Rewind: Ralph Fiennes on playing the horrifying villain in "Schindler's List,": bad advice & more

I sat down with the then-30-year-old Ralph Fiennes for the 1993 press tour for "Schindler's List."

[@eamonndeane587]

To this day I'm still honestly baffled how Ralph Fiennes managed to lose the Best Supporting Actor Oscar to Tommy Lee Jones.

[@aarondavid3844]

Agreed

[@awkwardpatrick1987]

Rigged that’s why

[@andybrown-nut5002]

Scandal. He played one of the most significant roles in cinema history & for what we know of that monster, the real Amon, he played it very well. It was also terrifying. Especially the scene with the engineer, who wants to correct the building mistake & he has her killed. He was credited for saving Mr. Schindlers life when he said he was a magnet for females, this this indirectly allowed him to continue his work at saving the people, as well as being an income for Goeth. They should revisit Academy awards every 10 years, when an injustice is done, they should correct it.

[@SCharlesDennicon]

THANK YOU. :D I stopped caring about the Oscars the day I heard about that. And it was a time when people we still caring about the Oscars.

[@maestroadam]

The Academy sucks, and it always will suck.

[@tjbbmr]

He was sensational playing his part. Should’ve won an Oscar.

[@jerbs5346]

Oscar-Schindler

[@wowbobwow37]

Biggest snub of all-time

[@federicocamp2231]

Definitely. Brilliant actor that has incredible range. He can be so convincing playing a heartless terrifying monster in this role and so convincingly play a naive, insecure non-violent character like Charles VanDorn in Quiz Show. He should have also won for that role.

[@Suuusan28]

Absolutely. He stole the show.

[@hiwayman981]

It's an interesting point that you made here, not because Ralph wasn't deserving, but because of the point of view that none other than Liam Neeson delivered to Mr. Fiennes after he'd not been selected by the Academy. I was reading an interview with Neeson in an issue of GQ magazine, which was released not long after "Schindler's List" had been showing in theatres. In it, Liam recalls having been present at the Awards, and having met up with Ralph just after the ceremony. Basically, he put his arm around the younger actor and said something like "Ralph, I think it's great that you were nominated, and it's wonderful that you didn't win; had you walked away with the award this evening, they (Hollywood, etc.) would've hung Amon Goeth around your neck like an albatross!" I never forgot that sort of "make lemonade from lemons" advice from Mr. Neeson, who's now arguably a bigger star than thirty years ago.

[@ruthretzke8785]

At least Fiennes is honest about how the costume made him feel.

[@dapre]

That surprised me. He is ofcourse right, but If an actor was this honest today, he would probably be chased down by the woke people and lost his job.

[@sportsguydave6201]

@@dapreDefine “woke.”

[@aldosigmann419]

@@sportsguydave6201 Don't be so dense.

[@Bigum99]

Hugo Boss was a designer , where they not?

[@sinclair4626]

@@sportsguydave6201you know

[@FatUglySadMan]

How he never won an Oscar for his portrayal will be one of life’s great mysteries.

[@den264]

I wonder who will play Bibi Netanyahu in Hollywood's next block buster , "the monster of the second Nakba "

[@FatUglySadMan]

@@den264 yawn

[@John-cq3hk]

Along with Val Kilmer...tombstone

[@shineministries7]

Subject matter.

[@user-qm8cm1dn2v]

"My Song A song spreads in my hometown as a warning When the red tide rolls in, do not ride the wave The Creator shall spread sweet dew at the end times Those who are saved shall be protected by the divine Most people come from heavens, yet are shrouded in delusion Modern notions and conduct lead to danger and misfortune Doctrines of atheism and evolution are the poisonous wine you drink Do not follow the red demon to indulge in desires at the cost of your life Hold fast to kindness and tradition-the evil Party is in its last days Dafa disciples are spreading the truth that leads you back to heaven 2020" Master Li Hongzhi (Hong Yin VI, from Falun Dafa teachings)

[@gregoryrainsborough1715]

I had no idea how softly spoken and gentle a man he is.

[@grahamblack1961]

When you see him talk as himself you realize what an amazing actor he is.

[@jugo1944]

Haha for real, he's such a dork

[@stevetyrell8721]

How do you know he is not still acting when talking as "himself"?

