Special Features
Revisiting Brideshead with Matthew Goode
Alex A. Kecskes |
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 Probably best known as Mandy Moore's romantic interest in the 2004 film Chasing Liberty, Matthew Goode’s performance as Charles Ryder in the new Brideshead Revisited may finally be the breakout role the English actor’s been looking for. Based on the classic novel by Evelyn Waugh (not to mention the popular 1980s TV mini-series of the same name), Brideshead teams Goode with Emma Thompson, Michael Gambon, Ben Whishaw and Hayley Atwell.
During a recent press day for the film, Goode appeared totally relaxed, wearing Levis and leaning back in his chair. Given Brideshead’s notoriety as a timeless novel and TV series, Goode was asked what sort of challenges the film presented to him as an actor. “It was hugely fun, but called for a lot of stamina,” exclaimed Goode. “The story’s densely thematic content was probably one of the most challenging things I would ever like to do.”
Given the diversity of roles he’s already accepted during his career--appearing in films such as Match Point, Copying Beethoven and The Lookout--it’s only natural to wonder what attracted Goode to the script. “I’d first read the novel when I was 12,” said Goode. “I’d also seen the TV series about five years before. And I knew that Emma and Michael were doing it. I went up for Ben’s part (Sebastian) first, which is amazing because Julian [Jarrold, the director] said, ‘I never really wanted you to play that part; I don’t really know why you’re in for it.’ So I went back and read the part of Charles and I said, ‘I just don’t get him.’ Which is funny because it seems so obvious once you peel back his layers; you realize he just didn’t know where he was meant to be in life--without a mother and religion.”
Brideshead called for Goode to be in every scene and he discussed the challenges that posed. “It takes stamina,” said Goode. “When you’re filming six-day weeks and 16- to 17- hour days, every day is hard, but it’s also a pleasure. We had to convey a huge amount of detail in the novel. So, yes, I felt a huge pressure, particularly not filming it narratively, jumping all over--doing three eras in one day. It’s not easy to simply tell yourself to play older. It’s exhausting trying to remember where you are in the story, and that’s where a really good director comes in and keeps you honest. Occasionally, Julian would say, ‘That’s a little too 18-year-old.’”
 How did he feel the adaptation of the script compared to the novel and the TV series? “I thought it was really good,” Goode replied. “Though I was slightly worried about [the character] Julia being brought forward so early in the film.”
Asked whether he brought any of his real-life experiences to the movie, Goode replied, “You bring every experience you’ve ever had into it. As an actor, you draw on your imagination and you don’t block the instincts you have, particularly when working with people at the top end of their game--you either sink or swim. It’s so bizarre; my confidence goes up and down. But Emma really encourages you and gives so much when the camera turns around.”
Goode then went on to describe how he and Whishaw prepared to work together. “I was such a fan of his work,” said Goode. “He’s a bit twitchy, but when he starts acting, he’s a totally different person--extraordinary. And when you’re working with people like that, they give you everything you need. You just sit there, listen and respond. It helped that we hung out a little bit before: not rehearsing too much, just talking through all the thematics and Charles’ relationship with Sebastian.”
Responding to the question of what he thinks audiences should take away from the film, Goode replied, “Good question. I suppose that we’ve upheld the integrity of the novel. It has so many things to communicate--about parents and religion. All sorts of messages.”
 Goode admitted that he was a bit nervous to see the final cut, although some scenes were probably a bit more nerve-racking for him to shoot than watch. “Sex scenes are never easy,” he said. “You’ve got all these people standing around and you’re trying to cover her (Atwell) up as much as possible. Also, filming in Morocco was difficult because of the language barrier.”
When asked what he personally took away from Brideshead, Goode replied with a grin, “Besides a lot of ashtrays, a really great set of friends. A bit of confidence. And, of course, Ben, Hayley and Emma on speed dial.”
Goode finished the interview by talking about his next project. “I’ll be introducing Watchmen at Comic-Con,” he said, “where I’ll be throwing myself to the lions. Other than that, I’ll be catching up on my fishing and reading, and watching reruns of ‘The West Wing.’”
Brideshead Revisited opens July 25 at the ArcLight Hollywood, The Landmark, Laemmle Playhouse 7 and ArcLight Sherman Oaks.
For more information, visit bridesheadrevisited-themovie.com.
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