On one quiet Sunday afternoon, I was browsing around at a DVD rental place, when my eyes caught the film that was named, "The English Patient". I was surprised at the title as I have never seen that film and was even more astonished when I read beneath the title that the film was the winner of 9 Academy awards including Best Picture. I rented it out and by the time I finished watching the film, I was amazed at its sheer portrayal of humanity and the way human relations work. It was one of the few beautiful films that has ever come out of Hollywood. The story depicts a Hungarian geographer Count Lazlo who is severely burnt after World War II and is now known as the "English Patient". Ralph Fiennes portrays Count Lazlo and he plays the role with immense magnanimosity. I fell in love with him then and there.
Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton - Wykeham Fiennes was born in England on 22nd December 1962. He was an active participant at the National Theatre group in London and was later cast into several films that went to be few of the most successful films in the history of all time. He was a star at the Royal Shakespearean Academy and was a powerhouse of talent. His first film debut was in Wuthering Heights against Juliette Binoche and since then he showed promise in the industry. His notable roles include "Amon Goeth" in "Schindler's List", "Count Lazlo" in "The English Patient", "Lord Voldemort" in "Harry Potter series', "Justin Quayle" in 'The Constant Gardener", "Duke of Devonshire" in "The Duchess", etc.
In his career span that ranges from 1992 till today, he has not won a single Best Actor award for his notable roles that were applauded by the critics world wide. True, his portrayal of Amon Goeth in Schindler's List won him numerous awards including the Academy Award for the Best Supporting Actor category, he is still yet to win a Best Actor award. His roles have been equally competent to the other actors that have won the Best Actor awards in those years that he was nominated along side. Personally, I believe that awards are just an act to bring the industry into exuberant spotlight every year, but then if a man full of expressive talent and acting is not recognized, I see no point in distributing a few figurines amongst a handful actors.
One of the best films that I have seen with Ralph Fiennes in it is In Bruges. A dark comedy with a slight touch of satire, this film has been unfortunately the least popular in its genre. A film that I think deserved more attention. Fiennes' portrayal of Harry Waters, a hitman employer was impeccable. He brought the intense dark humour into the film along with Gleeson and Farrell. Not only In Bruges, his superb acting in The Constant Gardener ought to have fetched him an Oscar too. Though many disagree, I felt that he absolutely deserved an award for Best Actor for the film, 'The English patient".
Many people globally feel that Fiennes is a not a deserving actor. In India, hardly a handful of them know about him. My father whom I consider a Hollywood freak has never heard of him!!!. Disappointing and Shameful! I cannot find the reason behind such forgetfulness of industry for such a talented, elegant actor! Oh yes, he is elegant. He proved that in the films, The Duchess and Maid in Manhattan, that he can be perfectly elegant and graceful. But then, thats what I like about him. He is also a beautiful human being apart from some absurd flings (we all know about him and the Qantas flight attendant) that has occurred in his life. A dedicated actor, he is full of passion when it comes to acting. This man deserves more than a nomination in his life. He deserves recognition, he deserves applauds.
I personally think that its high time that the critics, film directors, producers, and media consider him a highly deserving actor and garnish him with respect, admiration, and love.
