Clive Owen Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Clive Owen breaks down his most iconic roles in film and television, including 'Children of Men,' 'The Knick,' 'Sin City,' 'Inside Man,' 'Closer,' 'Croupier,' 'Chancer,' 'King Arthur,' 'Impeachment: American Crime Story,' 'A Murder at the End of the World' and 'Monsieur Spade.'
A Murder at the End of the World is now available to stream on FX on Hulu.
New episodes of Monsieur Spade premiere Sundays at 9pm on AMC and stream on AMC+ and Acorn TV.
Director: Robby Miller
Director of Photography: Charlie Jordan
Editor: Jason Malizia
Talent: Clive Owen
Producer: Camille Ramos
Line Producer: Jen Santos
Production Manager: James Pipitone
Talent Booker: Paige Garbarini
Camera Operator: Christopher Eustache
Gaffer: Rebecca Van Der Meulen
Sound Mixer: Lily Van Leeuwen
Production Assistant: Caleb Clark
Groomer: Suzy Mazzarese; Brian Abbott
Post Production Supervisor: Rachael Knight
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Rob Lombardi
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
00:00 Clive Owen's Iconic Characters
00:16 Children of Men
03:52 The Knick
07:28 Sin City
09:47 Inside Man
11:44 Closer
14:41 Croupier
16:05 Chancer
17:42 King Arthur
19:22 Impeachment: American Crime Story
21:23 A Murder at the End of the World
22:40 Monsieur Spade
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[@TihetrisWeathersby]

Children of Men was my introduction to Clive, It's a cinematic masterpiece

[@karadan100]

Easily one of the best films ever made.

[@stacysaurusrex]

Could not agree with you more!!

[@policevanposition1993]

Lol

[@robcain8865]

Brilliantly shot and years ahead of its time. Though I do wonder if we're inching towards a similar dystopia in the real world.

[@policevanposition1993]

"Lol" was me being happy that someone agrees with me that it's a masterpiece. Just so you know. I had no bad intent.

[@adrianramirez1072]

The greatest bond we never got

[@yomancs]

By his choice I believe, but he could still do it

[@mav9428]

Well, he is Agent 006

[@morningwaves]

He has the natural charm of Connery & the looks of Lazenby. Would have definitely brought more humor than Craig but with more toughness than Brosnan & Moore and more personality than Dalton.

[@comedyfish]

I was going to say the exact same thing! (him and Idris Elba I think, a tie for me)

[@adrianramirez1072]

@comedyfish I wish Idris was younger because if he was, he would have totally been the next bond. Too bad

[@FloorFourteen]

Wished he touched on Bourne Identity real quick. One of my favorite cameo appearances ever. Two minutes of action followed by two minutes of dialogue before he dies and it was the best scene in the entire Bourne series. "Look at this. Look at what they make you give."

[@per-kjell4844]

Yeah I think maybe the best line in the film, they repeat in it the last Bourne film

[@perrymalcolm3802]

Absolutely agree with u!!

[@arcanondrum6543]

I'm with Jimmy Kimmel : Clive Owen should be on his show all the time. Dare I say it; Clive Owen gave Matt Damon acting lessons in that movie.

[@simonschwarz6919]

Spot on - such as great scene with the field and winterlandscape

[@DendelionBlu]

Yup. The scene that stuck with me the most, by leagues. "That guy with the glasses" - later on I'd learn who Clive Owen was - was just seared in my brain. It was heartbreaking to watch his character and the way he just... he really conveyed pain and how lonely he was. That was an absolute "Wait a minute I gotta find out more about that guy" moment for me

[@dreamchampagne]

Could listen to him speaking for hours. Not only the accent but eloquence. Children of Men is my top 10 fave films. Closer I’ve watched over & over & it still haunts me. Absolutely brilliant!

[@dirt_xo]

Yes, I loved Clive Warren in the movie "The love of two brains"

[@creasefold1986]

🤣@@dirt_xo

[@thewhitewolf58]

He sounds like he could be an amazing cinema historian.

[@brianf.8996]

​@@dirt_xoThis Actor's name is "Clive Owen." Do try and keep up.

[@dirt_xo]

@@brianf.8996 It's a reference to a tinpot radio show, you little git.

