Mark Rylance: Stillness & Innocence

Mark Rylance is one the best actors today. This video essay dives into what I think is so unique about Rylance's acting, specifically his stillness and innocence.
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Footage From:
- Oscar Telecast (2016) -
(Full Supporting Actor Clip: • Mark Rylance winning B... )
- An Evening With Sir Mark Rylance - Burnel University London - (2017)
(For the full interview: • An evening with Sir Ma... . I recommend skipping to 1:36:55 for a monologue from Richard II)
- In CONVERSATION with Mark Rylance - Old Vic Theater - (2013)
(Full video: • Voice and movement // ... )
- Tom Hanks & Mark Rylance Talk Bridge of Spies - The Gate - (2015)
(Full interview: • Bridge of Spies Interv... )
- Conan - TBS
- Dunkirk (2017) - Property of Warner Bros. Studios
- Bridge of Spies (2015) - Property of Walt Disney Studios
- Richard III - Belasco Theater - (2014)
- The BFG - (2016) - Property of Walt Disney Studios
- Ready Player One - (2018) - Property of Warn Bros. Studios
- Wolfhall - BBC
Music:
"Sunlit Silence" by Thomas Newman
• Sunlit Silence (From "...
"Roses" - Chance the Rapper ft Smino, Aminé Type Beat
• Chance the Rapper ft S...
"El Comienzo" - Dj 113
• El Comienzo
Understudy is a series of video essays on acting, actors, and performance.

[@jacobprice2579]

Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell in Wolf Hall was the best damn bit of acting in history and I will fight anyone who dares dispute that.

[@dwarfbeat1]

I totally agree. You could read what he was thinking, no words needed. Ugh, now I have to go back and watch it again.

[@dwarfbeat1]

I saw Mark Rylance first in Wolf Hall. I had not planned on watching the series because the books were so flawless that a BBC series could only ruin them. I told my friend I wasn't watching, and she said, "But Mark Rylance is in it!" And I asked who he was when he's a home. She said, "Just watch the first episode." I practically crawled into my television and fell head over heels for this consummate, brilliant actor. Even though I live in the States, I've been able to see him on stage 5 times. What an amazing actor!

[@hipchocolatechip9339]

I saw him for the first time in Dont Look Up and he killed it!! This guy was born to act

[@DMAN590]

He was the best part of that film imo

[@potapotapotapotapotapota]

he was such a funny bad guy

[@Rokimalceno]

That makes two of of us!

[@SicketMog]

I'm here because of it. The movie itself was far left Hollyweird propaganda trash (though still enjoyable if you just switched the politics of it around a 180) but he stole the scenes he was in. "EeeEverything is fine".😛 Didn't realize he played the father in Dunkirk; knew I'd seen him before but couldn't place him.

[@solaurelian7638]

He out classes every other actor in that movie for sure! What an incredible performance.

[@buckleygeneration]

Mark Rylance is a remarkable actor.

[@muthusid]

I first saw him in Bridge of Spies, and I remember clearly walking away stunned by his performance. Found out later that he’s considered to possibly be the finest Shakespearean actor of our time. Very well deserved Oscar.

[@lukekuykendall6366]

I thought he was incredible in Don't Look Up. His instruction was clear, play an amalgam of every modern age billionaire, and he did so marvelously. You could literally pick a nuance of Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Larry Page. Everything from his appearance, to how he spoke, carried himself, it was truly incredible.

[@saecula2391]

yes he is unforgettable in Don't look Up ... "this must be a Brontorock" ...

[@j.b.4340]

Yes! This.

[@yashvarma5398]

He studied at the Shakespeare institute alongside my English teacher. It’s remarkable to know that they knew each other personally! she says he’s a very kind and nice man. He’s such a brilliant actor!

[@SzTz100]

He was a complete psycho in Don't Look Up.

[@paulambry]

Wolf Hall, which I have watched many times, was my first encounter with Mark. His 'performance' (which doesn't feel like a performance) is spellbinding... for three reasons: he doesn't judge Cromwell's character (despite history having done so rather savagely); he brings his innocence to the part; and his impeccable variation - by turns, silent and understated, then forceful and slightly out of control. He is, to my mind, not just one of the greatest actors of our times, but the peerless instructor of his craft.

