Westworld: What Makes Anthony Hopkins Great

[@jeffnovak4584]

Hopkins is gold. He could literally sit on a bench in a park somewhere talking about donuts and I would love it.

[@danieldominguez8135]

o know right!? It's like watching Don Corleone speaking

[@bunbundabunni3843]

I sure enjoyed the time when he said he ate some liver with fava beans. Paired it with a nice Chianti, apparently.

[@CT-Irodion]

I always imagine it going: "You know, boy. Donuts aren't just food you eat some time some day, but are a work of art."

[@adamredmond3136]

Haha, so true!

[@dorianweng8903]

I am quite sure sir that you are referring to his King Lear ;)

[@FandeJay]

It's not even a question of Hopkins being the best actor, or any of these trivial considerations. Hopkins just KNOWS his craft perfectly. He's like the scientist of acting.

[@kevinw712]

although see the interesting thing is, I'd kind of gotten bummed the last few years that much like other old revered greats like Deniro, Pacino, etc, Hopkins had gotten to the point where he'd become much less discerning in his choices and was seemingly sleep walking thru all too many paycheck movies. Then when I first saw the footage for Westworld those several months ago, I got giddy thinking "okay well at the very least, Anthony Hopkins most definitely cares and is bringing some serious A-game again, finally"

[@davidolsen2801]

I've heard him say in a couple interviews that it is increasingly hard for him to find good roles. So its pretty cool that he got such a good role, one that really lets him perfect his craft

[@СтепанХудяков-у1д]

There is a science to an every art form.

[@goatlib2338]

And he didn't even get an emmy. Or a nomination if i am not mistaken. Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuull-sh*t

[@xyoxus]

*science

[@ThenNow]

There needs to be a follow-up to this on Hopkins in 'The Father'

[@mmmmmmmmm4334]

Yes yes yes!

[@ebonyg2244]

Oh God yesss!!! He sparkles in that movie 🎥

[@efrendelrosal]

That acting was top-notch.

[@eloisavictorialaud5632]

We really need a follow-up. Sir Hopkins delivered his best performance in The Father and he bagged another Oscar to it.

[@handekmessiah1112]

Some god tier acting he did

[@ma1ist]

out of all the violence and brutal shit that goes down in this show, this lunch scene took the cake.

[@RabeezRiaz]

In a way this was more brutal than the straight out gorey killings

[@t500010000]

The chick also played the scene perfectly

[@Nemoticon]

The eye candy is to bring in the masses. The dialogue is to tell the story.

[@DrSmokeTrees]

+t500010000 That is Sidse Babett Knudsen. She is "... a Danish actress who works in theater, television, and film." I haven't heard of her before, but she's got about a dozen acting award wins, and an Emmy nomination. You've got to have skill to hold a 1 on 1 scene with someone like Hopkins.

[@ma1ist]

DrSmokeTrees have always heard that the ones who do theatre are just better actors.

[@elizabethhayes39]

Hopkins was such a startlingly good casting choice.

[@mac4951]

Is he never not a good casting choice? He could play Queen Elizabeth II, and it would be a good choice

[@burtonboard44]

@@mac4951 lmao ! Too true

[@jackgreen5627]

Hopkins was great as Hannibal, but he is rubbish in everything else. He overplays his voice to the point that he irritatingly emphasises the last syllable of most words e.g. 'Lawrenceeeeee, Beastssssss.'

[@burtonboard44]

@@jackgreen5627 You're the only person on the planet with that opinion.

[@jackgreen5627]

@@burtonboard44 That doesn't make me wrong. His backwards stutter was endearing as Hannibal e.g. 'Claricceeeeee.' But It is simply irritating and overdone in everything else. 'Mankind lies between Gods and Beastsssssssss, Lawrenceeee.'

[@dadaseyi]

Watching this after season 2, it actually has a deeper meaning when he says, "we know everything about our guests, and our employees." That's a veiled threat about Delos' project that he wasn't supposed to know about. He always knew. I love this breakdown so much. Hope to see more breaking down great scenes and actors.

[@Nyctomancer_6004]

Watching this after season 3, it has even a deeper meaning than you thought

[@mahidikablahni6417]

@@Nyctomancer_6004 and what is that?? Because season 3 was garbage

[@hopeeje-aya448]

I think season 3 was powerful in its own right. But a focal point 'Ford' was missing.

[@rodolfomezaalvarado8004]

@@mahidikablahni6417 it wasn't tho

[@suzyrottencrotch5132]

@@mahidikablahni6417 you should rewatch it until your tiny mind can understand it

[@macaco4d]

oh man, i wish you waited until episode 7 to do this review. i havent felt shivers down my spine like this since silence of the lambs. hopkins took this series to a new fucking level.

[@macaco4d]

but then again, he might top that on next week's episode anyway.

[@terryrussaw6478]

DR. Frankenstein

[@terryrussaw6478]

DR. Frankenstein

[@ultimator1000]

The “Peacock Feather’s” monologue may be my favorite monologue ever. I was hoping that is what he would be discussing.