[@Nakashi555]

One of the most underrated, underplayed actor in our time.

[@MegaSilverBlood]

Clive coulda/shoulda been James Bond, hes so great I don't know why his career and spotlight diminished after the 2010s

[@LimerickR266]

Ya we don't really see him in anything anymore. Such a shame. Great actor.

[@ZephyrFate]

He moved to TV around that time. His role in The Knick is one of his best/craziest.

[@MM-jc7uv]

Unfortunately Daniel Craig was built for the role of Bond.

[@theubercaste]

Was gonna say it, but you already did.

[@BURP39R]

Craig was the Bond he could've been. They'd make great brothers in a film.

[@jlg395]

This guy is a legendary actor. One of the toughest, most charismatic screen presences of all time. Despite his age, I'm still very much in favor of casting him as Bond.

[@WiseThoughts20]

He’s very handsome and severely underrated screen presence.

[@kevycanavan]

The Knick is one of the most underrated shows ever.

[@tobiogunyemi7631]

Yes. Yes, it is.

[@sbrosier2383]

Could not agree more. It's a masterpiece

[@jox4mohya]

100 Percent

[@aMissingPerson_]

I liked it so much I started the wiki for it years ago ❤

[@allyourmoney]

Halfway through season 1 I thought he should have been cast as Dr. Strange. The jaded ex-surgeon who doesn't believe in anything but desperately needs to.

[@donaldpriola1807]

Theo is one of the great heroes in film. Not becuase he's heroic, but because he finds his way back to his core principles by understanding what is most important in the world. And that's the entire metaphor behind Children of Men, one of the greatest films of all time.

[@ShinKiryu]

One of the things i love about Theo is that he never once picks up a gun, despite being surrounded by violence.

[@donaldpriola1807]

@@ShinKiryu Well said!

[@marksimons9359]

Shootem Up (movie)was better so underrated!

[@amostlyreasonableguy]

Very true, except it came out in the 21st century… in 2006.

[@donaldpriola1807]

@@amostlyreasonableguy Hahahahahaha! Thanks. Corrected.

[@edvinrosenqvist524]

Children of men is a masterpiece and Alfonso Cuaron is a genius.

[@gallant_ghost]

The Knick is an incredible piece of television.

[@hannibalb8276]

It's massively under rated

[@martinkinn]

Yeah every medical professional loves it because it shows the real thing and not all that implausible unrealistic hollywood bs.

[@user-uh5vz7ry7o]

One of the best series ever

[@miavr3020]

To me, one of the best ever.... Mix of genius, delicacy, brutality... It really moved me in so different ways...

[@sbrosier2383]

100% I got the first 2 episodes free on DVD when I was binging Boardwalk Empire. The first scene had me hooked to where I purchased it the same day. I rewatch the show every year just about

[@rorylynch7775]

"Clive Warren" -Karl Pilkington

[@IKMCG]

Still waiting for the cinematic masterpiece "A love of two brains".

[@ljc1520]

Just waiting on Rebecca De Mornay to accept the supporting role 👍🏻

[@philjdickinson]

Who the f**k's Clive Warren??!!

[@rorylynch7775]

​@@philjdickinson get me Clive Warren!

[@ljc1520]

It’s the greatest love story ever told, set in a head.

[@va5801]

I could listen to Clive Owen read my car's driver manual, a banking user agreement, volumes of the Chicago Manual of Style... his voice is 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽

[@Scotto6977]

The Knick is a must watch and is by far Clive’s best performance

[@drakie7024]

Children of men was so amazing

[@muvaofpearl]

My favorite speculative sci-fi movie of all time.

[@gregbors8364]

@@muvaofpearlGood choice. Mine’s WALL-E 😅

[@whatdothlife4660]

Yes it's fantastic but to be honest I think you could insert any competent actor into that role and have it turn out the same.

[@bclmax]

pull my finger

[@antred11]

It really was. It's one of the few films I've seen that didn't give me the impression that the director thought his audience consists exclusively of morons.

[@desfoley6335]

Clive Owen is a workhorse of an actor, much like Mark Strong. Always put maximum effort into whatever they do

[@scottlouis]

This dude is just so freaking cool. I really enjoy all of his performances.

