Movies

Theo James arrives in ‘The Monkey’ — twice

BBG News

In the early 2010s, when Theo James made his television and movie debut, he was primarily cast in roles that lacked humor. With his captivating dark eyes and sharply defined cheekbones, he found himself frequently assigned to rather dull love-interest characters. On “Downton Abbey,” he romanced Lady Mary, but met an untimely end. He also joined the generic sci-fi YA realm of the “Divergent” series, where his main role was to court Shailene Woodley.

However, ensconced within the luxurious confines of the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, a 40-year-old man named James, sporting a boxy outfit in subdued shades of gray and brown, was eager to emphasize his penchant for mischievous humor.

He admits to having a fondness for both broad and off-color humor, often prompting reprimands,” he confesses, breaking into a mischievous chuckle. This chuckle is something I’d catch more than once during our chat. James’ eyes spark with naughtiness when he realizes his indiscretion, yet he remains, for the most part, a well-mannered English gentleman.

In James, this particular trait lends itself superbly to his current acting assignments, if not “roles,” per se. He graces the screen in “The Monkey,” a new production from the esteemed Osgood Perkins under the Longlegs banner. James takes on dual roles as Hal and Bill, twin brothers whose family is afflicted by the malevolent influence of a windup monkey their father brings home from a trip.

Much like modern horror films, it delves into themes of generational trauma. However, it sets itself apart by incorporating a surprising dose of humor. The monkey’s drumming heralds death in ways that are both grotesque and uproariously funny. For instance, a dinner at a hibachi turns gory as a throat is slashed, and a diving woman is transformed into a bloodbath when a pool is activated.

However, the humor is also due to James, who gives each brother an unusual character. Hal, a glasses-donning introvert, strives to shield his alienated adolescent son from the dread that plagues his household; Bill, sporting a mullet and displaying theatrical arrogance, seeks chaos.

Over the past few years, James has experienced a remarkable shift in his career, culminating in a significant twist. His daring performances in “The White Lotus” and “The Gentleman” have demonstrated that he’s not afraid to take risks, thereby redefining his image as an actor.

Initially in my professional journey, I found myself constrained due to working within a somewhat limited studio environment. It required me to break free from these confines. Additionally, there’s the challenge of being perceived superficially, such as being labeled attractive or muscular. One must make an effort not to let these labels define you.

James isn’t unattractive; quite the contrary. His model-esque appearance and infectious playfulness were what ultimately convinced Perkins that he was perfect for the roles of Hal and Bill. They had previously crossed paths when James, in a producer role, was attempting to create a television series titled “Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?” about the enigmatic discovery of a skeleton in the English countryside. Although that project didn’t materialize, their compatibility shone through.

Perkins, aged 51, states confidently. ‘He’s indeed a film actor.’ He shares his motivation behind this, reminiscing, ‘I wanted to recapture the feeling I had when I watched ‘Gremlins’ with my parents. The nostalgia of enjoying an unusual, slightly grotesque movie together as a family.’

In a similar vein, Perkins sought after a retro-style delivery much like Cary Grant’s; he embodied ordinary characters delivering humorous lines, yet retained the elegance and charm associated with Cary Grant.

“It’s that sort of beautiful alchemy that Hollywood allows for,” Perkins says.

In his own mind, James drew comparisons with another well-known actor who typically portrayed intense and somber characters as he ventured into show business.

In his 20s, he recalls that many young actors aspired to emulate the iconic James Dean. However, as time has passed, his ambition has shifted; instead of being recognized solely for resembling a specific actor, he hopes to be appreciated for tackling a broad range of roles.

Through his upbringing in a bustling household with four other siblings in Buckinghamshire outside London, James developed a versatile acting style. Being the youngest and unique among his siblings, he honed his skills by performing to gain attention in their chaotic family environment. However, it was only James who pursued a professional career in acting.

Following his philosophy studies at the University of Nottingham, he aspired to become an indie rock star and achieved a degree of fame with his band, Shere Khan. He humorously adds that there were other bands with less appealing names than his own. This self-deprecating remark is evident as he relaxes in a chair, fiddling with a worn piece of fabric on the armrest.