[@biohacker2781]

Hopkins has been hauntingly amazing in every single episode. Truly one of the best actors to watch!

[@Hardman._]

He was Knighted for a reason hences "Sir"

[@vazquezb2011]

My first impression of Ford was: "Oh look, Hopkins playing a kind grandfatherly figure...". Boy, was I wrong. More like God and the Devil, wrapped into one.

[@DiggitySchwag]

Some would argue that God and the Devil are the same. Such an amazing character.

[@connorlee1868]

@@DiggitySchwag as said in the show “ there was only ever, the devil. And when you look up from the bottom, it was just his reflection... laughing back down at you.”

[@董家琪]

God and the devil wrapped into one. So basically Old Testament God. Which is even more appropriate as Westworld is essentially a story of Genesis.

[@warbler1984]

"You can't play God without being acquainted with the devil" Dr Ford

[@apachedisco]

Anthony Hopkins is throwing out a masters class in acting in a tv show. Great time to be alive.

[@ArthurKnight1899]

wait till you see him in new Transformers movie!! Oscar!! XD XD

[@GanjaLibre]

The "Ah" line in 3:43 is a trademark of Hopkins, he does it almost in all his character, I love that sutil expresion

[@R.R.R.465]

I've have noticed this trait before but just thought it was a thing the he did sub consciously, like a tic or mannerism, never thought about it as a trademark, the cold eyed smile on the other hand, 100% classic Hopkins of course.

[@gianinamorales8597]

"Ah. That is the Duomo, seen from the Belvedere... You know Florence?"

[@Crosse1215]

Subtle*

[@luegenbaronmunchhausen]

Unpopular opinion: The Series lived through outstanding Anthony Hopkins a.k.a. Dr. Ford and died with him. Dr. Ford represented what Westworld once stood for: Philosophical dialogue, intriguing, complex but likeable characters and crazy twists. And without him, Westworld turned out to be only a shell of its former greatness.

[@BigBrotherMars]

What did you think of Anthony in Transformers the Last Knight

[@pyropulseIXXI]

@@BigBrotherMars He was amazing, even oin that movie

[@LOTUG98]

I was hoping for the last season to have him in it. That would have been great

[@alesksander]

Agree Season 2 lost its intrigue.

[@madmaxmedia]

That is not an unpopular opinion at all, in fact the show's ratings would seem to agree with it very much. A lesser actor playing the role of Ford would have resulted in a significantly inferior show (although Evan Rachel Wood and Thandie Newton were also standouts.)

[@JohnSmith-xk5ou]

This show is elevated whenever he's on screen.

[@samihussaini2372]

Should've got a Golden Globe nomination for his acting in Westworld.

[@na2042]

I wish I could have won an award for writing it .

[@handris99]

Those idiots wouldn't see greatness if it was the only thing they were allowed to see. How could they see it? After all this show is basically condemning them. They are the moneymen Ford is talking about.

[@jackgreen5627]

Hopkins was great as Hannibal, but he is rubbish in everything else. He overplays his voice to the point that he irritatingly emphasises the last syllable of most words e.g. 'Lawrenceeeeee, Beastssssss.'

[@AK-im1qc]

Season 1 of westworld was a masterpiece. It's something I would expect from Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve or David Fincher movies. I haven't watched a better season of any show than it. It's special in every way, writing, acting and visual effects(that young Robert Ford looked so real that I actually thought they'd used an actor to play it out). Definitely the most underrated show out at the moment. Don't understand how it didn't win more emmys for season 1.

[@MrJohanGuzman]

It is in fact Nolan the creator of the show. Jonathan Nolan, but a Nolan, nonetheless.

[@gryotharian]

Season 2 was still good, but it didn’t come close to the brilliance of season 1.

[@VictorJimenez-el7wo]

AK for HBO west world is like a favorite child for both parents This show got something mysterious intriguing like is something so real and so close to our minds and far from our hearts and at the end the breakdown ......! A master piece!

[@salahneymar2711]

Have you watched the first season True Detective?

[@andrujo]

After this "Westworld" season 1, I kinda came to believe Jonathan Nolan is ahead of Christopher. 🤯 Btw, if you see in the credits at most of Christopher's movies, Jonathan often appears as writer aside of Christopher himself. After Westworld, I think it's no coincidence.

[@BreakingBanter]

EMMY FOR HOPKINS! Honestly, we've been frothing his performance week after week in our reviews. He's amazing on this show and it feels like kind of an honour to see him on the small screen.

[@mohamedumar3082]

it does ....I still can't believe that ANTHONY FUCKING HOPKINS is on screen.

[@cantonnierbethcepourlavhy6343]

Breaking Banter He won an oscar for only 18 min at screen in a 2h15 movie, He don't need an Emmy !

[@vighneshsivakumar3418]

Which movie was that?

[@Arsolon618]

The Silence of the Lambs

[@kaptenrotskjeg]

Hannibal

[@juangomez7586]

NOW PLEASE..... Sir ANTHONY HOPKINS & ED HARRIS Scene in the BAR....!!!! Please made a video about that conversation.....!!! :D

[@owenburgess]

Yes! That was the best scene I've seen in years. Two legends creating magic. A true masterclass in acting.

