From Variety · Marlow Stern · · 1m 10s
Andrew Scott's shot at history
At TIFF, Andrew Scott talks about playing a dying actor chasing one last great role, and calls out the bias against gay actors in straight parts.
In brief
At TIFF, Andrew Scott talks about playing a dying actor chasing one last great role, and calls out the bias against gay actors in straight parts. Scott's case is simple: acting is pretending, so judging an actor by who they are off stage is prejudice, not craft. Originally reported by Variety.
Could he make history
Andrew Scott's performance in 'Elsinore' has critics asking whether the Irish actor is about to pull off something no one has before.
“Could Andrew Scott make history?”
Telluride, then Toronto
The film, directed by Simon Stone, premiered at Telluride before heading to the Toronto International Film Festival.
The man he plays
Scott plays Ian Charleson, a Scottish actor whose career had stalled since 'Chariots of Fire' made his name.
London, 1989
Daniel Day-Lewis walks offstage mid-run from 'Hamlet' at London's National Theater. Charleson sees the opening and takes it.
One last great role
AIDS is destroying his body, but Charleson wants the stage anyway, to finally show what he can do as an actor.
“even as his body is being ravaged by AIDS”
The doctor says no
His doctor, played by Olivia Colman, warns him the stress of the role could make his health worse. He goes on anyway.
The short version
Scott's case is simple: acting is pretending, so judging an actor by who they are off stage is prejudice, not craft.
