Character Profile:: Malek plays Charlie Heller, a CIA cryptographer devastated by the murder of his wife (Rachel Brosnahan) in a London terrorist attack, who then seeks revenge.
'Mr. Robot' Comparison:: Malek notes similarities in the feeling of being "alienated" and experiencing grief, drawing parallels to Elliot Alderson. However, Heller is also portrayed as a family man.
Surveillance Theme:: Filming in London, a city with nearly one million CCTV cameras, made Malek feel more "paranoid" about the pervasive nature of surveillance, stating "nothing is a secret anymore."
Stellar Cast:: The film features Rachel Brosnahan, Laurence Fishburne (as Heller's trainer), Caitriona Balfe, and Jon Bernthal.
Why this matters:: This role allows Malek to explore familiar themes of isolation within the framework of a high-stakes spy thriller, while also touching upon contemporary concerns about privacy and surveillance.
Directed by James Hawes and based on the novel of the same name (also a remake of a 1981 film), 'The Amateur' follows CIA cryptographer Charlie Heller. When official channels fail after his wife's death, Heller leverages his unique skills, convincing the agency to train him so he can hunt down those responsible.
Malek, who also serves as an executive producer, expressed his attraction to characters perceived as "outcasts or feel like misfits." He elaborated that seeing such characters "go on and do extraordinary things" is a narrative he enjoys. This resonates with his portrayal of Elliot Alderson in 'Mr. Robot', though Heller's motivations are driven by personal loss and revenge, utilizing his intellect and cyber skills rather than just brute force.
Malek's experience filming in London significantly impacted his perspective on surveillance. He specifically mentioned the vast network of CCTV cameras (estimating nearly a million) contributing to a feeling of constant observation. This real-world awareness likely informed his portrayal of a character navigating a world of secrets and hidden information.
Rachel Brosnahan shared that she and Malek had been seeking a project to collaborate on. Malek's passion for 'The Amateur' and the importance of their characters' relationship convinced her to join. They are reportedly already discussing future collaborations.
What is 'The Amateur' about?
It's a spy thriller where a CIA cryptographer, played by Rami Malek, seeks revenge after his wife is killed in a terrorist attack, using his intelligence skills to hunt down the perpetrators.
Who stars alongside Rami Malek?
The cast includes Rachel Brosnahan, Laurence Fishburne, Caitriona Balfe, and Jon Bernthal.
How does Malek's character compare to Elliot Alderson in 'Mr. Robot'?
Malek highlights shared feelings of alienation and grief, but notes his character in 'The Amateur' is also a family man driven by a mission of vengeance.
Fans of Rami Malek's nuanced performances, particularly in 'Mr. Robot', may find his portrayal of Charlie Heller compelling as he explores similar themes of isolation in a new genre.
The film blends action and espionage with a character-driven story focused on grief and revenge.
It touches upon the highly relevant contemporary issue of mass surveillance and its potential impact on privacy.
Does the theme of surveillance in movies make you think differently about privacy in our increasingly monitored world? Let us know your thoughts!
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Source 1: Rami Malek on How His Character in ‘The Amateur’ Compares to ‘Mr. Robot’ target="_blank"
Source 2: Rami Malek’s CIA thriller The Amateur left him ‘paranoid’ about London’s surveillance target="_blank"
Source 3: Laurence Fishburne talks new spy movie 'The Amateur' target="_blank"
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