Only two days ago we lost one of the UK's finest actors. Richard Griffiths, aged 65, was famed for his wonderful TV performances, and continually honoured for his talent on stage in plays such as The History Boys, Equus and The Sunshine Boys, driven from his earlier presences on the boards playing Shakespearean clowns for the RSC.
But it's his character acting in movies that he is truly loved for. A rare achievement to hold such calibre as an actor for the many years in the business, the Yorkshire born thespian has brought all manners of dark and light, paired with both humour and sadness in supporting roles that would have slipped through the consciousness of other performers. He breathed so much life into these personas that they are fixed in cinematic history as a testament to this wonderful man. So, as tribute to Richard Griffiths, here's a selection of some of his prize moments:
Monsieur Frick in Hugo (2011)
In a film full of known actors in supporting character roles, Griffiths was idyllic as Monsieur Frick, the gentleman pining for Madame Emilie (Frances de la Tour). Glancing from his newsstand, at the train station where the movie is set, Monsieur Frick would chance flirtatious look with cafe owner Madame Emilie, but any further encounter would be halted by the jealous growled warnings of her dog. That is until the warming moment that he arrives at the station one morning with a dog of his own - the two hounds make acquaintances, giving room for the two lovebirds to finally be close to each other.
 |
| Monsieur Frick and Madam Emilie meet at last! |
Douglas Hector in The History Boys (2006)
Alan Bennett's play has received numerous plaudits on stage, and now on film. Griffiths played the boy's General Studies teacher, "Hector", on the boards and then reprising the character in the film. A complicated role, handled with such delicate consideration by Griffiths; he is a companion and favoured by the pupils but holds a dark secret regarding his attraction to some of the boys. A real juxtaposition in character, respected prior to this knowledge by his class for his disposition and words of wisdom, then derided for his actions following rides home on his motorbike.
 |
| "The best moments in reading are when you come across something — a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things — that you'd thought special, particular to you. And here it is, set down by someone else, a person you've never met, maybe even someone long dead. And it's as if a hand has come out and taken yours." |
Vogon Jeltz in The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy (2005)
I'm a huge Douglas Adam's fan, especially Hitchhiker's Guide, and I was always intrigued as to who would play what role in the film version. Awful poetry lover and intergalactic planet demolition expert Prosthetnic Vogon Jeltz was one of my favourite sub-characters of the entire cannon, and I was over the moon when I found out the Richard Griffiths would lend his voice to the general of the belligerent aliens, in a part that was extended to allow more involvement from these hilarious beings.
Griffiths eloquent delivery, paired with his ability to understand the canniest of personas, was a perfect choice for the role...
Vernon Dursley in the Harry Potter film series (2001 - 2010)
Of course, he is most known for playing Vernon Dursley, Harry Potter's begrudged uncle, in one of the biggest movie franchises of all time. Partaking in nearly all of the Potter films, Griffiths was perfect for playing a man who, as cruel as Vernon Dursely was to Harry over the years, was still loved for the humorously unavoidable moments of terror and embarrassment.
There are so many clips to choose from, but this is one of my favourites...
Henry Allardyce the Accountant in A Private Function (1984)
Sometimes forgotten, this is a wonderfully comical small British film starring on of our Monty Python's, Michael Palin, and a host of other great British stars, such as Denholm Elliot, Maggie Smith, Alison Steadman, Liz Smith, Pete Postlethwaite, Jim Carter, and many more, including our post-humorous guest.
In a post-war Yorkshire town still enduring food rationing, quality meat is a luxury. Griffiths plays Henry Allardyce, an accountant who is arranging a private dinner with some select guests where the main course a young pig. It's a warm and comical role, where he deftly plays a man trying to impress his peers but still at odds with his conscience as he feels connection to the pig that he fondly named Betty.
 |
| In this funny scene, Griffiths as Henry Allardyce tries to tempt Betty the pig with a biscuit |
Uncle Monty in Withnail & I (1987)
"My boys...my boys!"
He may be most remembered for Harry Potter, but true Griffith's fans will always remember him as dear Uncle Monty in one of the UK's finest comedies, Withnail & I. This is one of my favourite pictures of all time, and is known as one of the most quotable, mainly thanks to some incredible writing and performances from Richard E Grant, Paul McGann and Richard Griffiths.
With so many brilliant moments, I can't bring them down to one easy choice, so instead I've uploaded the entire scene where we first encounter him for you all to enjoy. If you've never seen Withnail & I, I urge you to. If you have, I urge you again. If you've seen it a million times (like myself) I should not have to convince you to press play on that DVD player, so you can quote along with Monty to your hearts content. But for the moment, enjoy this wonderful moment...
Effervescent, charismatic, direct and overtly camp, Uncle Monty is one of the best supporting characters of any British film, and this is thanks to the genius that is Richard Griffiths OBE.
British cinema is already lost without you, but will never forget you along with your fans.
Richard Griffiths OBE (1947 - 2013) R.I.P.
Please feel free to share your favourite moments from Richard Griffiths career or add your thoughts on the man by posting in the comments section below.
No comments:
Post a Comment