Harry Potter:
There’s a moment in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Prof. McGonagall attempts to control her unruly pupils by proclaiming, “I will not have you behaving like a babbling bumbling band of baboons.” Dare I say that very few actors – particularly American ones – could pull off that line with the aplomb that Maggie Smith does. Of course, Smith is a six-time Oscar nominee, a two-time winner, and a venerated member of the pantheon of great classically-trained British actors. 
There is a fine and noble tradition of great actors picking up Hollywood paychecks for kiddie-leaning popcorn fare. And Brits tend to fare much better in this commercial compromise: Alec Guinness got plenty of criticism for playing Obi-Wan Kenobi in 1977's Star Wars, but the role also goosed his career and drew awareness of his greatness to a whole new generation of audiences. (Marlon Brando, however, did not fare nearly as well from his brief turn as Jor-El in 1978’s Superman.)
But the Harry Potter films have effectively become an all-star summer stock for British talent. Seldom has so much acting firepower been assembled in a single film – or series of films. In addition to Smith, we’ve seen Emma Thompson (five Oscar noms and two wins), Kenneth Branagh (four Oscar noms, including one for directing), Julie Christie (four noms and one win), Julie Walters (two Oscar noms), Irishman Richard Harris (two noms), Ralph Fiennes (two noms), John Cleese (one nom), Helena Bonham Carter (one nom), and Imelda Staunton (one nom). This month's Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince also introduces 2002 Oscar winner Jim Broadbent (Iris) to the cast. Even the James Bond series, which has stretched over four times as many films, can’t rival the depth of talent in the Potter casts.
One reason that classically trained actors do so well in the Potter films is the noble British tradition of the panto. Short for pantomime, but not to be confused with mime. Panto is a stylized family-oriented stage show hugely popular in the U.K., particularly during the holiday season. Typically an adaptation of a fairy tale, pantos call for an over-the-top performing style for exaggerated comical effect. Over the years, just about every great British actor has played in one at some time. Ian McKellen is a panto vet, and his performances in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the X-Men series owe much to the form, as he plays his lines to the rafters but never quite brushes over into self-parody.
The grown-up stars of the Harry Potter films take a similar relish to their parts, perhaps none more so than Alan Rickman as potions master Severus Snape. Rickman approaches his role as the stern and complicated Snape with what can only be described as gleeful malevolence, but the actor’s obvious pleasure in playing the role is not a private act. We share in his enjoyment too, and are thus beneficiaries of the collective training of this great band of players. And if the Potter films can keep all of these great performers acting — and perhaps inspire Potter fans to seek out some of the more grown-up films on their resumes — then the series has done a great service to the arts.
Extra credit viewing: Check out Maggie Smith in her Oscar-winning role as an equally influential (but much earthier) teacher in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie; see also Richard Griffiths (a.k.a. Uncle Vernon) as a flawed but influential instructor in The History Boys.
Extra credit reading: It's Behind You: The Story of Panto (2004) by Peter Lathan
For discussion: Are classically trained actors slumming when they appear in Hollywood fare like the Harry Potter films? In what way does their training help or hinder them in playing these roles? Will the younger British cast members like Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint be able to sustain long-term careers without the classical training of their older costars? Or does the preeminence of film and TV call for a different sort of training for which movie-trained stars like Radcliffe are very much prepared? Please discuss in the comments section below.
For more Harry Potter EW U:
Harry Potter: A high-school movie at heart
HarryPotter: 10 Teen-Movie Parallels
EW'sHarry Potter Trivia Challenge (Pt. 1)
EW'sHarry Potter Trivia Challenge (Pt. 2)
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Richard Griffiths was fantastic in The History Boys. The older British actors are the best in the business collectively so who cares if they are popping up to pick up cheques? The Potter series would have been absolute crap had JK Rowling not insisted on an all British cast. Nobody could have made Snape as sexy as Rickman (especially when Snape wasn’t even supposed to be sexy).
Dan, Rupert and the other younger actors in the Harry Potter films may not be classically trained like Maggie Smith but just being able to work with such high caliber actors like her and the others appearing in the Potter films is training any actor would jump at the chance to get.
A little bit of luck surely helped. When the three young actors were casted, who knew they’d be able to maintain “good acting” well into their late teens. Phew.
Read my review — and take the Harry Potter poll here:
http://movies-tv-entertainment.blogspot.com/
I don’t think appearing in the Potter films hurts anyone’s career. These films, though not Oscar worthy, contain intricate plots, well-developed characters, and intense emotions. They seem like typical popcorn fair, but the story and characters beneath the film are far more complex and well-crafted than most movies out in the past 25 years. Who wouldn’t want to portray such rich and vibrant characters? I truly hope that Dan, Rupert, and Emma(if she wants to) can move past these films and broaden their career. I know that people will try to typecast them for years to come, but they are all extremely talented (or have great potential). I have enjoyed watching them grow and mature over the course of the films, and I think they have all drastically improved. The Potter films collectively have the best cast I have ever seen in a franchise. It must be amazing for the young kids to work closely with the older legendary actors. I am jealous. Well done on HBP!