[@juangomez7586]

I forgot TEDDY, Teddy Too....hahahaahaaha!!!

[@AncientDirtbag]

Poor Teddy...

[@PaulyPaulPaul]

Excellent suggestion.

[@haroldgar1]

You got that right! Those two knocked it out of the park!

[@powerbottomboat]

When Hopkins says, "He has a... sensitive disposition" about Bernard, he glances at the host who's still pouring the wine and looks down, as if he's recalling Bernard's true nature while making a subconscious reference to it. Makes me think that Hopkins knew what Bernard really was from the start as well. The subtlety of the acting in this scene astounds me, not just from Hopkins, but from Theresa's actress as well; the way her hand trembled just a bit when she had the cigarette in her hand, as well as her hesitancy when she reached for it, showing how uncomfortable and vulnerable she felt, how she didn't want to give that away to Ford but still needed the comfort of a vice, completely blew me away.

[@bitangayves2125]

he know hwat bernard was, of course, cuz he made him

[@powerbottomboat]

Bitanga Yves I was talking about Hopkins, the actor, knowing what Bernard is, not Ford the character. Sometimes the actor doesn't always know the big plot twists before the day of filming those particular scenes to avoid accidental spoilers.

[@ericluque6573]

We have to consider that Theresa had a few conversations prior to this one in which she literally slayed all those who tried to refute her. So this conversation has even more impact, cause in this scene we actually feel the magnificent power Ford has.

[@FusRoToast]

I remember reading somewhere that the director gave the entire script to Hopkins so he could better portray the character. So yes, he did know everything way before everyone else did.

[@yippeeyokai5750]

How could he not know, Bernard was designed to look like Arnold.

[@ydin9]

Came here for nice tips on what makes this charismatic actor, left with a urge to finally start watching Westworld.

[@flecks_piano]

You certainly should. Surprisingly, as good as Hopkins is, he's not even the most impressing actor in the series.

[@billyrigby4839]

ydin9 this show is amazing. They have finally started getting darker too and it feels good to see this change of pace early on in a show. Jimmi Simpson is amazing too! But Hopkins steals every damn scene he's in!

[@ydin9]

Mixed reviews it is then.

[@jonhsmith1780]

WhudUP Do Breaking Bad? Its story telling and its not fit for u. Suck it up and don't say anything like "why would anyone..."

[@jonnynice8366]

It's a sweet show. Just hop onto the hypetrain!

[@CadaverJunky8]

Fucking BLESS YOU. Not enough people give Anthony Hopkins the love he deserves. He's honestly one of the best actors we currently have alive and he flies under the radar almost consistently (probably cause he does a lot of crappy movies too). I'm legit gonna be devastated when this man dies cause he's always perfect in everything he's in.

[@rayunited2010foryou]

5:41 to 5:55, the quick and subtle transitions to various expressions are out of this world. Sir Anthony Hopkins is one of his kind, a gem of an actor!

[@DerekDunfield]

Please Evan, more like this. The breakdown of micro-expressions was fantastic. The call out of subtlety so good. I've watched it multiple times, each time amazed at how much information was in the scene and how much I didn't consciously recognize before your analysis. I'd love to see a playlist of these kinds on analyses. Imagine breaking down the expression and words of politicians or CEOs, comparing and contrasting when they flip flop. There's so much we don't consciously see, and you clearly have a nack at finding it.

[@RichTapestry]

Have you heard of a show called 'Lie to Me'? Methinks you'd like it.

[@nmaurok]

It would be amazing if Hopkins got to watch this video - he would be flattered and impressed by your work.

[@nicolaspintozzi8148]

GravityTricks yeah that would be awesome!

[@Windrammer]

Are you friends with him?

[@nmaurok]

Jack Windrammer Why yes, indeed! I'll show him the video on Saturday, when our weekly Tea takes place.

[@vintyprod]

ahhaha made my day

[@cineoitoum]

Hopkins here. Yeah! It´s true. I am flattered and impressed. Hey Nerdwriter, good job!

[@zappin6062]

I’m not an arty type - when I watched this show for the first time I simply sat and enjoyed the plot and visuals. But having someone lay it out like this helps me appreciate the amazing subtlety with which these actors work.

[@namAehT]

The show (maybe just the first two seasons) is better with each subsequent watch. You pick up on more and more details and place yourself in different characters' shoes every time.

[@oddgeir2330]

Hopkins made the series for me. The other seasons fades in his absence.

[@masonlanger4208]

There’s been one season (so far) without him....

[@Abhi-qm3jj]

Second season had MIB but third season he became some mental depressed dude who works everyday

[@MiguelFerreira-cm4kw]

+1

[@pictzone]

@callmecatalyst Stopped watching the third after a few episodes. It's so bad it betrays the masterpiece this show once was

[@SirGeeSantos]

this actress is pretty good too in this scene.