At university, he dabbled in comedy and annually took a show named “The Slippery Soapbox” to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival during summers. However, it wasn’t until his girlfriend expressed interest in attending drama schools that he himself considered doing so. He eventually got accepted into The Old Vic, honing his skills in Jacobean Shakespeare. However, this training didn’t prove very beneficial when he began auditioning for roles on-screen.

He admits that he graduated from drama school with a substantial amount of debt, followed by another chuckle. “Plays don’t tend to provide enough income,” he laments. “The screen was the best option for me to clear that debt, but I recall some initial auditions where they asked me to tone down my volume as I was shouting too loudly in their faces.

Chances presented themselves, among them being the “Divergent” movie franchise, stemming from a popular young adult book series and intended to follow in the footsteps of “The Hunger Games.” In this production, he shared the screen with Woodley as the character Four, a love interest, in a dystopian setting. The trilogy was commercially successful but failed to attain cultural icon status. Regrettably, plans for a fourth film were eventually abandoned.

James’ initial experiences of both triumphs and setbacks instilled in him a cautious perspective. As he puts it, “One of the things you learn is, anything you put your hand to, people around you want it to succeed. So the messages coming at you are like, ‘This is absolutely fantastic!’ Even if you’re optimistic by nature, that kind of positivity seeps into you subconsciously.

James has learned to approach things with caution and not be overly trusting or optimistic about them. He explains, “Some people think I’m a bit reserved, not exactly pessimistic, but not enthusiastic either.” However, he acknowledges that after doing this for so long, one can never truly know until the outcome is revealed, and even then, it may still be uncertain.

As a passionate cinephile, I found my career’s course dramatically altered when I landed the role of Cameron in season two of “The White Lotus.” Here, I embody a finance fellow on holiday with his wife, who enjoys the nightlife and often belittles his supposed buddy. The chance to delve back into comedy was a blessing, but what truly resonated was my intimate understanding of the character.

He remarks, “A part of myself was within it,” he says. I find it intriguing that he attributes a piece of himself to a character generally disliked by many.

He shares that some of Cameron’s charming qualities reside within him, chuckling. Not referring to the aspects of him that are inappropriate for print, often used colloquially in Britain. Clarifying his statement without slang, he explains, “I aimed to convey a sense of approachability,” he says. “The goal is to unite people. To laugh together, enjoy socializing, make light-hearted fun of oneself and others, maintain a humble demeanor, which I believe are the appealing traits of him.

Having the endorsement from “White Lotus” creator and director, Mike White, can significantly boost an actor’s credibility among other filmmakers, showcasing their talent effectively.

According to Perkins, the work of Mike White is incredibly powerful. When he endorses an actor or creates a moment for someone, it’s truly awe-inspiring. It’s as if you want to follow in his footsteps. You think, “If Mike White recognizes this greatness in Theo, then I might give it a try too.

In a more relaxed style of explanation, Perkins mentions that he usually gives actors a good deal of creative freedom when working on his films, allowing them to bring their own interpretations to the script. However, James points out that during discussions, both he and Perkins drew inspiration from 1980s Tom Hanks as a model for Hal’s character. As the actor puts it, “Hal was the everyday Joe, who had faced some hard knocks in life, but still managed to keep a glimmer of hope and a touch of humor about him despite his circumstances.

In my perspective, I envision Bill as a grown man trapped within the temperament of a stubborn child. This notion is reinforced by his attire, specifically the snug suit jacket he dons, giving off an air of a flamboyant glam rocker.

In an unreleased footage, James let loose his quirky self, which he labels as “extremely odd.

He mentions, “In one part, I was scooting around on all fours, barking like a pup, there’s another where I’m weeping, and yet another where I’m licking the microphone. A character then makes an appearance at the house,” he explains. “We really pushed our boundaries with it, and I’m thankful some of that didn’t make it into the final cut.

Instead, let me offer a rephrased version: Perkins found particularly striking the subtle emotional moments that James added to Hal’s character, such as when he mentioned his mother’s name for the first time following her passing.

Perkins remarks, ‘At that instant, it’s incredibly beautiful.’ You can tell it overwhelms him and it’s a treasure he barely dares to share with this cruel world. His mother’s cherished name was something he kept hidden from the harshness of life.