[@grahamblack1961]

@@stevetyrell8721 If he is acting here then if anything that makes him an even better actor. He can be a convincing evil Nazi and a convincing foppish darling of the theatre.

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

@@jugo1944What do you mean dork? He's lovely, gentle man,

[@johnmanning5568]

@@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633there’s only one dork! Him who said such a silly comment.

[@bluecolor1600]

That was one of the finest acting I've ever seen. And I will never understand, why he didn't get an oscar for that supreme performance!

[@notbloodylikely4817]

Oh it's pretty obvious. You don't celebrate Amon Goethe without risking all the connotations. Tommy Lee Jones was the safe bet.

[@deletebilderberg]

Awards mean nothing - especially the Oscars.

[@larsnilsson8949]

@@deletebilderberg For an actor,, I believe it does. Wouldn´t you agree?

[@larsnilsson8949]

@@notbloodylikely4817 "Celebrate"! He played a role of a real person and did it well

[@notbloodylikely4817]

@@larsnilsson8949 it's not like I make the rules. You know how sensitive people are.

[@aurktman1106]

Ralph Fiennes is one of the best actors of the last century. Every character is awesome.

[@carloolivari1072]

I wholeheartedly agree. Possibly the best. I can't really imagine anyone better, to be honest

[@paulsimmonds2030]

His portrayal of Francis Dolarhyde in Red Dragon was simply awesome!

[@2034916]

How he hasn’t won an Oscar for his brilliant portrayals is puzzling, but then Richard Burton lost his Oscar bid for his performance in “Virginia Wolf.” After that disappointment, nothing surprises me anymore.

[@rawrawshed3328]

Ralph Fiennes 'Amon Goeth' and Christoph Waltz 'Hans Landa' are two cinema characters whose presence always send shivers down my spine. The casts are superb. They both are great actors.

[@billthecat129]

Hans

[@bololollek9245]

Yeah I guess but one movie is 10000% more serious than the other but yea

[@DudleyMire44]

Imagine seeing both of them in the same room.

[@Suuusan28]

I would add Russell Crowe as Hando in Romper Stomper to this category. He´s pure evil but very irresistible.

[@NapFloridian]

Why?

[@remaguire]

Fiennes talks about how there was no apprehension about him in costume and character from the rest of the cast. However, Mila Pfefferberg, a survivor who had known the real Goeth, reportedly did visit the "Schindler's List" set and when she saw Fiennes in character, she trembled in fear. Not surprising considering the horrors she witnessed and feared would happen to her.

[@williamjarrell8475]

Given what she survived I would expect her to tremble at photographs.

[@marisolflores4338]

Trauma.

[@markparris3890]

Now, that is PTSD - being triggered - when you witnessed hell on Earth. Not, when someone says something nasty to you

[@supremeghost7950]

You forgot the most important bit of that encounter: Fiennes came along and gave her a warm hug.

[@bobbobertson7568]

He did do Maid in Manhattan but I wont hold that against him too much

[@melissathomas2314]

This man is beautiful, it's hard to believe he's typecast in villain roles. But he is brilliant in these roles.

[@IRosamelia]

I was looking for this comment. That guy is handsome indeed! 😍

[@Suuusan28]

Good man in The English Patient. I adore this movie even though it´s so sad and tragic. Ralph is soooooo adorable here.

[@Vasily_dont_be_silly]

Don't get me wrong, I'm a straight male, but THAT... is one damn handsome face

[@scottystcloud7086]

@@Suuusan28 He was good in Grand Budapest Hotel. A little weird, sure, but good.

[@carloolivari1072]

​@@scottystcloud7086possibly one of Wes Anderson's best, if not the best, character

[@mistressmozart]

he was always so shy in the early interviews. I've loved him since then. His performance in Schindler's List should go down as one of the greatest in film history

[@serekithegreat]

Can’t believe he didn’t win an Oscar for that role. If that wasn’t an Oscar worthy performance, then I don’t know what is.

[@larsnilsson8949]

He was truly amazing as the character Amon Goeth, he should have won an Academy Award in ´94. He almost made the movie, for what it is. A very memorable role.

