Role Call

In the movie,Fiennes plays the cunning underworld ruler,who schemes to gain rightful entry to heaven. “Preying on my brother’s pain at the loss of mortal devotion,I convince Zeus to let me put fear into the hearts of men,saying that fear will bring their prayers back to him and establish his power over them. But in reality,human fear makes me stronger,not Zeus,” the actor outlines his role.

From his portrayal of the amoral Nazi concentration camp commandant Amon Goeth in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List to his latest outing,negative roles,says Fiennes,have never been difficult for him,despite not looking physically imposing. “I have an ability to convey tremendous intensity— emotions of rage and strength. I wanted to bring this incredibly terrifying,yet unique character (Hades) to the screen,” he says.

Quiz him about the dreaded villains he has essayed so far,including Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series,Fiennes is quick to respond that each character comes with their redemptive features. “Both characters,Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter and Hades in COTT are two different roles that portray grey shades differently. It was exhilarating playing both,” he says.

In fact,one of the reasons he signed up for COTT was because of his fascination with Greek mythology. “I’ve always loved the Greek myths. It lends itself easily to extraordinary special effects,” says the actor,who trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art,London.

He is still awed about his role in Katherine Bigelow’s Oscar-winner The Hurt Locker,but Fiennes is now gearing up for a completely new role. Up next on his agenda is his directorial debut,Coriolanus,based on the Shakespearean tragedy. “I love Shakespeare’s works,and the theme of Coriolanus was an excellent subject to grab on. My film is a contemporary re-telling of the Shakespearean tragedy,” he says. Besides directing it,Fiennes will act in the movie as well.

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