The highly anticipated Carol Morley film, The Falling, has become a launch pad for some brand new and extremely exciting acting talent. Previously unknown Florence Pugh (Abbie) was nominated for Best British Newcomer at the BFI London Film Festival, and the film has also introduced us to newcomers Anna Burnett (Susan), Rose Caton (Titch), Lauren McCrostie (Gwen) and Evie Hooton (Janet).
Join us while we take a look back at some of the great leading roles that have been expertly played by previously unknown and obscure actors.
NICHOLAS HOULT – ABOUT A BOY
Although Nicholas Hoult had appeared on television before About a Boy, it was his brilliant and effortless portrayal of troubled youth Marcus Brewer alongside Hugh Grant that carried him into the spotlight.
The role led to many subsequent parts, from Tony Stonem in British hit teen drama series Skins, all the way to Hollywood where he starred in two X-Men films and appeared alongside Colin Firth and Julianne Moore in the dark and moving Tom Ford film A Single Man.
Hoult continues to be a hit with critics and film fans alike and has come a long way from the troubled little boy he played in his first major role.
JENNIFER LAWRENCE – WINTER’S BONE
Jennifer Lawrence is one of the biggest names in Hollywood (and Nicholas Hoult’s ex, we might add). She’s the multi-award winning and star of major franchises including The Hunger Games and X-Men and has a down-to-earth girl-next-door character that makes us all love her. But it wasn’t so long ago our beloved ‘JLaw’ was a little known television actress.
With her moving and believable portrayal of Ree-Dolly, a teenage girl from rural United States, in the midst of a family secret that was tearing her and her siblings from their home, she became the next ‘big thing’, with an Oscar nomination and a whole lot of buzz surrounding her.
It seemed almost inevitable that the offers started rolling in, and the next thing we knew this previous ‘unknown’ was collecting her Oscar and her Golden Globe Award for her magnificent portrayal of a neurotic and troubled woman opposite Bradley Cooper in the incredible Silver Linings Playbook. It seems this one-time television actress doesn’t have a ‘stop’ button, as she continues to please… well… everybody.
SAM WORTHINGTON – TERMINATOR SALVATION
We all love a rags to riches story, and this is one of our favourites. When Worthington was around 30, he sold all his possessions and ended up with around $2,000 USD to his name. He moved into his car and the would-be actor commenced tirelessly to audition for a ‘big break’. His tenacity paid off, and he landed the role of his life as Jake Sully/Tom Sully in Avatar; from that coup his career was on the runway.
The first time we got to see him was as Cyborg Marcus Wright in the much anticipated fourth instalment of the Terminator franchise, Terminator Salvation.
Worthington was a massive hit and established himself as a household name very quickly. With the release of Avatar, he soon became a regular in the Hollywood gossip columns and the dark days of living in his car became history.
EDWARD NORTON – PRIMAL FEAR
Previously unknown actor Edward Norton joined Richard Gere in 1996’s Primal Fear as Aaron Stampler, an altar boy charged with the murder of a Roman Catholic Archbishop.
Norton was received extremely well by critics. According to Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly, ‘Norton gives a performance that’s fully equal of Gere’s – he’s as slyly self effacing as Gere is slyly ostentatious.’
He was equally acclaimed by the awards shows, receiving a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination for his debut performance.
The film itself met with some criticism, but all would agree that Norton’s performance was flawless, and although the role was originally intended for Leonardo DiCaprio, fans of the movie will agree that the casting of this fresh new actor was the best decision they could have made.
BARKHAD ABDI – CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Barkhad Abdi was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, and was moved to Yemen at the age of 6 or 7 as his family fled from civil war. In his teens he was then moved to Minnesota, USA, where he studied and found jobs selling mobile phones and working as a chauffeur.
Fast-forward some years and this young unknown talent found himself starring opposite Tom Hanks in one of the most impressive debut performances of our time. He played his role as Muse, a Somali pirate, with passion and conviction, and created a three dimensional human character that outshone everyone else on set, even Hanks himself.
He deservedly won an Oscar nomination and a BAFTA Award for his performance, and received praise across the board. Abdi has a few projects in the pipeline and we hope to see him on our screens again very soon.
FLORENCE PUGH – THE FALLING
A look back at Florence Pugh’s acting career doesn’t take long – The Falling is her first professional acting role. Hard to believe, given she portrays Abbie, her character, with confidence, charm and apparent experience.
When filmmakers decided to film in Oxford, they leafleted the area asking for teenagers to apply for parts in the film via short, taped introductions. She almost didn’t reply, but fortunately for us (and filmmakers) she did. According to the film’s Director, Carol Morley, as soon as she walked into the room they knew she was right for Abbie.
Her performance has garnered her a nomination for Best British Newcomer at the BFI London Film Festival, and we are certain we’ve not seen the last of this young, fresh talent.
THE FALLING IS COMING TO UK CINEMAS 24TH APRIL 2015
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