[@jakepatterson3235]

If you notice he also at the beginning makes himself seem harmless and allows her to dominate and feel powerful over him(he keeps breaking eye contact while she is staring at him the whole time). Then it completely shifts when he takes TOTAL control of everything around them thus taking control of the convo, this is where she breaks eye contact and looks around in a concerned manner and he begins his stare at her while speaking, showing his dominance now

[@NatalieAmor]

Holy. Shizballs. That analysis was bloody amazing! The editing was superb as well! More please

[@HadrienBourgogne]

Indeed. I'm very thankful for this "eye-opening work". I did not pay attention to all those details before. It just make that show even better. Very well done.

[@jordangallagher8064]

Nixyca

[@ka-boom2083]

Ya Ya Ya

[@5690467489056750]

Anthony Hopkins is the definition of a good actor. Watching him play is an experience that one cannot forget.

[@tylerjustice5656]

gtp tone it down big fella

[@JG-gp9yh]

definitely one of the greatest actors of all times. he's so good at acting that every single winkle on his face is utilized.

[@machinist4642]

This show grew on me. Kinda like the matrix, you don't know wtf is going on in the beginning, then as the show went on it became much more intriguing.

[@ropro9817]

Yeeeeeeeesssss! I don't even like westerns, but a few episodes in, I realized that Westworld has nothing to do with westerns.

[@louisefarber7573]

ro pro '

[@volcanosauce00]

Machinist For me, it was the exact opposite. It started off as an intriguing, yet straightforward show, then it threw me into a layered, complex viewing experience that left me perplexed until the very end. What a show!

[@ropro9817]

garner montgomery Haha, true. After binge watching the series, I checked out a few Westworld analysis videos on KZbin, only to realize that there were about 100 layers that I wasn't even aware of! :)

[@marcvidal1672]

Then, what you just said would just be a programmed line they created for you.

[@sowii]

A video on Westworld?! Mister you just made my day :)

[@korphan9065]

Always come back for this video, Anthony Hopkins is amazingly talented

[@sampsonraysimon]

Holy shit. I feel like I just took 5 really good acting lessons in 8 minutes.

[@KainyStyle]

Absolutely, amazing explanation, huge amount of information delivered very clear and timely.

[@lizzy__brock]

Sampson Simon was just practicing his lines and how I’d say. He’s so freaking impressive it’s insane !

[@adriianbraxton3806]

I thought this to myself

[@avaarchie4153]

You did -girl! you did! I grew up with NO KZbin -be young -Have fun! #AppropriateThaKnowledge

[@W.Heisenberg]

He's a master! When Robert Ford (Anthony Hopkins) is on scene, he draws all the attention!

[@MissHeathen]

Anthony Hopkins steals the show for sure.

[@R4Y2k]

"But I told him we'd be fine, that you didn't understand what you were paying for. It's not a business venture or a theme park but an entire world.... we designed every inch of it, every blade of gras... in here, we were gods. And you? You were merely our guests" Loved that scene. One of Hopkins best acts imho.

[@8PQterry]

Bernard Lowe is an anagram for Arnold Weber.

[@nwh57]

Ho. Ly. Shit.

[@Justiciar1284]

Thank. You. Sir. Wow.

[@101Jman]

Wow this show is great. Will definitely re-watch.

[@brendanstringer7225]

That, and Hopkins saying "it's always been me, just me," last episode pretty much prove it :)

[@Gootothesecond]

What the fuck?

[@MrNotebookguy]

I left the keyboard and the mouse and applaused . This was an amazing analysis

[@richyrich8939]

It's actually strange how good his acting is reminds me of something I used to hear when I was younger " what an elder can see sitting with blindfolds a child cannot see standing with binoculars"

[@TheProBacon]

"I do hope you will be careful with Bernard" Hohohoooooo

[@SmoakRaider510]

Hilarious.

[@RobYTACC590]

Catalin Dinca it’s lines like that, that makes the twist that much sweeter.

[@logancox6548]

"A very ... sensitive disposition" indeed.

[@PhilipZeplinDK]

Episode 7 where it happens, right? Man, my jaw was on the fucking floor. I thought it would end with a cliffhanger - nope.

[@lazar2949]

He literally told her everything

[@tysonasaurus6392]

I have been loving Westworld, and I think it is going to be the next big show

[@tysonasaurus6392]

Also I really loved this scene

[@JeSuisYash]

wait for red dead, then you will be living it!!!

[@DrSmokeTrees]

Yeah, as long as they stick the landing of this season, I except it will be another "A+" series for HBO, at least get some Emmy noms, and probably stick around for 3-5 years.

[@tysonasaurus6392]

DrSmokeTrees I hope I can just watch the first season and be done with it, so I I'm not around if the show becomes meh

[@TheElectrizantee]

the best show this year

[@TheKeyote]

7 years later this is still one of the greatest videos I've ever seen

[@lovetekman]

I fucking love Westworld, my favorite show this year!

[@TheBandy98]

KinkiSnowman It's unbelievably great.

