In a revealing interview that bridges two iconic television and film performances, Gary Oldman has disclosed the unexpected inspiration behind his critically acclaimed portrayal of Jackson Lamb in Apple TV+'s Slow Horses - Heath Ledger's legendary Joker from The Dark Knight.
The Method Behind the Masterpiece
The Oscar-winning actor explained how observing Ledger's complete immersion in his Oscar-winning role as Batman's arch-nemesis informed his approach to playing the brilliant but dishevelled MI5 outcast. "There was something about Heath's commitment," Oldman reflected, "the way he disappeared into that character, that stayed with me."
From Gotham to London's Intelligence Underworld
While Jackson Lamb might appear as the polar opposite of Ledger's chaotic Joker - a slovenly, offensive, and frequently flatulent spymaster versus a meticulously unhinged criminal mastermind - Oldman reveals the connective tissue lies in their shared authenticity. "Both characters feel completely real, utterly lived-in," the actor noted, suggesting that Lamb's grubby London existence required the same level of conviction that Ledger brought to Gotham's anarchic prince of crime.
A Performance Drawing Critical Acclaim
Oldman's transformative performance as the brilliant but deliberately repulsive Jackson Lamb has become one of television's most celebrated characterisations. The MI5 reject who heads Slough House - where disgraced spies are sent to career oblivion - has captivated audiences and critics alike across three successful seasons, with a fourth eagerly anticipated.
The actor's revelation provides fascinating insight into how cinematic history's most memorable performances continue to influence contemporary television excellence, creating a through-line from Christopher Nolan's Gotham to the grimy backstreets of London's intelligence underworld.
