by Cookie N Screen
There is a special rung in hell for people who, in the depths of the shadows as the film flickers on, turn in loud whisper (speaking, full blown speaking,) and says “ooooo, that person is from (insert obscure comedy show that aired in 1997 and was swiftly cancelled).” Either that or they whip out their phones (straight after screening, of course. During is the rung way down below,) tormented with the recognition but not the answer, bombard IMDB and scream “oooooooooohhhhhhh” when they realise who it is. I fall into both, I am on this rung and as I pulled out my internet after the latest screening of Pride, I promptly put it down and said “no. fucking. way.”
There is a special rung in hell for people who, in the depths of the shadows as the film flickers on, turn in loud whisper (speaking, full blown speaking,) and says “ooooo, that person is from (insert obscure comedy show that aired in 1997 and was swiftly cancelled).” Either that or they whip out their phones (straight after screening, of course. During is the rung way down below,) tormented with the recognition but not the answer, bombard IMDB and scream “oooooooooohhhhhhh” when they realise who it is. I fall into both, I am on this rung and as I pulled out my internet after the latest screening of Pride, I promptly put it down and said “no. fucking. way.”
See, I’d been looking for the actor who played Mark Ashton, our leading activist. I was wholly warmed by his performance, as is the entire country. As the coiffed Irish leader of the LGSM movement that was immortalized in Britain’s best film of the year, the character Ashton was one we rallied behind with all the passion and charisma that the lead of a British movie could need. In Pride, the actor who played Mark Ashton levelled the depth of insecurities with the need to fight. He conveyed delicate storylines with more powerful ones both to stellar effects. And as I watched the actor enthral me with this performance of Ashton, I remember thinking, “I’m sure I’ve seen him before” believing that an episode of Coronation Street or Hollyoaks had released him into pop culture and he has soared from it.
But no. Mark Ashton is played by Ben Schnetzer who appeared in neither of these things. Because firstly, despite the authentic sounding Irish accent. He is American, born and bred in New York, crafting his talent and appearing in bit shows such as Happy Town and the obligatory Law and Order. What shocked me most, however, was that in my world of cinema, Schnetzer first appeared as Max from The Book Thief. If you are lucky enough to have seen both this film and Pride, I want you to isolate the pair, the hidden and dying Jew and the exuberant Ashton, and tell yourself they are the same person. Apart from the eyelashes, it is a difficult one.
But no. Mark Ashton is played by Ben Schnetzer who appeared in neither of these things. Because firstly, despite the authentic sounding Irish accent. He is American, born and bred in New York, crafting his talent and appearing in bit shows such as Happy Town and the obligatory Law and Order. What shocked me most, however, was that in my world of cinema, Schnetzer first appeared as Max from The Book Thief. If you are lucky enough to have seen both this film and Pride, I want you to isolate the pair, the hidden and dying Jew and the exuberant Ashton, and tell yourself they are the same person. Apart from the eyelashes, it is a difficult one.
That is because at the tender age of 24, Schnetzer has conveyed such unique performances that delve into the depths of humanity. He has effervesced as Max, silent in torment and earning for freedom from his safe imprisonment whilst tending to Lisle. Strikingly giving fleshing to one persecuted boy and allowing him to become much more than a plot device, Schnetzer gave strength and courageously built Max to this fully realised character. And he has given such soul to Ashton, so much so that he is a large departure from Max.
Now turn to Lone Scherfig’s latest outing The Riot Club and Schnetzer appears yet again in a different but great role. Though largely a bit player, levelling up the debauchery to provide a platform for Sam Claflin and Max Irons to toil, Schnetzer’s Dimitri had an intriguing side story wrapped around racism and heritage (a side story that was failed by the writing and directing). The acting of deplorable and hated characters. Placing a plum in his throat and duelling with the antics on screen, Schnetzer adds another level to his acting that places him high on a list of future Oscar contenders. Small but still enticing, Schnetzer excels.
Ben Schnetzer, in such a small amount of time, has proved his mettle as a chameleon. His thespian skill has already given flame for this article; imagine what this talent can do in years to come. A long spanning career, I predict and someone to keep an eye on, especially in up coming films Warcraft and Punk's Dead.
Now turn to Lone Scherfig’s latest outing The Riot Club and Schnetzer appears yet again in a different but great role. Though largely a bit player, levelling up the debauchery to provide a platform for Sam Claflin and Max Irons to toil, Schnetzer’s Dimitri had an intriguing side story wrapped around racism and heritage (a side story that was failed by the writing and directing). The acting of deplorable and hated characters. Placing a plum in his throat and duelling with the antics on screen, Schnetzer adds another level to his acting that places him high on a list of future Oscar contenders. Small but still enticing, Schnetzer excels.
Ben Schnetzer, in such a small amount of time, has proved his mettle as a chameleon. His thespian skill has already given flame for this article; imagine what this talent can do in years to come. A long spanning career, I predict and someone to keep an eye on, especially in up coming films Warcraft and Punk's Dead.
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