[@arielemiliano226]

This year was great. First "The People vs OJ Simpson", "The Night off", "Strangers Things", "Luke Cage".....This was a remarcable year.

[@austinfehrer6574]

KinkiSnowman Preach

[@akiraperu1]

begins great but end so-so

[@mixedbusiness1]

It hasn't ended yet....

[@gavmcdonald7684]

I'm in love with Westworld at the moment; the acting, the story, the symbolism. It's all so well crafted. It's very much Kubrickesque in the sense that every part of the frame is used to advance the scene somehow. I think one of my favourite parts is the self play piano and how it acts as an anchor for so many of the series themes.

[@varunsaxena7436]

3:59 Perfectly balanced... As all things should be...

[@ntare1000]

Thanos 😂

[@handris99]

But in reality they are never that way. It's the existence of an imbalance that brings the forces into existence that are trying to restore it.

[@myOToole]

I rarely enjoy comments, but this one does put a smile on my face.

[@emadbu5]

Ford created Thanos

[@basilthefourth.8472]

Varun Saxena I thought exactly the same

[@cobbsta88]

A good breakdown, but this isn't how great actors like Hopkins think, at least consciously. He knows the subtext of a scene, and his intention. But this comes from an execution of how he will affect her, now how he will be. It comes of as natural because of his intentions, and when you know your intentions, micro expressions happen autonomously.

[@dmv4343]

Yes, its like feeling the same, as a person that says that words, in real life people act just the same, when they have equal emotion on equal position, thats the thing. Its not like he is changing his smiles on purpouse 10 times in 1 scene in front of a mirror, he just lets emotions go, and he is good at it.

[@Sharpie951HD]

A good actor becomes the person they're portraying so you're right, his expressions come naturally

[@coastertron]

Cobbsta As an actor I can confirm that, I personally don't need to think that much about what my face does or what kind of emotion its showing, it just comes naturally.

[@BlueRoseFaery]

No, it's not a conscious thing, certainly. But that's not what this video is about. It's taking a magnifying lens to a wonderful performance & picking it apart to show how great it is. It's a love letter to great acting, not a how to.

[@travistucker5076]

Maybe the fact that actors try to let things come to them naturally is why so few are as good as Anthony Hopkins.

[@dim391]

Hopkins's character is the Tywin of Westworld.

[@diradosveta]

+Michael Wiswell Yes, this is exactly what he meant.

[@jonnynice8366]

I was thinking Tyrion.

[@jackyoh971]

More Dangerous than Tywin...

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

That's the funny thing about this series though. We don't know yet. We don't know if Hopkins' character is a psychopath with a god complex or is he part of something greater that we can't see yet because we're still trapped in this microcosm.. almost tunnel vision like presentation. We've already seen him have more of a connection with the hosts and seem cold to his colleagues like how he described the mystery man "Arnold". Either way it's too early to call.

[@bouo5998]

Thomas Christopher White Still... I remember the moment when I noticed he wears a black hat. That can't be an accident.

[@geogeo3733]

6:05 Holy shit, that foreshadowing that they store all data about the guests and employees(which we learn it's true in season 2)

[@manuelortmann]

Well spotted!

[@Vanlifecrisis]

Hes letting her know that he knows about their little game.

[@wfinn1277]

I noticed this and it’s crazy that we just brush over this information when watching the first time round

[@getl0st]

Wait until you realize this show is about modern humans except that the creators of the Hosts(Us) are Extra Terrestrials................

[@franek.kedziorek]

Watching this after watching season 3 is funny. Everything Ford says now has even more depth to it

[@tiffsaver]

An eloquent and insightful critique of an eloquent and insightful actor. Kudos.

[@ObaREX]

Thanks man. It's this video that got me into Westworld. Just finished watching the first two episodes.

[@godhimself9367]

Edward Gil dumbledore dies

[@abrahamleay]

It gets better.

[@TheEightRain]

"We know everything about our guests, don't we" The forshadowing is real here.

[@WakandaBabe]

When I first saw this scene, I thought 'Dang...Anthony Hopkins is wonderful'. He is gentle, caring and menacing...smiling all the time. My absolute favorite actor.

[@alpenjon]

What a great analysis - I didn't even notice just how he was so convincing and fascinating in this role.

[@DipanshuNagar]

"We know everything about our guests" Yep. Season 3 shows. And yes, I watch this video and come here after every season.

[@TheNefastor]

In this show, Hopkins and Harris manage to be many orders of magnitude creepier than any character I've seen in any horror movie. And they do it amazingly subtly. Do they have a bet going on, or something ? As to which actor will raise the most hairs on our heads ? All I know is, that's one of my favorite scenes. There are several I keep watching again and again.

[@ropro9817]

Totally agree! Mr. +Nerdwriter1, would you consider doing an analysis for Ed Harris?

