Gary Oldman Describes His Role as Sirius Black in ‘Harry Potter’ as Average: Gary Oldman appears to be his own toughest critic.
The seasoned actor, aged 65 and an Oscar winner, expressed some candid thoughts about his portrayal in the “Harry Potter” series, where he took on the role of Sirius Black, the godfather to the titular character.
On a recent episode of the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, hosted by Josh Horowitz, Oldman straightforwardly remarked, “I believe my performance was average in it.” Reflecting further, he added, “Had I delved into the books beforehand, understanding the nuances and the direction of the character, my approach might have been different.”
Oldman’s critical stance extends beyond just this role. He holds a consistent belief in his ability to continually refine his craft. Explaining his perspective to Horowitz, he said, “It’s akin to any profession. If I were to watch my own work and think, ‘I’m truly outstanding,’ that would be a concerning realization. The goal is always to elevate and refine with each subsequent endeavor.”
“It’s a matter of individual perspective,” he elaborated. “What I perceive when I watch my performance might differ from what others observe. When someone praises my work in a particular film, and I internally critique myself, it’s not to undermine their viewpoint. They might be recognizing elements that I don’t see.”
Oldman’s association with the “Potter” series began with the 2004 movie “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” He reprised his role in two subsequent films until his character met his end in the 2007 release, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.”
“I still harbor feelings about that,” Oldman remarked during the podcast, reflecting on Sirius’ demise. Recounting the atmosphere among the “Potter” ensemble, he shared, “We were all speculating. Some believed it might be Hagrid, while I pondered if it could be Ron.” With a hint of irony, he continued, “Then, upon reading the script, the realization hits: it’s my character. That’s the end of the road for me.”
Gary Oldman Credits ‘Potter’ and ‘Batman’ Roles for Grounding Him as a Father
In a December appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show,” Oldman reflected on his time with the “Potter” and Christopher Nolan’s “Batman” series, highlighting how these roles provided him a unique opportunity to be present for his children during a challenging phase of his life.
Recalling his circumstances at 42, following a divorce and gaining custody of his children, Oldman shared with Barrymore, “Facing this new reality was tough, especially as many film productions began relocating to places like Hungary, Budapest, Prague, and Australia. Consequently, I had to decline several offers.” Fortunately, both the “Potter” and “Batman” franchises were filmed in the UK, allowing him to remain close to home.
Oldman expressed gratitude, saying, “I can’t emphasize enough how pivotal ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Batman’ were for me during that time. They not only provided financial stability but also ensured I could prioritize my children and be there for them.”
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