David Thewlis, the acclaimed British actor, is unrecognizable with his shaved head and long beard, but he embraces this look with a laugh. In the warm Sydney sun, he discusses his role as Fagin, the notorious criminal from Charles Dickens' 'Oliver Twist', in the second season of 'The Artful Dodger'. But here's the twist: Thewlis didn't solely rely on the book for inspiration.
Instead, he drew from his personal connection with Bruce Reynolds, the mastermind behind the Great Train Robbery in the 1960s. Thewlis became friends with Reynolds and his son, Nick, through a film he worked on in the 1990s. This real-life criminal connection adds an intriguing layer to Thewlis' portrayal of Fagin.
Thewlis' Fagin is unapologetic and proud of his criminal past, considering it a noble art. This interpretation is a far cry from the original depiction of Fagin as a 'loathsome Jew', a description Dickens later revised and apologized for. And this is where it gets controversial—Thewlis' Fagin is a celebration of criminality, a perspective that could spark debate.
The show also stars Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Jack Dawkins, the Artful Dodger, now a surgeon. Their relationship is a central theme, with Brodie-Sangster describing it as a 'weird, strange, twisted form of love'. The dynamic between Fagin, Dodger, and aspiring surgeon Lady Belle (Maia Mitchell) is a rollercoaster of emotions, adding to the show's appeal.
Season two expands the Australian cast and set, creating a Hollywood-style backdrop for this dark and captivating tale. The story resumes with Lady Belle seeking Fagin's help to clear Jack's name after he's sentenced to death. Thewlis' portrayal of Fagin's protectiveness towards Jack adds a layer of complexity to their relationship.
Brodie-Sangster's take on the love between Fagin and Dawkins is a compelling thread throughout the show. The actor also reflects on the gore in season one, suggesting a reduction in season two to cater to a wider audience. And this is the part most people miss—the delicate balance between depicting graphic content and leaving something to the imagination.
'The Artful Dodger' season two promises a captivating blend of crime, love, and moral ambiguity. Will Fagin's unashamed pride in his criminal past spark debate among viewers? What are your thoughts on the show's portrayal of complex relationships and its handling of graphic content? Share your opinions in the comments below!