[@alexandresobreiramartins9461]

One of the reasons is that most people don't know how to portray character, let alone in a horror show. Mads Mikelsen does it very well in Hannibal, with a level of subtlety I find nearly comparable to Hopkins own here. It was interesting for me to see how his performance elevated a trite character like the villain in Dr. Strange - fun film, but, as usual with Marvel, weak villain, and not even a good actor like Mads could improve on the character very much, mainly because the writers of that movie didn't at all care for subtlety and depth. As for this scene, another interesting detail is that Ford, of course, chose the place and table not only as a display of power and control to Theresa, but also to show how little he cares for her. SPOILER And the quality of the writing is also shown in the foreshadowing of "be careful with Barnard" - excellent use of double meaning.

[@PraewsVideo]

Megalomaniac

[@z-beeblebrox]

This is possibly the best acting breakdown I've seen. Do more of these, they're great!

[@GloomGaiGar]

This got me to watch it. Not kidding. :) In the context of the show: Ford probably did all those reactions not out of emotion but out of calculation. He just played with Theresa.

[@juanaltredo2974]

funny because his filmic career seems pretty much dead or well, very minor nowadays, but his tv career is showing us the man's immense talent, and hopefully good movies with relevant parts will knock on his door again. He's royalty

[@lynannouilh]

I was in awe in that scene, Westworld already delivered a few of my all time prefered scenes in tv and movies. Hopkins is fantastic, and I love watching him in the show.

[@McDonaldsCalifornia]

It is kind of hard to get work in hollywood at a certain age especially if you have some standards. Or you can just do it like DeNiro and take shitty comedic roles.

[@juanaltredo2974]

Max We de niros decline is something to behold, that granpa movie... vile stuff

[@ThisHandleSystemCanGetNicked]

Film career dead? He's made some 10 movies in the last two years alone. They may not all be box office smash hits, but he's certainly kept himself busy. Of course, he's an old man now, so anything can happen at his age, which hopefully doesn't for a long time, but i'm sure you get the point.

[@juanaltredo2974]

AdjutantReflex I said his career seems minor, and thats a a fair assessment IMO, particularly compared to what he used to do. Morgan freeman is also an old man but he still gets better roles than mr hopkins

[@steerpike66]

What makes Hopkins great (apart from his experience and training; I mean the thing he has of his own that belongs only to him) is his air of wounded monarchy, like a very old, dying lion. He has been doing some of his best moves in WW, including using his left eye, which has lines like scars running towards it down his forehead and seems constantly to be either winking or wincing in pain, his ability to hold a long, wistful pause ('No Dolores, I wouldn't say that..............') , and his ability to project bottomless sadness, usually by allowing one floating tear to appear in each of his eyes, which tremble on his lashes without falling. Then he turns his head away and they're gone. He can also play the piano.

[@altairdesanta3888]

6:05 wow. After having seen season 2, it’s clear how planned out the story is. This foreshadowing is pretty 👌

[@jackhammer0078]

Another reason Anthony Hopkins is worthy of an Emmy, and perhaps another for best cast ensemble for Westworld.

[@BFG-hv2ml]

Jackhammer007 don’t want to be hater, but there are shows with much better casting than westworld

[@magshype]

Oh I'm sure "breaking bad" is on the top of his meme list.

[@melodyal3357]

What makes Anthony Hopkins great? - EVERYTHING!!!! Each performance he does is a masterpiece itself.

[@mynamejeff3498]

call me crazy but this is better than game of thrones

[@MyNameStanc0l]

YOU'RE CRAZY

[@plastic_cleopatra]

HBO is lucky to acquire this show. Same as game of thrones that's a book adaptation m

[@kt9495]

I appreciate them both for different reasons. They stand on their own.

[@Lucie.Greening]

Not crazy at all. I would perhaps argue your point in regards to early seasons of GoT, but now, Westworld is certainly higher quality TV series. Unfortunately GoT still gets people in with crazy huge scenes and the fact the story is about to end. Still, I prefer Westworld over GoT.

[@jhwheuer]

One is spectacle, the other spectacular

[@maorsragovich8870]

These are really fun to watch, you should make more of them.

[@w4stedspace]

I have watched this video soo many times - and it's the one I found first and the one that made me subscribe. The combination of your excellent analysis and Hopkins incredible acting ability is hypnotic. Keep doing what you do sir, please, it's truly wonderful to watch production, research and intelligent analysis coming together like this, and from one guy :) The only thing I would have loved to have heard also was your opinion on the cinematography and why it complimented also. I'd argue that you have a similar ability to AH when it comes to compelling commentary! And the quality of editing is superb also, makes me not want to look away even though what you're saying is far more important.

[@aymenmezaache4670]

2020 and I'm back again

[@AFSamizdat]

Ditto

[@dantheman7483]

hey boss!

[@w4stedspace]

@@dantheman7483 o/

[@MrCostaC]

This is a good video but mostly bullshit. Hopkins has shared in interviews that he had zero insight into the overall story in westworld so how could he convey these emotions without knowing the story?

[@joshuahafer]

I keep coming back to this video years later. Great explanation @Nerdwriter1 I love it!

[@adamcolon]

an absolutely outstanding analysis of the scene... i can see the magic you're describing clearly. You have just created a loyal fan of your channel, hands down. Thank you.