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Despite being the son of Anthony Perkins, best known for his role in “Psycho”, the director of “Longlegs”, a brooding serial killer movie, possesses an original and unique artistic sensibility.

The film “The Monkey” is connected to a Stephen King short story, but it holds significant personal meaning for Perkins. As the son of Anthony Perkins, who starred in “Psycho,” and model Berry Berenson, Perkins has experienced tragic losses; Anthony hid his AIDS diagnosis before passing away in 1992, while Berenson perished on one of the hijacked planes during the September 11 attacks.

Nevertheless, the film’s portrayal of generational family turmoil resonated deeply with James, who is a father of two small kids.

He expresses concern that he might unintentionally instill beliefs or habits in his children that they may not want later on in their lives, he says. As a parent, he strives to do what’s best, but admits that mistakes are inevitable.

One concern James has is not being able to be there consistently due to his work as an actor. The nature of being a professional actor occasionally requires him to be absent for extended periods, such as when he’s called away for projects lasting months at a time. After the premiere, James plans to depart Los Angeles and travel to Korea to film “The Hole,” a movie starring Hoyeon from “Squid Game.” He describes this project as a blend of “Misery” and “Parasite.” Following that, he’ll head to London, one of his regular locations, to shoot the second season of “The Gentlemen,” a Netflix crime drama by Guy Ritchie that has also boosted his popularity.

James wasn’t quite sure how the hyperviolent-yet-jokey “The Gentlemen” would be received.

He explains that the project was rather intricate and uncertain, but surprisingly rewarding because the work of director Guy resonates with a wide range of people.

Various individuals from diverse age groups have been encountering him on the streets to praise him for his role as Eddie Horniman, a former U.N. peacekeeper who later became a criminal mastermind.

As a passionate cinephile residing partly in the heart of London and partly by the sun-kissed shores of Venice Beach, I find myself pondering over an intriguing dilemma: my family’s educational journey. With our beloved daughter on the brink of her fifth birthday, we are now faced with a significant decision – should we immerse our children in the rich tapestry of schools that California or England has to offer? The choice lies ahead, promising a unique blend of cultural experiences and academic opportunities for our little ones as they grow.

He expresses his fondness for London, appreciating its proximity to Europe and certain cultural aspects. However, he also adores California, especially for its appeal to young families, offering an abundance of outdoor activities. He finds it less stressful not having to put on coats for children every morning in California compared to the routine in London. On our conversation day, Beverly Hills seemed more like Bloomsbury with its persistent overcast skies and drizzle.

James doesn’t come across as someone you’d expect from Hollywood. Although he models for Hugo Boss, when I ask him about the brand of his pants, he requests me to verify the label. For those curious, they are Studio Nicholson. His involvement with the U.N. refugee agency stemmed from the Syrian civil war as a means to honor his family’s history. His grandfather was a refugee from Greece during World War II, who eventually settled in Damascus.

He started by wanting to emphasize to himself, me, our friends, and family that such events can occur frequently, James explains. His continued volunteer work stemmed from his discomfort with the ambiguous zone between performing one’s duty and the concept of being a celebrity. Now, he holds a role as a goodwill ambassador.

As for the fame game, he’s fine with it, in moderation.

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself acknowledging this: “Dabbling in it now and then is acceptable, but beware of its allure.” There’s an undeniable charm, even seduction, in attending gatherings, tapping someone on the shoulder for a friendly greeting, and exchanging warm embraces. Indulge in such moments sparingly, yet hold onto your childhood friends who have been with you through thick and thin. They will keep your personal identity firmly rooted.

At the age of 40, he considers himself an “old dog,” but only when referring to himself. The roles he accepts now must be significant enough for him, as he puts it – peculiar, amusing, and stimulating. He finds this to be similar to “The Monkey.

James shares his preference for unconventional and slightly rebellious roles, finding them more intriguing as an actor. He ponders, ‘When I’m forced to be apart from my family, I can’t help but wonder if it was all worth it, being away and thinking, ‘What on earth made me sign up for this nonsense?’

There’s that not-quite-pessimism, the proverbial monkey on his shoulder. It’s serving him well.

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2025-02-21 14:32

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