon Snow boring, cranky, introverted, honorable, telegraphed hero stuck in huge fur costumes can't be easy. I'm sure he will get better once he gets better stuff.
Can't be said enough Lena and Sophie owned last night. And to think people said Lena as bad last season. It was simply Cersei was keeping her mouth shut because she didn't want her kids to get found out. Once Ned was dead and war was official she's now eff it time to be myself "HEY EVERYONE, I EFFED MY BROTHER!" and if he gets back to KL I'll keep doing it. What of it? Want to come at me come at me.
Honorable mentions go to Jack (always stellar) Peter, Dillione, dude who plays Davos, and Hill for giving so much in their brief time on screen last night. Filming that episode must have been so much fun....post production OTOH a total bitch.
Can't be said enough Lena and Sophie owned last night. And to think people said Lena as bad last season. It was simply Cersei was keeping her mouth shut because she didn't want her kids to get found out. Once Ned was dead and war was official she's now eff it time to be myself "HEY EVERYONE, I EFFED MY BROTHER!" and if he gets back to KL I'll keep doing it. What of it? Want to come at me come at me.
Honorable mentions go to Jack (always stellar) Peter, Dillione, dude who plays Davos, and Hill for giving so much in their brief time on screen last night. Filming that episode must have been so much fun....post production OTOH a total bitch.
Edited by Scrapper, May 28, 2012 @ 6:02 PM.
#27
Posted Jun 4, 2012 @ 7:36 AM
I genuinely feel that Alfie Allen has surpassed Peter Dinklage this season. That is, if they are both submitted for Best Supporting Actor (I think PD should be in the Lead Actor category this time around). AA has blown me away in his scenes this year, especially those at Winterfell. Last night was no exception--his Henry V speech was brilliant. Give him all the awards.
#28
Posted Jun 4, 2012 @ 8:39 AM
I agree with Candy Moocher (Although i don't think any character merits being 'lead' above the others). Alfie Allen has had a very difficult and emotional arc to portray, and he's made Theon a darn sight more sympathetic than he had to be. Like him as a person or not, we've been taken on a true journey with the character, and he's had some tremendously powerful scenes.
He's a real talent. Not good looking enough to become a true star, but I hope he finds plentiful works because he commits like anything to thus role. PD has done a swell job, he's had a range to portray, but it has not been as powerful a rollercoaster.
He's a real talent. Not good looking enough to become a true star, but I hope he finds plentiful works because he commits like anything to thus role. PD has done a swell job, he's had a range to portray, but it has not been as powerful a rollercoaster.
#29
Posted Jun 4, 2012 @ 9:47 AM
Man, where to start? The performances on this show are in general so stellar that there almost needs to be a new Emmy category for ensemble casts, it's hard to single out just one!
I've really loved what Conleth Hill does with Varys. He's shadowy, smarmy, and most certainly has an agenda, but there's something almost... noble about him? Something that makes you think he really means it when he says his goal is to do what's best for the realm. Plus, the man can throw down zingers like nobody's business. He's amazing.
Jack Gleeson has made Joffrey both evil and pathetic, which can be a difficult balancing act. Witness the scene in the throne room where he's humiliating Sansa - throwing his weight around, being a cruel ruler. But as soon as Tyrion steps into the room and starts berating him, he's suddenly a little boy who's been caught doing something bad, and can do no more than sputter out a lame, "A king does as he likes!" in response. That kid is a talent, and I hope he gets some recognition.
And I just can't say enough good things about Liam Cunningham as Davos. He just makes Davos so human. Probably one of the most human characters on the show. In a world of scheming nobles and people desperately wanting to be above their stations (Theon, Littlefinger), Davos is a guy with a firm handle on reality and his place in the world. And he's not bitter about it - he's just matter of fact. He is what he is, and he's ok with that.
I will say that I think Emilia Clarke has probably suffered this season by just not having other actors to play off of. Brief though it was, she really seemed to spark up again in last night's dream/vision with Jason Momoa/Drogo (and it made me realize how much I'd missed their dynamic together!).
I've really loved what Conleth Hill does with Varys. He's shadowy, smarmy, and most certainly has an agenda, but there's something almost... noble about him? Something that makes you think he really means it when he says his goal is to do what's best for the realm. Plus, the man can throw down zingers like nobody's business. He's amazing.
Jack Gleeson has made Joffrey both evil and pathetic, which can be a difficult balancing act. Witness the scene in the throne room where he's humiliating Sansa - throwing his weight around, being a cruel ruler. But as soon as Tyrion steps into the room and starts berating him, he's suddenly a little boy who's been caught doing something bad, and can do no more than sputter out a lame, "A king does as he likes!" in response. That kid is a talent, and I hope he gets some recognition.
And I just can't say enough good things about Liam Cunningham as Davos. He just makes Davos so human. Probably one of the most human characters on the show. In a world of scheming nobles and people desperately wanting to be above their stations (Theon, Littlefinger), Davos is a guy with a firm handle on reality and his place in the world. And he's not bitter about it - he's just matter of fact. He is what he is, and he's ok with that.
I will say that I think Emilia Clarke has probably suffered this season by just not having other actors to play off of. Brief though it was, she really seemed to spark up again in last night's dream/vision with Jason Momoa/Drogo (and it made me realize how much I'd missed their dynamic together!).
#30
Posted Jun 5, 2012 @ 4:45 AM
I'm very sad to see the end of Donald Sumpter as Luwin. GOT is so full of misery, abuse and backstabbings that it was always refreshing to see a Luwin scene because he truly came across as a good man, kind and wise.
Yes, Dinklage has the star quality, but Allen was a wonderful surprise. I never would have expected it after season 1 when Allen was just kinda there, but he took a storyline I hated in the books and made it perhaps the most consistently good arc of the season.
IMO Clarke tends to be rather over-the-top in scenes where she should be queenly and convincing, and quite a few people also view Harington as a weak actor. But they've both had great chemistry with their love interests, and that's pretty rare in GOT. In the scene with Drogo Clarke was better than in anything else this season and Jon/Ygritte has been a good take on the classic bickering couple (Robb/Talisa, though... their writing is worse, but I don't think Madden and Chaplin have done much to save the story).
I genuinely feel that Alfie Allen has surpassed Peter Dinklage this season.
Yes, Dinklage has the star quality, but Allen was a wonderful surprise. I never would have expected it after season 1 when Allen was just kinda there, but he took a storyline I hated in the books and made it perhaps the most consistently good arc of the season.
I will say that I think Emilia Clarke has probably suffered this season by just not having other actors to play off of. Brief though it was, she really seemed to spark up again in last night's dream/vision with Jason Momoa/Drogo (and it made me realize how much I'd missed their dynamic together!).
IMO Clarke tends to be rather over-the-top in scenes where she should be queenly and convincing, and quite a few people also view Harington as a weak actor. But they've both had great chemistry with their love interests, and that's pretty rare in GOT. In the scene with Drogo Clarke was better than in anything else this season and Jon/Ygritte has been a good take on the classic bickering couple (Robb/Talisa, though... their writing is worse, but I don't think Madden and Chaplin have done much to save the story).
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