[@ArthurAntonenko]

I adored him in "The International" (2009) !

[@ekaterinakisselyova2378]

Clive is so genuine and nice and lovely. Have been following him since Gosford Park. What a great actor and human being! So focused on his craft and has no vanity at all. Love him!

[@StoicTheGeek]

He made an impression on me in Gosford Park, which is no mean feat given the huge cast of fantastic actors.

[@AdamJRichardson]

It's striking that in the 25 minutes here, 95% of what he talks about is praising the other people he's worked with.

[@brianf.8996]

​@@AdamJRichardsonEveryone who does these GQ videos does the exact same thing, he's not special. Pay attention.

[@SuperSnakePlissken]

I am patiently waiting for a collectors edition of Children of Men in 4K.

[@aidanmcnary-hickey6778]

King Arthur was a movie that I watched all the time as a kid, I still love it and it’s my favorite film of his, people say he didn’t have the charisma to play Arthur but I think he brought so much gravitas to the role

[@stevievannailinpalin4583]

It was supposed to get a sequel I thought. Just don’t know if it performed well enough. Kind of like the 2017 one.

[@stebolavirus]

Everything Clive Owen has done has been like knuckles on a fist...just hit after hit after hit...such a cool dude and amazing actor!! And such an amazing voice and delivery - his lines are always so memorable.

[@HMF47]

I guess I shouldn't be surprised, since it's a movie that not many people have seen, but I was really hoping he'd talk about The International. Such a criminally underrated gem, and it has one of Clive Owen's best performances.

[@itzbp9949]

Omg yes. I agree

[@slapshot0074]

Absolutely.

[@Davidsworldtravels]

Yes such an underrated gem! It still gets no love. Might be too intellectual for most.

[@Chazzee23Gaming]

Loved children of men, One of my favourite films maybe even more so relevant now. Also Clive Owen would have made a great James bond!

[@wildmarks]

The Knick is criminally underrated! If you haven't seen it highly recommend you track it down.

[@EMMYK1916]

What's it on?

[@andremoore7671]

@@EMMYK1916 HBO

[@Lotf-qb1tg]

@@EMMYK1916MAX (HBO)

[@TMan786]

Children of Men. One of the greatest movies ever made.

[@alexanderclaylavin]

that was the film of the decade along with WALL-E

[@brianf.8996]

​@@alexanderclaylavinWhat are you, EIGHT? That was a CARTOON.

[@lolforlife2487]

​@@brianf.8996 cartoons can be great movies too

[@petenisserman5162]

Nice interview with a great actor. Should've included his 2001 BMW commercials/mini-movies with famous directors, actors and composers that were only available online: "The Hire" was the best one.

[@Memo2Self]

They were briefly available on DVD - and I've got one!

[@carpeimodiem]

*The Knick is the greatest hidden gem in the history of prestige television. And Clive was absolutely sensational as Dr Thackery.* If you've never seen it... go now. Quit your job. Leave you spouse and kids. Lights off. Biggest screen you can find with no windows. And enjoy the 1900's. Because it's the closest you'll get to traveling back in time. 10/10

[@marksimons9359]

It is great and way too short!Shootem Up(underrated action movie) is another he is great in!So diverse and entertaining!

[@mao87]

just don't watch it while eating 😅

[@brianf.8996]

It's thoughtless people leaving comments like this who make underrated things suddenly overrated. It's a shame, really.

[@lumpyfishgravy]

Gosford Park (2001) is a favourite of mine.

[@PlunderRoad]

The Knick is one of the great shows that deserved another season.

[@joelhartley5108]

Children of men 🙌 one of the best films ever made

[@ZephyrFate]

Clive's role in "The Knick" is so underrated.

[@KombatFlix]

THE KNICK WAS EVERYTHING

[@moonshine7778]

Only 2 seasons of the Knick is criminal

[@CHarr1991]

CLIVE OWEN!! the legend. his role in Closer changed everything; he should have won the Oscar that year for supporting actor

[@79dmcjr]

I love that movie

[@grant1133]

One of my favourite actors who will always have my respect for children of men. He made theo feel so real and relatable in that world, he needs to give himself some credit.

