Game of Thrones is one of the most popular TV series of the last decade; easily up there with 24 and Lost when it comes to dedicated fans prepared to stick it out until the bitter end. Not that we want Game of Thrones to end, in fact the anticipation of this series will be the death of us all.
The many characters who populate George R.R Martin’s show have blessed us with a plethora of new, young talent. eager to star in a series in the hope of it opening up the doors to the big, scary world of features. With the recent release of Carol Morley’s The Falling Maisie Williams, whom we all know as the feisty tomboy Arya Stark, completely transforms herself into a schoolgirl, plagued by the nascent uncertainty of adolescence.
The Falling allows this actress to explore deep and dark places of youth that really showcase her talent. As we watch this group of schoolgirls in this coming of age tale many conclusions start to form in our minds, and what is lurking beneath the surface will come as a surprise to many viewers. Williams’ character holds this narrative together, despite her dysfunctional upbringing and hormonal outbursts of emotion. Alongside a heartbreaking mother/daughter relationship, we witness virtually every character give a strong performance. Though their characters appear weak initially, Morley’s words give them power and this power is key.
When thinking about TV stars that have made a successful transition to the big screen, some obvious names spring to mind. The likes of Jennifer Aniston (Friends), Will Smith (The Fresh Prince of Bel-air) and James McAvoy (Shameless) are hard to shake from one’s mind. However, do you ever remember seeing George Clooney in ER? Or Woody Harrelson in Cheers? In fact, I’ll be damned but Bradley Cooper in Alias? The list appears to be endless that it becomes very easy to forget where we first saw these actors.
Take Bilbo Baggins for example, even though Martin Freeman had done bit parts in features and the standard Casualty and episodes of The Bill, this man really made his mark when it came to Gervais’ The Office.
By playing the charming office dead-ender Tim, the man then landed a part in Simon Pegg’s Shaun of the Dead and then later lead Garth Jenning’s The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Not forgetting that this man is not only a Hobbit of Middle Earth but Dr. Watson the side kick of our very own Sherlock. Which leads us onto the one, the only Benedict Cumberbatch.
Much like Freeman, Cumberbatch suddenly came out of nowhere. It goes without saying that these two are a powerhouse when put together, however even separated Cumberbatch gives one hell of a performance. Coming from Fortysomething and a bunch of TV movies this man was suddenly everywhere.
All the way from playing Peter Guillam in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, an iconic villain in Star Trek into Darkness and a fire breathing dragon this man seems unstoppable. Not forgetting this man latest award winning performance as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game, Cumberbatch is one of the most prominent actors of our time and it looks like he won’t be stopping there.
Another actor who many don’t consider as a TV actor is Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Everyone (well at least young women in their 20s) will remember him from teen flick 10 Things I Hate About You as probably the first thing you ever saw him in. However this actor had been around since the 90s, doing bit parts in series even appearing in That ‘70s Show but more prominently in the 1991 re-make series of Dark Shadows at the young age of 10.
Proving his talent very early on this actor went from goofy teenager to a lead role in Sin City: A Dame to Kill For and now fancies himself a writer and director with latest comedy Don Jon. Working with such directors as Chris Nolan and Spielberg, this man’s CV is becoming rather impressive. Having just signed up for a remake of the all time favorite Guys and Dolls, he appears to be set for a long and healthy career.
With the endless possibilities that TV offers, it’s no wonder that many well known film stars are going full circle and getting back into TV. So many actors have a story to tell and all it takes is that one role which brings them to forefront of cinema. Let’s hope for Maisie Williams this is only the start of a well-rounded career full of many varied, well-written characters.
Catch The Falling in a cinema near you from April 25th.
Here’s our review.
Our premiere interviews with Maisie Williams, Carol Morley and Florence Pugh.