[@deaconstjohn4842]

Definitely stole the scene every time he appeared on screen. In a movie with Liam Neeson and Ben freaking Kingsley. What an actor..

[@larsnilsson3438]

@@deaconstjohn4842 Yes, he surely did. He did not play Amon Goeth, he was Amon Goeth. Amazing!

[@davidkean5680]

His acting was very real & scary. Therefore, his acting was absolutely superb.

[@benzielke7149]

The fact that the character he played was a real person and that he accurately portrayed the man's personality.... The interview with Amon's daughter how she watched the film and wasn't sure when the man playing her father would enter... Then she saw him riding in the car in the beginning. Before he even spoke she said "I knew it was him." Excellent actor.

[@twentyfivemelody]

Would you be kind enough to send the link of you have it 😊 ?

[@benzielke7149]

@@twentyfivemelodyyes it's kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYLVomein8dnbsk

[@ernestoguevara8930]

For me, I've seen them all, Olivier, Richardson, Howard, Gielgud, Ralph's performance as Amon Goethe completely wipes the stage and floor as a truly brilliant and accurate portrayal of a ruthless and psychotic megalomaniac. I have never before been struck by a film character's performance such as his! I will go as far as saying that this is the greatest piece of acting I have ever seen or will ever see!

[@WendyQallab]

He deserved the Oscar. One of the best actors ever. Also loved him in the English Patient.

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

Then youd should watch Charles Laughton's great performances.

[@conorharris2451]

Dang he’s handsome

[@correypeta]

Yeah, he is. He was too yummy in The English Patient. Like oh my word.

[@marcimagnell2768]

He is very handsome. I have such a crush on this man. ❤

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

@@marcimagnell2768 I can believe it.

[@saramason8554]

Hauntingly beautiful~. And yummy with a spoon~💜💜

[@WarmerMusicVideos]

The only time I've felt fear by watching a character. He was truly frightening in the movie.

[@NapFloridian]

Good acting?

[@BedanshuKr]

@@NapFloridian phenomenal acting *

[@NapFloridian]

@@BedanshuKr yes he did...

[@twentyfivemelody]

Exactly my opinion and I’m not the type to blend actor and character. Incredible performance, disappointed that he lost the Oscar 😢

[@helenatrela786]

Ralph Fiennes is great actor.

[@aurktman1106]

One of the best in my opinion.

[@KittredgeRitter]

For sure

[@bpusef]

Hot take

[@zsofiaalpers9673]

This was hands down the best acting I have ever seen. I watched the Schindler's List many times over the years, Ralph Fiennes' performance carries the whole movie to the next level. He's been my favorite actor ever since. I love his honesty and modesty during this interview, too. ❤

[@DonnaAbrams-qh7zt]

When he came on screen, my stomach would literally turn before he said a word. That is greatness.

[@TundraRun]

It is amazing, he comes off as so insecure being interviewed yet he pulled off playing a completely confident and nasty person. What an impressive actor he is

[@alexander9264]

So interesting. You wouldn't get such a frank, unguarded interview today.

[@hkharshadkambli]

Amon Goeth role played very well by Ralph. It actually gives feel that SS evil officer 😢

[@Chud_larper]

I think you meant to say that ss hero officer

[@jacobpbutterfield]

@@Chud_larper???

[@danielmiller9012]

@@Chud_larper L

[@danielmiller9012]

@@Chud_larper Hitler coward killed himself

[@ragnarok283]

Read “On the Jews and Their Lies” by Martin Luther

[@johnbrittingham4471]

The villain is the most memorable character. Drawing the audience into the illusion is the most difficult part, I believe Ralph Fiennes was the best choice to play Amon Goethe. Each scene was a perfect reenactment of that moment in history.

[@sirandrelefaedelinoge]

Who stole ze chicken?

[@chriz9959]

Goethe :D

[@poppyaddams6467]

His performance in the red dragon was terrific and terrifying. I loved it!

[@Stable_Genius]

Holy sh*t! He did play that role. I completely forgot

[@harleyquinn6692]

He was robbed of that Oscar 🏆

[@footbikeable]

There was this woman on the filming set, a former concentration camp inmate who had seen in the past the real Amon Göth in action. A survivor, after so many years, she remembered the moment she saw the main villain on the filming set - she did not see Fiennes; She only saw Amon Göth, and could smell the evil incarnate. This poor woman was on the brink of hysteria, only because Fiennes' embodiment of Göth was nothing short of perfect. How horrifying... This only proves Fiennes' acting genious, no matter if he got an Oscar or not.