[@justingentry3747]

king arthur is one of my comfort movies... stellan skarsgard in that movie is one of my favorite villain performances

[@TAD-LOW]

Clive Warren, the star of "A love of 2 brains". Genius

[@dirt_xo]

Yes, I loved Clive Warren in the movie "The love of two brains"

[@matthewlee8725]

came here for this lol. Don't forget Rebecca De Mornay.

[@dirt_xo]

eyes that pop out their head . . .

[@dirt_xo]

Dad chucked him in to a wheelie bin

[@dirt_xo]

CHRIST DE BURG

[@TheChunkyBadger]

It's nice to see Clive Warren again. It feels like it's been ages since I've seen him in anything.

[@hertor8803]

Really enjoyed The International and Duplicity too. In fact enjoy most films he's in, and of course that brilliant cameo in Bourne.

[@jeangilhead8429]

I agree... My two favourite Clive Owen films, but not mentioned in the video... 😢

[@MannyDreadz]

The Knick was an creatively inspiring masterpiece

[@heatheryi]

Yooo Clive Owens?? Giving the people WHAT! WE! WANT! He really is a phenomenal actor

[@JROTCBALL]

The Knick is one of the most underrated shows of all time, still sad of its early cancellation 😩

[@JohnB-nq4js]

Love Clive Owen. Just finished Monsieur Spade. Croupier is an under the radar gem a lot of Americans haven't seen.

[@Notturnoir]

How did you finish Monsieur Spade? Only 5 eps available so far

[@JohnB-nq4js]

@Notturnoir for some reason ep 6 is streaming for me on AMC on demand. Xfinity in VA

[@SlickNik94]

Croupier is outstanding. Looking forward to Spade.

[@brianf.8996]

​@@JohnB-nq4jsLies.

[@jillfuller9835]

Loved Monsieur Spade. My late introduction to Clive Owen! The way he spoke in the series… so dead-on… 😍

[@thingamajig]

I really liked how technical his commentary was

[@4Everlast]

#1 Always said this guy should off been Superman. #2 He can still play Bond or a villain for Bond.

[@jimmygillard]

The Knick was a great show. Feels very underrated.

[@kreedur]

Children of Men is an incredible movie and does deserve way more credit

[@Kaitschi]

He would have been the greatest James Bond ever. Just watch The Hire BMW-Short-Films as a Reference ... he would have been amazing.

[@onlyme219]

I forgot just how many great movies Clive did. I enjoyed that now let's get him on 'first we feast'

[@blackgrouper411]

"The Driver" in the BMW short films? Possibly my favourite Clive Owen character.

[@kamuelalee]

Love those...and one of the assassins in The Bourne Identity, back in the day.

[@TalkToMe711]

This was actually really fun to watch. Didn't realize Clive is so passionate about acting and his views on different roles and movies.

[@KidFresh71]

Children of Men is a top 5 film of all time for me. Incredibly thought provoking and rewatchable.

[@skyry101]

Surprised there's no mention of BMW Films was mentioned (where he played the protagonist, "The Driver)! He worked with an amazing list of directors for all nine films, and most of them were even produced by David Fincher.

[@nantotheenigma]

I know what you're talking about. The series is called "The Hire."

[@lucycat241]

Thank you for mentioning the bmw short films. Those were amazing and Clive Owen was “the driver.”

[@jackiemarlow7182]

They're great, the one with Madonna directed by Guy Ritchie was awesome. Also a great early internet marketing campaign by BMW

[@p5rsona]

always LOVE seeing his performances, he is such a presence on screen

[@Wellington-nl7vm]

If you haven't seen the Knick I strongly recommend you do. It's one of the most underrated "mini-series" on HBO

[@mateonotsuke]

The episode I've been waiting for!!

[@damiencoffey2391]

The Knick was such great series! We needed another season!

[@toupac3195]

Thank you, Clive, for the amazing entertainment that has sculpted our lives. You are a legend.

[@BPOOHEAD189]

Honestly I've been waiting for this interview

[@sreyangovender3404]

We need more Clive Owen on the big screen!😢

[@phillipwong3754]

Extremely underrated, I really hope he can do more films in the near future.