You have to remember when the “Harry Potter” series started, Radcliffe, Grint and Watson were almost completely unknown and inexperienced, so it was almost an absolute necessity to surround them with highly-trained, highly-skilled professional actors. They weren’t only there to elevate the material…they were there to elevate their young co-stars.
To me, the greatness of the “HP” supporting cast doesn’t necessarily come from their decades of stage training or the countless Oscar and BAFTA awards they’ve picked up over the year. I think they’re fantastic because they’ve been doing these big-budget family movies, and it’s never, EVER felt like any of them are slumming or winking at the camera with a “can you believe I’m involved in this kind of movie” look on their face. They seem to throw themselves into this just as much as they would any Shakesperean role they may have played in the past (even if they ARE just there for a check).
That’s why they’re great.
I truly was disappointed that one of the last remaining Great British Actors Who Hadn’t Appeared In A Potter Film — Michael Caine — wasn’t cast as Dumbledore’s brother in the final film. (I also thought Peter O’Toole would be perfect for Luna Lovegood’s father.) Ah well — props to Bill Nighy in any event. It’s also worth mentioning that in “Chamber of Secrets,” written before any films were made, Jo Rowling refers to Snape as having an expression “as if someone had canceled Christmas.” That, of course, is Alan Rickman’s most famous line from “Robin Hood.” So I’m convinced she had him in her head from the start.
I love all the Harry Potter movies and I also believe they are worthy of a look For the Oscars . The special effects are wonderful. I also believe the young actors all held their own with the seasoned actors.I have enjoyed everyone of them and hope there are many more(wishful thinking)
I can’t believe you didn’t mention Ralph Fiennes. I would think he would’ve been mentioned with his background of RADA and Oscar noms.
serioulsy this has to be the best casted Hollywood series ever… When I read Chamber of Secrets for the first time I only pictured Kenneth Branagh for the role and that was before the movie came out. Bill Nighy as Scrimgeour is perfect. I wouldve loved Naomi Watts as Narcissa though… I must also say though, after 6 (!) movies… can we now possibly say that this Harry Potter franchise (albeit not perfection), is the best Hollywood franchise ever produced???
what’s up with not mentioning Gary Oldman? worst. university. ever.
Richard Harris was Irish. I know Americans don’t know much about the outside world but do try and keep up…
Imagine Hugh Laurie in a H.P. movie, but in “House” character…
Harry: But I’m a wizard.
“House”: So am I…wanna see my wand?
LOL
http://tvdonewright.com/
Dan is well on his way to becoming a true thespian. I’ve heard him in some recent interviews talking about actors on long ago tv series and movies and the way that they performed, so he is interested in acting and looks to historical performances for inspiration. He also has been working on stage in Equus for some time now. I’d fully expect him to get some formal acting training and do this for the rest of his life. Rupert I can see working on BBC comedies. Emma has said that she isn’t sure if she wants to act after the Potter films, she might want to pursue her love of the arts and painting, so we’ll have to wait for what she decided in college.
Randolph Foley, “British” means English, Irish, Scottish or Welsh.
Nicely written piece!
Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Gary Oldman, Fiona Shaw, Zoe Wanamaker, David Tennant, Robert Hardy, Robbie Coltrane, David Thewlis, Ian Hart, Miriam Margolyes, Timothy Spall, Jason Isaacs, Brendan Gleeson
I guess Gary Oldman wasn’t mentioned because he’s never been nominated for an Oscar. He and Brenden Gleason are phenomenal. as Sirius Black and Mad Eye Moody respectively. Most Harry Potter casting is truly inspired: Jason Isaacs as Lucious Malfoy, Ralph Fiennes! I know some of these guys aren’t literally English, but to me, they are all lumped into the category of Awesome Actors Across the Pond!
The only casting I don’t really like is Michael Gambon as Dumbledore. He just doesn’t seem to have the calm, wise, and soothing warmth that Dumbledore should have. Gambon as course and insensitive to me.
Emma Watson should have a great career. She really shines. I guess working with all these classically trained legends is experience enough. Radcliff will never get out of the Potter shadow. And Rupert will fade into obscurity. Sorry.
British actors don’t “slum” it. Too professional. Most of the time they are the best parts of bad movies.
And I heart Maggie Smith (Hook)
Good article.
What about Gary Oldman??
I love the British actors because I feel they (the trio) have a certain work ethic not many American actors there age have.
Dan, Emma, n Rupert are never the subject of tabloids n they don’t go and party every night.
they’re amazing actors with real talent.
Rowling knew what she was doing when she wanted all the actors British .
Plus Alan is perfect 4 snape. So is The woman who plays Bellatrix .
Overall, great casting WB.