[@Skarlet79]

He seems to be a very kind and gentle soul. I can see that in his eyes. I am baffled he could portray such an evil character. He must be an amazing actor.

[@jetnut89]

Seems like a lovely fellow indeed.

[@ntavares540]

Unforgettable performance that stood the test of time. How did he not win the Oscars for this role?

[@demonbre]

He wasn't as good in this role as Margot in Barbie. I mean c'mon.

[@finnfo4]

Lol

[@den264]

​@@demonbreWonderful post ! As a person who never criticises something without first exploring the subject, I had a "quick " watch at this piece of film excellence. I can now say, with the benefit of prior investigation that Margo's acting in that movie equaled anything I have ever witnessed from a plastic toy.

[@TrayDyer38]

When I saw this movie at the movie theatre when I was 20 years, 30 years ago, ignorant of the history , I covered my eyes every time he was on screen and I peered out between the cracks of my fingers because it was so brutally realistic and extremely difficult to watch. This movie lit a fire in me and was obsessed with learning the history of the holocaust in Poland and how Ralph Fienes pulled this off.

[@jillcnc]

It's sad that they didn't teach you about this in school. I doubt they do now either, and that's the reason so many people can't believe it really happened.

[@trynottohappen]

​@@jillcncWell, the schools here teach it at least 😅 We even watched the movie in class the other day

[@xctkillaprodigyx2586]

How incredibly honest of him as well as deep and spot on as an observation.

[@davidpaterson3443]

Without doubt his performance in Schindler's List is hands down the finest acting I've ever seen...

[@loreedavis5988]

He was incredible in that role! He seems like a normally quiet and shy person, incongruous to the evil character he played in that movie.

[@mikewilson9601]

That's acting for you !

[@johnschuh8616]

I have read that only good men understand what evil is. They make the best villains. Robert Mitchem was so frightening in “Cape Fear” but though he had growing up led a rough life and was physically so strong, he was a poet of some ability.

[@Kimllg88]

@@mikewilson9601 Great acting!

[@thomasweatherford5125]

One of his finest performances. He absolutely nailed it

[@PDJ10]

The scene in which Göth looks at himself in the mirror still scares the holy bejaysus out of me.

[@farhanwahidadiath3583]

He used to look like he's staring right at your soul. He played the character beautifully.

[@bst6791]

He played one of the most repulsive and disgusting characters ever seen in film so well, and effectively, I truly hated him, which I believe was the intent. A REAL monster.

[@luisr.6543]

But guess what? He wasn't like that... it was all BS

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

@@luisr.6543Acting is far from BS!

[@132allie]

​@@luisr.6543who do you mean? The actor or the German? I hope that you mean the actor.

[@jeffreyrichard2575]

Schindler's List is one of the best movies ever made. It is so horrific that it only needs to to be experienced once.

[@loreedavis5988]

You’re right. I couldn’t bear the pain of watching it again.

[@anandmorris]

The sad thing is they cut out 90% of the actual horrors of what happened as it would never have been able to be released. And now we are seeing a horrific rise in antisemitism all over again.

[@bushwhackeddos.2703]

Propa ganda

[@capitalt3977]

@@bushwhackeddos.2703 In your imaginary world, do people give a s*** what you think about anything?

[@geofturner986]

It should be compulsory for everyone to see this. Like you say, once is enough

[@matthewsimmons9251]

He looks so boyish and shy for most of this interview, but at the end he stops smiling for a moment and he looks so cold. In that instant he looked a villain and I can see how he got the part.

[@ktvindicare]

One of my qualifications for what separates a good actor from a great actor is their ability to play a believable villain. Ralph Fiennes by my standards is one of the best actors I've ever seen.