[@neonpeach3]

He HAUNTED me in don't look up.

[@SilverShade1008]

Great video. It’s been a dream of mine to see Rylance onstage. He’s absolutely magnetic in everything I’ve seen him in.

[@TW-di1yw]

Honestly it’s the most breaking taking thing to witness. He was so personable and present when I would run into him at the Globe or his rehearsal.

[@Etherglide]

Ive been lucky enough to see Mark in Othello at the Globe. Stunning!

[@azenkwed]

He was amazing in Don't Look up as the CEO of Bash.

[@ParanoidOwlet]

I first saw him in Wolf Hall, and even though he was 100% not what l expected, his performance was wonderful to watch

[@susanmarie2231]

I agree. I had to get used to Mark and discovered how truly wonderful he is.

[@Shazbut-he3ne]

I've seen him on stage twice and met him on a few occasions as we went to the same drama school. On stage he was astonishingly present and spontaneous. I have no idea how he can be like that. In real life, he was very very gracious and patient (considering whenever I was speaking to him I was basically bugging him) and genuinely humble and warm hearted. He's someone I always aspired to be like, both as an actor and a human being. Until recently, he was still almost unknown to audiences outside the UK, and even within the UK he's not that famous, but among actors he's been held in the highest regard for years.

[@TheBritishActingCoach]

He is one of the BEST actors of our time.

[@patrickbyrne5070]

He truly is. Aswell as being a humble and incredibly intelligent gentle man. I disagree on innocence- I think that’s projection on the part of OP. His lack of life experience. Not trying to be rude or or offensive, but naivety or innocence is never a part I’ve seen in his work. Despite him talking about himself that way. It’s not a way Americans know so well … and something you lovely mfers could take a page from. Innocence of character does not mean it the way you all seemingly do or understand

[@keeransharma6897]

He is incredible in bones and all. one of the best performances I have seen.

[@flippert0]

This! I don't know how he does it, but he was so incredibly believable as this excentric, inhuman, but yet very human cannibal.

[@doolally1478]

"Angels and Insects" Years and years ago..... Amazing amazing amazing And this stillness is definitely exhibited in that.

[@Graenolf]

I think about this video all the time. Good analysis 🙌

[@DinoAplanalp]

I loved his performance in don't look up, Thanks for the video!

[@shrimpee502]

Loved this diagnosis. Great work.

[@lakshmanparthiban1339]

Bro this is amazing I have been searching such analysis for a while . Put out more bro

[@stephenbowen9315]

Enjoyed this, thanks. Nice insight into what makes him so good.

[@planetofthegapes]

Saw him in Don't Look Up and... you cannot see this actor inside the character of Peter Isherwell. He vanishes. Truly one of the best performers going.

[@zach6243]

I had to look him up on here he's so fucking funny on don't look up

[@christopherscott8856]

Great analysis! Clicked because Stillness is something my acting coach has always placed a lot of emphasis on, and Mark is a singular talent. Thanks!

[@oscararias7006]

- May I say something, Mr. Isherwell?🥺👉👈 - No. 👨🏻‍🦳 😕

[@Turkaine]

My Mount Rushmore is Mark Rylance & Helen Mcrrory. Luv for this

[@TheGabe473]

thanks this was really good! just subscribed!

[@katievandyck2270]

That was lovely, thank you, spot on, helpful and interesting.

[@B-Hathaway]

I first saw him in his Tony winning performance in Boeing-Boeing, and he was incredible. He made me completely rethink my views on comedic timing. He’s a master at his craft, and by far my favorite actor.

[@sunnyjim9810]

Last year I watched footage of Twelfth Night performed at the Globe. He starred alongside an all male cast. He played Olivia and he made it by far one of the funniest performances I’ve ever watched. Just in his mannerisms in portraying her fluster before Viola (in disguise) - seeing the character break from a stern lady to a girl with a crush. I suppose maybe that knowing she’s actually played by a man sort of contributes to the comedic factor, but I like to think Rylance’s performance really gave it the kick it needed.

[@MJ-zh4el]

I saw that performance in person the summer of 2002. I will never forget it!

