Portraying a cultural icon on screen can be a daunting task for any actor, and stepping into the shoes of the legendary Richard Burton was no exception for Harry Lawtey. In a recent interview with BBC Radio Wales, Lawtey shared his thoughts on embodying the Welsh hero in the biographical film “Mr Burton,” describing it as both a privilege and a challenge.
“It was daunting, for sure,”
Lawtey admitted about playing such an iconic figure. As an Englishman taking on the role of a beloved Welsh personality, he felt the weight of expectations and the responsibility to do justice to Burton’s legacy. The film delves into Burton’s formative years in the Afan Valley, Neath Port Talbot, offering viewers a glimpse into his early life before he became a Hollywood sensation.
Lawtey’s fascination with Richard Burton began when he watched a play exploring Burton’s relationship with Sir John Gielgud. The experience left a lasting impression on him, sparking an interest that eventually led to his audition for the role. Dive deep into portraying this enigmatic character required extensive research on Lawtey’s part – from watching Burton’s films to studying his diaries for insights into his persona.
“I became sort of briefly obsessed with Richard Burton.”
After being cast as the lead in “Mr Burton,” Lawtey went above and beyond to prepare for the role. Born in Oxford, he had to master a Welsh accent and incorporate snippets of Welsh language into his performance to authentically portray Burton’s evolving voice throughout the film. His dedication to linguistic accuracy highlights his commitment to honoring Burton’s heritage and story.
Collaborating with seasoned actors like Toby Jones, who plays Philip Burton, Richard’s mentor and teacher, added another layer of authenticity to Lawtey’s portrayal. Filming scenes in Pontrhydyfen, where Richard spent his formative years, created a surreal sense of life imitating art for Lawtey—a testament to the power of mentorship in shaping an actor’s craft.
Lawtey expressed gratitude towards those who supported him in mastering Welsh lines for the film, emphasizing
“it really mattered deeply that aspect felt as authentic as possible.”
This attention to detail underscores Laweley’s respect for portraying not just an icon but also celebrating Wales’ rich cultural heritage through storytelling on screen.
“Mr Barton,” brought together by Severn Screen, BBC Wales & Ffilm Cymru Wales premiered recently; transporting audiences back in time while shedding light on one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic figures – Richard Barton himself!
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