[@lifeson90]

you couldnt meet a nicer young man like ralph yet he totally successfully portrayed one of the most evil men in history

[@ismanapribadi8842]

It's amazing the fact that Ralph felt bad and had to explain that he was just playing character specially towards Embeth Davidtz which she and everybody knows it was just fake, that's how good he was portraying the character

[@Dee-JayW]

WHY WOULD HE HAVE TO EXPLAIN ANYTHING, TO ANYONE? OF COURSE IT IS JUST A FILM.

[@ravendronesolutions]

It's insane the transformation of how he is as a person (seems very friendly and amicable) vs when he's in the SS uniform (a total psychopathic monster).

[@darragh5250]

He looks so humble, I still can't believe how he could play so perfectly Amon Goth and lord Voldemort.

[@beckyhofheinz6245]

He is stunningly handsome!

[@wolfwind1]

Excellent interview. Actually allowed the interviewee to respond.

[@globalspiritualrevolutionmedia]

Mr. Ralph Fiennes is one of the greatest actors in our generation! The way he portrayed the monster and devil Amon Goth was so scary This shows how great an actor Ralph Fiennes is.

[@cowboytanaka6675]

hes still fucking terrifying

[@luisr.6543]

Oh come on sweetheart, don't be so soft 🏳️‍🌈🤡

[@cowboytanaka6675]

@@luisr.6543 ok toughguy

[@MrMemento126]

That role was masterclass he is one of the very best actors working today

[@caspervanelli6502]

They're actors, they play a part, that is their job; it's make believe. I guess nobody asked Liam Neeson how it felt to play the good guy? They're all great actors! and each and everyone of them deserved an oscar

[@wegotlumpsofitroundtheback5065]

that look at 05:55 is the same stare he gave to Stern in the movie. It just chills the blood what he convey with a mere stare.

[@markthompson3846]

Yes I agree, I noticed that intense stare when he gave it to Yitz’ach stern in Shindlers List. It is so terrifying. 😳

[@valiasa-di6hr]

Ohhh, Amon Goth! He made an incredible, incredible role! There he really was Amon Goeth, he was one of the most convincing personages.

[@susancampbell4062]

Such a difficult role to play! He was extraordinary in it. When you are called upon to portray evil, it takes a great actor. It seems much easier to play the hero, IMO...

[@jammerstud99]

Such a nice guy, but has played some scary villains. Great job.

[@robertpotwin]

One of the greatest performances I’ve ever seen, to this day

[@deaconstjohn4842]

One of the best 3 movies I've ever watched, one of the best 3 performances on screen I've ever witnessed. Thank your Mr. Spielberg and Mr. Fiennes

[@Mr-S.C.]

A great interview of this amazing actor.. what happened to the days of quality interviews when thoughtful and relevant questions were asked ?

[@lorrainebennett7528]

Stunningly handsome and he played the part perfectly.

[@itsjustme9318]

Ralph was born to play that role he totally knocked out of the park!!!!!! Superb!!!!!!

[@LM48888]

He is SO handsome, and his voice is like honey 😍

[@elaineteut9579]

His brother, Josef is a good actor too.

[@coolhand67]

The question about filming in black and white vs color was really insightful and the response was just as good. Not the usual pap interview but actually two people who know what they are talking about.

[@Randomgirl25257]

He is truly an amazing being - so handsome, vulnerable, intelligent, honest.

[@thesaltman6705]

I once stood in his dads studio ,talking to him about this film . there was a picture of Ralph above the door wearing the ss uniform. it was like the film a very powerful black n white picture. i hope Ralph knows how proud his dad was of him. mark was a really nice man . A very moving film ,one of the greatest films ever made.

[@Yvonne-le6ju]

He was just fabulous.... should have won the Oscar 🇦🇺

[@user-py5ct1go2s]

You are right Yvonne he should have won the Oscar. Although he never, his acting in the film will forever last in posterity.

[@heloisepoye8891]

Loved this interview. Thank yoy sooo much.

[@complexplane6756]

What an amazing set of interview questions and responses

[@ignaciogodoy7095]

Not just the SS uniform, any army officer uniform made you feel more powerful when you are not a soldier, it make you feel instantly like one

[@louiseowens6947]

So handsome!

[@shirleyhair2261]

I just love this guy, he is a brilliant actor who should have won an Oscar for this role, he seems a very modest one too.imo ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@dianeaniol7186]

A great actor can make you hate them or make you love you. He played the role well

[@goodhumourwagon]

His performance is one of the greatest portrayals of a movie villain of all time.

