Ralph Fiennes explains how he discovered the mindset and characterization of playing Voldemort in Harry Potter films. Fiennes first played Voldemort in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when the Dark Lord regains his body and continues playing with him throughout the rest of the series. Despite a relatively late introduction to film, Fiennes delivered one of the most memorable performances in the entire series. Harry Potter cast, further consolidating Voldemort as a great villain of all time.
When speaking with People, Fiennes discussed how he was able to play a character like Voldemort who lacks any empathy.. He focused on the immense pleasure Voldemort derives from being able to manipulate and bend others to his domineering will. Fiennes also explained how pleased Voldemort is to know the depths of his formidable power and that he has what he needs to fully wield his evil. Check out Fiennes' comments below:
When I play Voldemort, I try to access something without empathy. It's about power, control, and manipulating people to gain power. It's a real pleasure, almost erotic, how can I control you. I know I have the power to do this. You don't have a chance.
What does this mean for Harry Potter
From Goblet of Fire to Deathly Hallows, Ralph Fiennes' Voldemort performance never wavered
Fiennes' portrayal of Voldemort was immediately effective because of its dramatic and terrifying introduction in Goblet of Firecemetery scene. THE "almost erotic pleasure" What Fiennes describes becomes quickly evident when Voldemort delights in having his body again, tormenting Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and summoning the Death Eaters. The horror and impact of Voldemort's return felt more real because of the way Fiennes played it, and it made the prospect of the remaining films all the more exciting.
In the following sequences, Fiennes' performance was equally strong in Goblet of Fire while Voldemort continued to take pleasure in becoming more and more powerful and eventually being destroyed by the mistakes he could never learn from, leading to his defeat. Although some characters seem distinct among the Harry Potter books and films, It's almost impossible to imagine or think about Voldemort without seeing Fiennes and the chilling voice he gave the villain. He understood that Voldemort completely lacked empathy and his performance embodied that perfectly.
He made Voldemort a compelling villain to watch
Between Schindler's List, The menuand ConclaveFiennes is a highly talented and acclaimed actor, but Voldemort will forever be one of his most memorable roles. This is largely due to the way he focused on Voldemort's pleasure, not only by making Harry and his enemies suffer, but also by making his own Death Eaters, like Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs), uncomfortable. Fiennes ensured that Voldemort was not just an evil and powerful antagonist, but someone who enjoyed every moment of his cruelty and malice throughout the Harry Potter films.
Source: People