[@chinmaysharma9424]

Hopkins is that student in class who does his homework 2 or 3 times and remains relaxed before and during exam and nails it perfectly.

[@6mdm]

Nerdwriter1! Right on the money and beautifully broken down. Best analysis of Hopkins acting I’ve ever seen. Each line is a masterful orchestra of preparation, not delivered or presented but allowed to flow, governed by his understanding of human emotion. This analysis is pure gold, invaluable to aspiring actors. Thank you for your work.

[@Mafoohy]

Well said!

[@deathdoor]

Wow... The scene... This video. Wow. Din Didn't knew this existed till 10 minutes ago when I saw that Hideo Kojima was praising it and that you had make this video. I must watch now.

[@MrJest2]

When I first saw that scene, it literally sent chills up my spine. How Hopkins can be so friggin' menacing with just a smile is awe inspiring. The man deserves every accolade and award he's ever gotten, and then some. We're 5 episodes in at this point, and clearly just getting started. I highly recommend watching it, even if you have to pay for it. :-)

[@chrisf7189]

I found video quite interesting in how much thought is put into his performances and different emotions. The way it is underplayed and subtle is great acting.

[@lesliejackson7380]

Chris Frain 4 5yyy7

[@imTsaky]

Kojima was referring to a different scene in episode 2, that scene gave me chills and gave me a little more idea on how Kojima makes his games. But still, every scene in Westworld with Anthony Hopkins in it is epic imo.

[@kamyar1990]

He just won another academy award LEGEND

[@nilufarbagherzadeh8157]

I can't help my excitement when I watch him play, even now I am watching Dr Ford and his remarkable act I am crying, I simply love this character. and thank you for these beautiful details. I am going to watch this series again.

[@jaja1818]

i like watching game of thrones..but Westworld is on a wholenother level esp with Hopkins scenes..he is such an amazing actor!!

[@carlosnoriega2608]

Sadly, he's in the new transformer movie in 2017.

[@williamdrouin8063]

Carlos Noriega ik lol

[@apathak34]

GOT went to shit since they overtook the source material

[@borislavbacic2699]

I'd watch the analysis of every single episode, every minute of each episode.

[@sigurdkaputnik7022]

To me, this was the best dialogue in all of Westworld. Thanks for the great analysis.

[@StokaXXL]

Great video! I wonder why you still haven't included NBC's Hannibal in one of your videos - it's the greatest show I have ever seen and the reason I started watching TV shows. I think that there's just so much to talk about in it.

[@PayamFakhraie1]

"it's the greatest show I have ever seen" The key word is "I". Though, "NBC" should have given you pause.

[@StokaXXL]

Thanks for pointing out the obvious. All art is subjective. Have a nice day. :)

[@SaraStar7373]

StokaXXL I agree completely. Not sure if he hasn't seen it yet or if it's not his thing, but to me it seems like a show he would appreciate. I love the depth of it. The depth specifically of the actor's facial expressions and nuances in tone.

[@Mr44andMore]

StokaXXL show is terrifying, isn't just shitty jump scares as well.

[@Mr44andMore]

Sara Dickson fantastic show

[@MilanVVVVV]

So many Biblical motives too, I have to say that this is the most brilliant series I've ever watched. By far.

[@avaarchie4153]

Ah! ya'll I don't have ENOUGH TIME in my life for these masterpiece theaters! Wow -I'm going to have to stay up well past my bedtime in order to gulp up such diversion!

[@handris99]

In my opinion this isn't only the most brilliant series. This is probably the most brilliant moving picture ever made of any kind. When I watched The Matrix and during my time trying to explore those ideas further like the thing that inspired it - 1995 Ghost in the Shell - I thought this is it, I probably reached the peak. Then Westworld came and it raised the bar onto a whole different level. It's so far ahead of it's time yet possibly already too late. This isn't just a story about robots AI and the art of storytelling. This is statement about the tragedy of the inevitable fate of our species. The result of a thought experiment. An "answer to a question that no one ever dreamed of asking" before. And it's unfolding right before our eyes in the most beautiful way. Disguised as an action series. (Well of course.. how else would they ever let it coming into existence)

[@alih8123]

@@handris99 I agree with you. I like the philosophical aspect of the show. When some hosts came up and persevered humans as some sort of deity on their own, it blow my mind. When a show has smart writing, couples with great acting and tries to explore some insetting aspect of humanity like religion, purpose of life, etc. you will enjoy watching it, and perhaps you will learn something form it.

[@handris99]

@Andrea I am looking into it, Thank you! My expectations are high after this :D

[@loklan1]

Great analysis of all the micro expressions. One that was missed, when Cullen says "I think we even sat at this table" Hopkins gives a knowing downward smile, he knows this is that exact table, it's another demonstration of his knowledge and power over the situation.

[@slayersboxer915]

Anthony Hopkins was amazing in episode 7!!!!!

[@skeletor6287]

He owns every role he’s given from hannibal lector, to Odin, to his role in this show.