[@missgemmadarling]

He speaks beautifully

[@mariaelenaramirez4147]

He is so shy, very soft in real life, it is amazing seeing him acting and transform into all those different characters. Such a wonderful actor!

[@user-pl7bk5bx4j]

""In reflecting on his decision to play Amon Göth, Fiennes has referred to it as a "no-brainer." The actor recalls, "I think there are moments you're lucky to have as an actor when you're asked to be part of something that feels like it's going to be quite momentous. I didn't even say yes. I didn't even need to say yes -- it was a given." Fiennes has also been on the record regarding the challenges inherent in bringing such a heinous man to life on-screen. Regarding the extensive research he undertook, as well as the process of physically transforming himself into a hateful glutton, the actor has stated, "I think there was a price to pay for this one. When you're investigating behavior that is that negative so intensely for three months, then you feel sort of peculiar because you might have at moments enjoyed it and at the same time you feel slightly soiled by it. It just throws up all kinds of question marks, about acting, about human behavior, about how all of that is probably a lot closer to the surface than we like to think.""" BY REID GOLDBERG PUBLISHED FEB 4, 2023

[@GrafindeKlevemark]

In this film Ralph Fiennes was incredible - such a difficult role to play. Standing on the balcony and shooting people for fun - I would like to know whether this left any wounds on his pysche. I've heard that great actors really get into a character which could leave permanent marks - how to return to normal life a portraying such a monster ???

[@cockoffgewgle4993]

It's pretending. It's not real.

[@dylanthepickle6428]

I was 14 when I saw this movie. There are certain movies that have a deep affect on you. This movie was one only those. He did a phenomenal job playing that bastard. I can’t believe he lost the Academy Award.

[@christophcarle]

Great interview, thanks! Seems to be a cool, honest guy

[@Jason_The_Man]

What an amazing awesome honest interview.

[@Jsmith2024]

Fiennes is probably the best male actor alive today.

[@ianwilson6747]

When I first saw the film I had never heard of Ralph Fiennes, and thought to myself, wow that's a real one (Nazi SS officer), where did they find him? He must be real, because no one can act like that.

[@Juststuartt]

Brilliant honest interview

[@theyouth2000]

Just watched Schindler's List for the first time yesterday. He played his role so well. Such a stark contrast from how he is in this interview. So young, fresh and almost shy.

[@nikolairomanoff6969]

He was robbed an Oscar that year

[@sanjanamukherjee9540]

He is so unbelievable handsome i cant even concentrate on anything else

[@saramason8554]

“Chilling” is what I thought when I first saw him in character. But I also thought “He’s got this.”💜

[@afvet5075]

What a terrifying performance. How could it NOT change you?

[@rrr574]

He for sure should have won a Oscar

[@anhnguyenthingoc9504]

Wow. He looks so much friendly in the normal setting 😅. That proves his acting skill.

[@alanledesma4945]

Ralph not winning the oscar for best supporting actor was one of the greatest robbery ever

[@maximalwest2797]

The Interview Decorations and Fiennes Outfit screams 90ties, you realize how much Time has gone by....the Movie itself looks timeless , could be from this Year.

[@sohinisen3042]

Outstanding performance by Ralph Fiennes! He displayed extraordinary acting skills while portraying the role of real life terror Amon Goeth. It is indeed disappointing that he was not awarded an Academy award which he so rightly deserved.

[@linajurgensen4698]

Well glad he’s still able to admire how beautiful his uniform was.😊

[@blowduke]

Still scares the hell out of me when I watch him in that SS uniform what a actor second only to Tommy lee jones lol 😂

[@user-ku6yl9mx8y]

After watching this movie I desticley was overwhelmed with the acting by Ralph Fiennes definitely should av been an Oscar one of the best ever thank you😊😊

[@susanzoefelix6631]

You were just fantastic!

[@simontemplate]

What a charming fellow and a super actor of course. Great post; thank you.

[@this_is_jmdub]

They sentence at the end is incredibly important

[@patriciafoster3347]

After watching the movie, anytime I hear a train I get the creeps. The train whistle was so significant. It started at the beginning of the movie.