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Hugh Grant and Brendan Gleeson in Paddington 2 (2017)
Hugh Grant as Phoenix Buchanan(Paddington 2, 2017)
If there is a role that could only be described as tailor-made for Hugh Grant, it is that of Phoenix Buchanan in Paddington 2, which might be the most surprising revelation of watching this film. Grant is not merely playing a villain- he is reveling in the sheer extravagance of it all, taking an undeniably delicious bite into the scenery and chewing it up with unapologetic zest. To say he gives a blast of a performance would be an understatement, as he creates a character so effusively self-absorbed, so hopelessly enamored with his own reflection, that it becomes an Olivier-ian display of theatrical narcissism.
In his first scene, Grant’s Phoenix Buchanan is introduced to us as a grandiose showman, welcoming the audience (and Paddington) to the carnival with an air of dramatic flair. Every word intended to serve as the perfect punctuation to his bombastic ego. What makes this performance stand out is the absolute commitment with which Grant imbues Buchanan’s every action. Phoenix Buchanan is not merely an actor with ego, he is an ego incarnate. The man thinks himself the height of sophistication, a true Renaissance man, if only in his own mind. There is a fascinating joy in watching Grant play this absurdity, whether he is quietly scheming or performing one of his many ludicrous character accents, or just his own “natural” one (that “beaar”).
Grant’s portrayal of Phoenix Buchanan is a study in delicious excess. He creates a villain who exists solely for the pleasure of his own reflections in the mirror. As Phoenix delves deeper into his treacherous plot to uncover treasure using clues, Grant’s performance soars even higher. His self-delusion is so palpable that it’s almost tragicomic- he genuinely believes that his every move is masterful, even when it is not. Even in his darker moments, Grant’s portrayal does not lose the sense of fun, without diminishing the quietly simmering factor of menace that his lack of empathy for anybody else proposes. That also leads to a wonderful dichotomy at play here: Phoenix’s villainy is secondary to his love for himself and his art.
It is when Grant slips into various personas for his master plan and for his own enjoyment- a hobo, a nun, a train conductor?- that Grant’s performance becomes something very special. His many voices are a joy to behold, each one just distinct enough to make us marvel at his craftsmanship, yet never so exaggerated as to completely break the fourth wall (usually because of his utter conviction). There is a subtlety here that many would miss if they were too caught up in the spectacle. Phoenix Buchanan, as a character, might be a buffoon, but the actor who brings him to life is not. And that is what makes the performance so delightful- it is a masterclass in comedic self-awareness. Even in the moments when Phoenix’s antics could veer into farce, Grant never loses the core of the character.
As the film builds to its final act, Phoenix’s villainy escalates, it never feels too threatening in any real sense, and yet Phoenix manages to be just menacing enough- as Grant built his unstoppable ego through the film. It remains far more about the performance, the theater of it all. There’s a delicious irony in Grant’s portrayal of Phoenix as he becomes more pretentious in his villainy, essentially becoming a caricature of every actor who’s ever taken themselves too seriously- a man completely out of touch with reality. Hugh Grant, with his infectious wit and impeccable timing, takes what could have been a typical villainous role and transforms it into a utter and absolute delight.
The Best Acting Moment: the second conversation with his characters
Verdict: 4.5
Brendan Gleeson as Knuckles McGinty (Paddington 2, 2017)
In the role of Knuckles McGinty, the hard-shelled prison cook, Gleeson finds a unique space where he can balance both the comedic and the heartfelt. He is a man of contradictions: tough, yet tender; irritable, yet endearing. This performance encapsulates all of the best qualities of Gleeson’s repertoire while playing against type in delightful ways.
When we first meet Knuckles, he is the epitome of the hardened criminal: surly, no-nonsense, and utterly disinterested in anything that doesn’t directly benefit him. Gleeson’s portrayal is full of intense tension, as he delivers each line with a heavy, deliberate weight. There is an absurdity to Knuckles’ gruff demeanor, but it is never played for cheap laughs. Gleeson keeps things grounded, ensuring that even the most ridiculous moments- such as his hostile interaction with Paddington over his complaint, where he is more threatening than Phoenix is anywhere in the film- never lose the edge of realism. It’s a delicate balance to maintain, but Gleeson does so with effortless ease, making Knuckles a wholly believable character despite his extreme circumstances.
When Knuckles tastes Paddington’s signature treat for the first time, it is as though Gleeson’s very soul is transformed in that moment. The expression on his face as he tastes the marmalade is priceless- a combination of disbelief, joy and the dawning realization that his gruff exterior can no longer shield him from the world’s simple pleasures. It’s a wonderfully primal moment and Gleeson’s comedic timing is impeccable. The way he pronounces “mah ma lade” as though it were some sort of rare delicacy is just one of many small, delightful touches that elevate this performance beyond the typical prisoner caricature.
As the film progresses, Knuckles’ transformation from a hardened criminal to a loyal friend is both humorous and touching. It is, of course, a swift transformation, but Gleeson’s warmth and sincerity imbue it with a sense of depth that makes it completely believable. In the moments where Knuckles expresses concern for Paddington- whether it’s advising him on the possibility of his family forgetting him or encouraging him to escape- the actor brings a quiet intensity to the role that grounds the comedy in real emotion. Knuckles is tough, yes, but his concern for Paddington feels genuine, and Gleeson’s delivery of these lines has just the right amount of gravitas to make them resonate, even in the midst of all the lightheartedness.
Ultimately, Gleeson’s performance in Paddington 2 is a wonderful piece of comedic timing, emotional honesty and the kind of charming absurdity that makes this film such a joyous experience. He brings a level of heart to Knuckles that is unexpected but deeply appreciated, making this gruff, tough-as-nails character one of the most endearing figures in the film. Gleeson’s ability to walk the fine line between humor and sincerity is what makes his work here so memorable, while his camaraderie with Paddington is what truly elevates the film’s emotional depth.
The Best Acting Moment: Knuckles’ introduction
Verdict: 4.5
2 responses to “Hugh Grant and Brendan Gleeson in Paddington 2 (2017)”
Harry
Love this – do you have a tab on the site where we can see all the individual performance reviews? Reply
@Harry- thanks. For now I do not have it because I plan to have them linked on performer pages. For now you can simply search “post” and you should get them all. Reply
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