This week’s Sunday best is a diversion from just text-based awesome stuff; I have also seen some awesome film and TV stuff over the last week. Actually it’s been over the last couple of weeks, and it all started with a dream about Tom Hardy. I decided that, given The Dark Knight Rises is out soon and stars His Royal Swooniness (and I did have that dream), I would go on a bit of a Tom Hardy retrospective and seek out his earlier stuff. I found myself witnessing some of the best acting I have seen from one person for a long time. So here is what I’ve watched:
Layer Cake (2004) – this was only a bit part for young Tom (he plays an industrial chemist with student debts), but I enjoyed the movie, not least because Daniel Craig was the lead. I’m new to the whole Guy Ritchie thing (and Tom’s been in a couple) and I *know* that technically this isn’t a Guy Ritchie film, but it had the feel of one. Drugs, turf wars, cracking dialogue, deception and betrayal, it was all there. The end was a quite a twist because I didn’t expect *that* to happen!
Elizabeth 1: The Virgin Queen (2006) – this was a 4 part series made for the BBC. The story focused on the love that Robert Dudley (Tom Hardy) and Elizabeth shared from childhood, and how it never gained a foothold when they were adults, even though it was clear they adored each other. It must have been good, because I cried at the end, which is always the sign of great viewing in my book. I’ll give you a hot tip: the soundtrack is sublime.
Stuart: A life backwards (2007) – This made for TV movie was based on Alexander Master’s book of the same name. Tom plays Stuart Shorter, a homeless junkie who also has muscular dystrophy. It was an uplifting, heart-warming and heart-breaking portrayal of someone who, under normal circumstances, we would not be at all interested in. In fact, we would probably avoid them. Bravo to Tom for bringing humanity, humour and pathos to the role. Oh, and did I mention that I cried at the end?
The Take (2009) – This was also 4 parter, made for TV. Tom went into Bronson territory with this one! He plays a sociopath who is involved in all manner of criminal activity, and terrorises his family with both physical and emotional abuse. He truly is terrifying in this role (but also very handsome!) and it’s a tad scary to think that this bad boy is lurking just below the surface. Fascinating to watch though, and so, so good.
I still have a lot more Tom Hardy stuff to get through. I know it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it!
I liked his cage fighter role
He was fab in it, that’s for sure. But his earlier work showcases what a talent he is.
What’s there not to like about T Hardy. Enough said.
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Exactly! I also recently discovered that he is an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust, where he works with disengaged youth, particularly those with drug and alcohol problems. Handsome AND generous!