Jamie Bell, known for his breakout role in 'Billy Elliot', opens up about his latest project 'Half Man', a gritty drama from Richard Gadd, creator of 'Baby Reindeer'. The series explores toxic masculinity and a fraught relationship between two men over three decades.
Relief in Explicit Scenes
Bell admits feeling grateful for the explicit sex scenes in 'Half Man', which include chemsex in saunas and dogging in car parks. 'On days when my character had to have sex with random people, I’d think: Thank God!' he says. 'It came as a welcome reprieve from 16-page dialogue scenes.'
A Role Written for Him
Bell reveals that Gadd wrote the role of Niall specifically for him, though he didn't know initially. 'I was incredibly flattered,' Bell says. 'His material is a sensory experience that probes hidden parts of your life.'
Bell also persuaded Gadd to play Ruben himself, despite the physical demands. 'When I suggested it, I didn’t realise what the demands on him would be. But I’m grateful he relented.'
Relating to Self-Loathing
Bell admits to struggling with self-criticism. 'I love what I do but I can’t watch anything I’m in,' he says. 'I hate the finality of it. You leave going: You fucked that one up. Other actors have told me to chill out but I don’t know how.'
Portraying Conversion Therapy
As a straight man, Bell felt responsibility portraying Niall's struggle with sexuality, including conversion therapy. 'I took that very seriously. Niall’s self-hate goes beyond shame. That is beyond sad.'
Toxic Masculinity and Personal Reflections
Bell reflects on toxic masculinity, noting that men are the majority transgressors in the world. 'It’s important to shine a light on that,' he says. He also links his roles to his own upbringing, raised by his mother and sister after his father left.
Violence and Filming Challenges
Bell was spared fight training since his character is often on the receiving end. 'Niall is totally physically incapable. That’s easy.' He also recalls a vomiting scene involving oatmeal, banana, peas, and carrots.
Upcoming Projects
Bell is currently filming the 'Peaky Blinders' sequel series, playing the son of Tommy Shelby. He also stars in Paul Greengrass's 'The Uprising' about the Peasants' Revolt. Regarding a 'Tintin' sequel, Bell says, 'Those rumours have been rumbling for 20 years.'
Legacy of Billy Elliot
Bell remains grateful for his career longevity. 'I turned 40 recently, would you believe? Many still think of me as a child dancing on top of a toilet.' With 'Half Man' and 'Peaky Blinders', Bell is entering a new era of box set dramas.
'Half Man' continues on 26 May at 10.40pm on BBC One and concludes on 29 May on BBC iPlayer. In the US, it streams on HBO Max and Hulu.
