The King Is Dead
Westu Théoden Hál!
And farewell to the King of Rohan. Actor Bernard Hill died—and may have been the first major player in the Lord of the Rings movie world to pass on. No, Saruman is dead. But he was not exactly a beloved character! This death is occasioning tributes from cast and fans around the world. And the actor is forever conflated with the role.
Bernard Hill was an exemplar of the craft of character acting. Not a sleek leading man, rather a body and a face and voice of gravitas. He had terrific timing: the ability to take just the right amount of space (and breath) before uttering something that needed to form in his mind or heart first.
King Théoden was truly a gift role, a complex character with an immense arc (aided by a whole lot of technological wizardry and a way-over-the-top de-bewitchment scene amplified far beyond The Professor’s original text!) from demon-possessed dotard to thoughtful, wise, loving ruler.
But it was not his only scene-dominating role.
Captain Smith in Titanic. Stolid, stoic, and ever so slightly snarky (to Bruce Ismay, who so richly deserved it). Holding focus while sharing space with his cast mates. Full of quiet power and not overpowering. Admirable.
The Duke of Norfolk in Wolf Hall. A very different characterization. Gruff and nasty. Proud and full of himself. Condescending to Cromwell even while acknowledging that Cromwell was right!
His career was long and successful—owning his place in these three popular franchises is a towering achievement. And testimony to the high regard in which he was held.
Now I must work backwards in his output to experience more of his craft. But meanwhile: Honor to the King, Captain, and Duke!