James Norton, the acclaimed British actor best known for his role as Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley, has revealed the astonishing physical transformation he underwent for his latest part. To portray the menacing criminal Aidan Mendes in the new BBC drama Playing Mendes, Norton had to wear specially designed prosthetic kneecaps.
The prosthetics were crucial for depicting a particularly gruesome aspect of his character's backstory. "Aidan Mendes has had his kneecaps blown off," Norton explained, highlighting the character's violent past. The custom-made appliances were so realistic they even mimicked the sensation of bone grinding, a chilling detail that added to the character's authenticity.
Beyond the Makeup: A Psychological Challenge
Norton admitted that the physical alteration had a profound impact on his performance. The feeling of the prosthetics, which created a "grinding" sensation, served as a constant physical reminder of Mendes's traumatic history. This, he says, was instrumental in helping him tap into the character's psyche and the pain that drives his ruthless behaviour.
The role is a stark departure from the charming characters Norton has played in productions like Little Women or Belle, marking a return to the gritty, complex anti-heroes that first brought him widespread recognition.
What is 'Playing Mendes' About?
The upcoming series delves into the dark underbelly of London's criminal world. Norton's character, Aidan Mendes, is a powerful and feared crime lord. The plot follows his tumultuous journey as he navigates threats to his empire and deals with the violent consequences of his past actions.
With such a dedicated performance from its lead actor, Playing Mendes is poised to be a gripping addition to the canon of British crime television.