[@michaelskellern4963]

Great video

[@ashshopalot]

Great video. Hope to see more videos soon! You’ve got a new subscriber in me!

[@EistLiom]

Great stuff, thanks

[@helenmerino2301]

This was such a smart take on what he's doing. Thanks.

[@AlexanderNixonArtHistory]

to be innocent is to be naive, open, willing, enthusiastic, and agreeable.

[@artsaganza8742]

good video, i like your style, i just subscribed

[@mateomarcosluke2521]

GOOD ANALYSIS!

[@jasonlloyd33]

Simply the best and a beautiful genuine person

[@Eddie4518]

I’ve met Mark and he’s as innocent and as still as any of his ‘Characters’

[@flippert0]

This guy is amazing!

[@BayarmaEnkhtur]

CEO of Bash?

[@arthursnow9449]

B. A. S. H

[@lsimon343]

Looking this amazing actor up after Bones and All. This guy is master class

[@TheTasneemali]

I totally agree ... I just watched dont look up and its EXACTLY that 🔥

[@trentmager4852]

I LOVED how non threatening and yet threatening he was in this film!

[@0verdose.]

I want a movie about the history of Bash and Peter Isherwell.

[@daikiaomine321]

i was watching Don't Look Up and the CEO looks so familiar and I had to google it up. In the end, it was the same actor from Don't Look Up (Anorak the creator of Oasis). There's something in his character that I noticed him immediately.

[@Lllllllll413]

Only people who watch just American cinema and blockbuster don't know who he is. People now a days don't care about good acting just fame. He's great a d has worked with really good directors

[@margaretmoore5917]

remarkable in ready player one,now in the outfit. great actor.

[@trishbaugh3377]

I saw him in Dunkri0 and trail of Chicago 7 very good actor god bless

[@GranValor97]

He screamed in The Trial of the Chicago 7!

[@zombiee6344]

If you like Mark Rylance you should watch The Outfit, i never thought i would like a movie that only takes place in one location, one scenario...

[@hayleyparish8947]

Oooh! I binge Wolf Hall every night when I need to sleep……..where did that bit about gutting come from 😳

[@PasseScience]

Would it help?

[@Omar-yi2mv]

Subscribing before 12 M subs

[@jaygatz4335]

I first saw Mark in Angels And Insects - and was so impressed by his performance and the goodness of his character. Well worth a look. Now, to see him in Don't Look Up, it's astounding to see how he disappears into the Elon Musk type of character. I can see another Oscar nomination for this.

[@SilverShade1008]

What episode was that Wolf Hall clip from. I just finished the series and I never caught it.

[@robinhooduk8255]

i cant remember which episode but he is investigating the threatening letter or dog killing for anne bolyn.

[@PorkchopsJohnson]

It's from a deleted scene

[@lizannewhitlow1085]

Credits should reflect Wolf Hall as two words.

[@understudy7157]

Right! Thank you Lizanne!

[@NicholasBlake84]

when he's wearing the peach hat and long hair he looks like one of my uncles fishing buddies back in the early 90's

[@greygrath7380]

He looks so hot in Intimacy

[@shhh3185]

See Angels & Insects

[@groverkiinmuppetborn714]

Lmao the hulk jokes

[@gerjaison]

Still don't know his name until "Don't Look Up"

[@MadKingOfMadaya]

*_It's as if the man became famous as soon as Dunkirk came out_*

[@TimothyJonSarris]

👍🕊️❤️

[@MuffinMan101]

Стойкий мужик *Standing* *man*

[@baccaratfitness2360]

He says 'Sylvester Stallone, Tom Hardy and the Hulk' but leaves out Christian Bale...

[@Ronobuildstech]

Halliday ready player one

[@thenetnat]

You obviously never saw Bing! 😅

[@LerockJohn]

Don't Look Up will fix all this......

[@Rooi1234]

Yes I agree, in don't look up he's a psychopath

[@PBK_]

you use imovie so i cant respect what you have to say

[@mildandbitter]

One trick pony.

[@adeepwell5292]

he annoys me

[@rickyb5499]

Good actor, yes. Total Fudd