[@michaelpalmer5567]

Children of Men is my favorite movie I’ve decided.

[@mbryson2899]

The choice is easy, barely an inconveniece.

[@gusfringberkman9598]

Such an underrated actor ❤

[@mbell7498]

Clive Owen would make a great James Bond

[@grimper35]

Croupier was BRILLIANT! And Clive absolutely nailed that performance.

[@ginoc.8596]

Such a great actor! Absolutely loving his portrayal of Sam Spade! Bogart would be proud 👏

[@tHeXeKuter]

The Knick is still one of the best shows ever made. Total masterpiece.

[@IanMcCausland]

Such class act! I loved the way he speaks so glowingly of the directors and actors he's worked with. I remember Croupier and the buzz was Owen might play James Bond.

[@TolstoyPlastic]

The Knick, super underrated!!!

[@user-uh5vz7ry7o]

100%

[@brianf.8996]

No -- it's properly-rated as "superb."

[@diegowushu]

This dude is great, he's been in absolute bangers. Recently saw The Knick and he crushed it there.

[@nubianfx]

An absolutely amazing actor, and im so glad ive followed his career since Croupier. The Knick was also one of my favourite shows.. its brilliant and doesnt get talked about enough

[@kamuelalee]

One of the great actors of the early 21st century. Love his films, namely Children of Men!

[@ThePauseMenuVlog]

I enjoyed Clive a lot over the years. Thank you!

[@kyliam80]

How "Last Knights" isn't on this list is criminal. Such a great movie with him as the lead.

[@dubliners0999]

Loved Croupier! Loved Chancer! Yes, yes, he's done some award winning stuff, but these 2 are freaking awesome.

[@reddeviluk]

My word, he's been in some movies/TV shows. Always loved him but really enjoying Monsieur Spade at the moment, hopefully there's more to come. One of our finest.

[@frecklycheeks]

Glad some of my favorites got mentioned! He was also at playing a stressed out dad in Trust.

[@phmiles]

Clive Warren is incredible in a tale of two minds, really brings out the performance of Rebecca De Mornay

[@watervillegangmember]

So glad to see him working again.

[@16BitMovies]

Plus the BMW shorts were great too - they deserve a mention. John Woo's "Hostage" & "Beat The Devil" etc.

[@jenniferd5477]

I love me some Clive Owen !!! We’ve missed you ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@elizabethmehling5717]

Love this series! Any chance you guys will be doing one for Keanu Reeves or Laurence Fishburne soon?

[@Thewrightplanforpancakes]

Clive Warren is such a great actor, i especially love his movie with Rebecca de Mornay

[@leopereira6101]

Tremendeous actor,,,loved every his roles ,very skilled and talented actor.....big fan

[@Tarnished800]

CLOSER a masterpiece LOVE CLIVE OWEN.

[@ketanhein]

Clive is such an underrated actor.

[@XilehNori]

First saw Clive Owen in Privateer 2: The Darkening (1996) ~ a video game with an all-star cast

[@rikleblond1698]

Same here :)

[@Chippylapil]

I opened this not knowing for sure that Closer was going to be discussed, and I was ecstatic when it came up. Probably my favorite movie of all time.

[@Hamokk]

I love Children of Men. As a history nerd I loved Clive's take on King Arthur too.

[@matork1]

Phenomenal actor. Always been a massive fan ❤

[@leewaller8733]

A Love of Two Brains is my favourite film by him alongside Rebecca De Mornay

[@chelseacanales8763]

Closer is my favourite movie and great writing about the reality of relationships

[@erakfishfishfish]

I knew he played Dan in the stage show, but I didn’t know Ciarán Hinds played Larry. I would’ve loved to have seen that version.

[@TheScepticalThinker]

Hes such an incredible and versatile actor!

[@dejjibd424]

Great performances

[@josephthomaswhiting8417]

Fantastic actor! “Words and Pictures” is my favorite performance of his.

[@NorthWoodsAmbient]

Children of Men is consistently my favorite movie of all time, every year it remains king

[@MrPhbahia]

such an iconic guy! made some of the best films

[@lucycat241]

Been a fan since “Croupier” and watching him in the BMW short films. Do watch “Children of Men” an amazing film. ❤