Portraying morally ambiguous and unsettling characters requires a unique talent, and Jack O’Connell has steadily garnered praise for his ability to evoke a range of emotions in audiences beyond mere fear or discomfort.
O’Connell has consistently embraced roles that are both intense and emotionally intricate, frequently exploring characters that delve into darker realms. His latest undertaking, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, sees him embody Jimmy Crystal, a figure characterized by both his violent tendencies and internal conflicts.
Before the debut of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, LADbible Australia engaged with Jack O’Connell to discuss his experiences of acting in complex roles, gaining insights from working alongside Ralph Fiennes, and how acting continues to broaden his understanding of the world.
“I think he’s multi-layered. I think people, generally, are very complex creatures. So if the writing is there and it’s as rich as that, then it’s great to go there and explore it and develop those layers. I have to thank Nia [DaCosta] as well for going along with me on all of that.”
Engaging with these roles is particularly rewarding due to the learning opportunities they present. It’s an experience that cannot be duplicated. Being a keen learner on set, especially in intense collaborations with actors like Ralph Fiennes, provides memorable experiences that O’Connell cherishes.
“Yeah, I do like to prepare a lot. But Satanism, I didn’t really do a deep dive on that for this. For me, the major hang-up was the voice, sounding legitimately Scottish, and then the physicality. And then just kind of revelling in his sadism. I looked more at imagery, depictions of Satan, which informed me in some way. It’s hard to recall now because we’re going back a couple of years since we shot it. Maybe I need to prepare more for interviews.”
Reflecting on his career, O’Connell expresses fondness for the memories he has accumulated through acting. This profession has taken him to diverse and extraordinary locations, from the Arctic to the Sahara, offering experiences that are both varied and enriching. The opportunity to travel and meet remarkable individuals is something he deeply appreciates.
O’Connell wishes he had a better understanding of the industry mechanisms early in his career. His entry into acting didn’t come through formal drama school training but rather through a spontaneous, improvisation-focused workshop led by Shane Meadows. This hands-on approach was where he learned much of his craft.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is currently available in HOYTS cinemas. Purchase your tickets here.