Gambon was really good in Half Blood Prince… the cave scene is heartbreaking
I think you’re wrong about the panto tradition. In fact there’s a huge amount of snobbery about panto (and it is short for pantomime) in the UK, especially these days, and most classical actors would consider it beneath them. Ian Mckellan is known for his support of ‘vernacular’ drama, having also taken a guest role in the popular British soap opera ‘Coronation Street’. Where panto used to be considered by its practitioners to be an art form in itself, featuring actors with a lifetime of experience in the genre, these days it’s treated as an easy moneymaker for regional theatres starring minor celebrities with no training in the style of acting. British actors’ ability to deliver the most ridiculous lines with absolute conviction comes from their intensive training in using meter, cadence and inflection in their delivery. Traditional British acting is extremely language-centred, as opposed to much American acting, which emphasises total naturalism in conveying character.
I disagree with your theory that panto experience is what makes these British (and Irish) thespians good in these roles. First off, I suspect few actually have much experience in pantomimes! (I’ve seen a few, with nary a real star in them…whereas I’ve seen Branagh, Fiennes, Smith, etc on stage in other things.)
I think the real reason that UK/Irish thesps are better at these things is due to the different styles of acting favored in the respective countries. The Americans mostly learn to act in a more-or-less method style, whereas the Brits most often learn a somewhat more externally-focused version of acting. Plus, many successful British went through one of a handful of stage schools (RADA, LAMBDA, etc) and have the sort of consistent formal training that the Americans less often have. And a third reason: the Brits are primarily trained for stage, whereas the Americans more often focus on film (another reason for the Method leanings…)
Nose wrote: >
Nose: “British” does not and cannot mean “Irish.” The island of Great Britain includes Scotland, Wales, and England, but it does *not* include Ireland. That’s why the UK is the “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland” — because Great Britain does not include any part of Ireland.
The “Harry Potter” series has been a wonderful showcase for great and near-great British actors. But it seems to me that Dame Judi Dench has the best vehicle of all — playing M in the James Bond movies!
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I was disappointed that Michael Caine never made it into the films either, but I’m absolutely thrilled that Ciaran Hinds was cast as Aberforth. He’s had a special place in my heart for years. Saw him in Stratford in ‘90 (along with Ralph Fiennes).
You can’t really say that working in movies like this is “slumming” for classically trained actors when the actors themselves want in desperately. Bill Nighy has famously been quoted in many an interview that he was the last British actor to not be in the films (before he was cast, of course). UK/Irish actors go back and forth between the serious and the lighter fare quite frequently without thinking a thing of “what it would do to their credibility.”
I would have loved to have seen Ian McKellen, Hugh Laurie (he would have been great as one of the ghosts), Adrian Edmondson (ditto), Tim Roth (as either Lupin or Greyback), or Stephen Fry (as anything other than the narrator of the UK audiobooks).
I was just thinking to myself a few weeks ago how lucky Daniel, Rupert & Emma are to be working with such amazing and venerated actors. I too would have loved to have seen Michael Caine in one of the films, and agree with the poster who said Peter O’Toole would have made an interesting choice for Luna’s father. I absolutely love Alan Rickman and cannot completely loathe Snape because it is him playing the character. I cried even more in Order of the Phoenix because Gary Oldman was playing Sirius. And although I hate Bellatrix, I love that Helena Bonham Carter plays her. I think the entire series is very well cast, and am glad they chose to remain within a fine set of British actors.
It is a huge crime that Alan Rickman’s funniest character, John Gissing, never made it into theaters. If you have a chance, search for this film, called “The Search For John Gissing”. Rickman displays his comedic skills brilliantly, and gifts us with huge belly laughs. Unfortunately, the rest of the film isn’t as good as he is in it, so that is probably the reason why it never found it’s niche.
I don’t think classically trained actors are “slumming” at all when they appear in films big blockbuster films like Harry Potter. Just because a film has a big budget and makes alot of money doesnt mean it’s not as serious as an Indie film. Those films still require the same commitment and hard work as any role. Probably even more because more people will be watching it. And when you’re playing a character that so many people love and have high expectations for that increases the pressure to do the job well. So I think Harry Potter attracts so many brilliant actors because it offers a great challenge but it’s also fun at the same time. They’re training probably helps because the characters they play in the HP films are so multi-faceted. They have so many different layers that the actors have to bring to life. I think the younger actors will definitely be able to sustain long careers. They have had training just by working with so many different actors and directors. They probably know more about film than alot of the older actors because they’ve grown up on these huge film sets and gotten to work with special effects and God knows what else. Not alot of actors get that kind of training early on so I think the HP actor are in an even better place than actors twice their age just because of the experiences they’ve had. I think Dan, Rupert, and Emma now have room to stretch their legs and really tackle other projects and give it their all instead of just doing something for money. They’ve had the privilege to work with such prestigious people and that will only help them with whatever they decided to do in the future.
As someone who just very recently got interested in the film industry, I have got to say that I beleive that Harry Potter is something that anybody would be proud to be part of. Although many of the older cast members have expierence and training beyond what Harry Potter requires, they probably learned things about acting still. I don’t know much about the art, but from what I have learned is that an actor can never learn it all. Each actor will learn and grow thorugh life, and their various jobs, so calling it ” slumming” is not really far. As for the young cast members, they all have so much potential and I hope that they will end up doing similar sized projects in the future. I wish them all the best.