[@getdavemoore]

This video essay got me watching Westworld. I owe you big time, for this was amazing tv

[@damarh]

i knew hopkins performance would be out of this world when i saw the trailer and he was talking to dolores. Are we ?, very old friends ? No. I wouldn't say friends dolores. (5 second wtf pause!) I wouldn't say that at all.

[@BarstoolBlues33]

I Built all of this*

[@MeatyGorak]

when the waiter has stopped moving and is overfilling the wine glass you can see at 5:00 Anothony Hopkins finger is raised as he is controlling the host

[@Nin13666]

Nice catch.

[@Arvaniz]

I hadn't seen that! It's incredible...

[@dylanhough7068]

AdrianEVH96 I dont think thats important to the scene, since he did it really obviously before, when he freezes the snake in the desert (with the young boy host) and makes it slither away with hand gestures.

[@XenderWindX]

Oh wow, i would never have caught that. thanks!

[@Arvaniz]

dylan hough, maybe it's not that important to the scene. But it's a nice touch that they included it, particularly since it happens at the border of the shot. The actor (Hopkins) has been concentrating so much on his facial expressions (the focus) for the whole scene, but didn't forget the rest of his body language...

[@Colinkrauss1]

Also really like the smile and nod at 3:37, choosing to let her go on. It’s the first personal and specific thing she’s said, and there are advantages to be gained if she opens up to him more.

[@eleiraeel]

I love the nuance in this show. Every tiny detail has meaning. This part was one of my favorites. I read a fantastic Reddit comment saying "In this scene, Hopkins is God. And he's reminding the puny mortal than they are on Olympus."

[@lidjitsu903]

"i do hope you will be carefull with.... BERNARD, he has a.... sensitive disposition" after E7... Oh my . This show is Amazing.

[@TheOneEV2]

Hopkins has the ability to pull us in when he speaks, especially when he's monologuing. His accent, his voice, the pitch and role of his tone. He acts wonderfully with his face, and his eyes often put a hold on us, and his delivery pulls us in. Go back and watch him in Silence of the Lambs. Watch his eyes when he breaks down Clarice's attempt to get him to fill out a questionnaire. His eyes lock, unblinkingly, to the point where his eyes tear up, and only when he's done, does he dare to blink. It's a trait he pulls off well in Silence, and brings back in Red Dragon. In Hannibal it's harder to spot, but there are moments, perhaps in Italy, that it arises again. I'm not sure if it's something Hopkins does for all films, but watching this scene here, reminded me instantly of it.

[@rutchjohnson]

It's funny you should analyze this scene. It's my favorite thus far in the landscape show that is Westworld. Good stuff man!

[@maragathm]

I liked that scene better too because Sir Anthony had someone opposite who could match him. Ed Harris might not be as good as Sir Anthony but then who is, but he does a superb job keeping up with Sir Anthony thus elevating that encounter to awesomeness. The actress in this scene had nothing to do really other than look scared and smoke and even if she wanted to she doesn't got it.

[@aallen6155]

Mirthula Govindaraj then I suggest you watch Danish political drama Borgen. This actress is beyond fantastic and was cast for this very reason.

[@123abcdef3]

Hopkins is brilliant in his ability to subtly yet unmistakably convey menace or any emotion simply by his facial expressions and the tempo in which he speaks even while he is completely still and his body language calm. Richard Burton told Dick Cavett in an interview that the ultimate for him as an actor was to get the greatest possible effect on an audience with the minimum possible visible effort. Anthony Hopkins exemplifies this skill incredibly well.

[@moonstruck336]

Good to know it wasn't only me, because Hopkins in this role, man every line, every scene is like you said elevating the quality of the show which was already brilliant

[@diddydave2707]

One of the greatest British Actors to ever grace out screens. Much loved by his fellow countrymen.

[@laurengreenspan5356]

I just received the best compliment on my first KZbin video: "It reminds me of Nerdwriter!" Thanks for being such an inspiration. Also, this video is fantastic. I can't wait for Season 2 Sunday night.

[@artificialinsolence3182]

Again, a very well-put analysis. Acting with Sir Anthony Hopkins must be an incredible experience for any actor. You don't have to act to be intimidated by him, you just *are.* His mannerisms, his delivery, his eyes. He will let you know who's boss just by looking at you. I love this guy.

[@lifedo362]

At 06:40, he isn't "genuinely caring" with those eyes. He's teasing her, that he knows everything about her affair with Bernard.

[@johnnylikestobatman]

At this point we still were on the fence on who FORD really was. Anthony Hopkins is a brilliant actor and everyone who got to work with him were very lucky. The ending to season 1 blew my mind. #applause

[@davepalmer151]

Damn I love this video's analysis. But in completely separately parallel to that, I feel like we should also give kudos to the stunning use of soundtrack here. Dr Ford happens to be the single piece of music I'd choose if ever asked to pick a favourite across any genre. I love it's dreamy quality, and how sections build/challenge/evolve each other as it progresses. I also how it is used so judiciously within Westworld season 1. And then how judiciously it is used again, differently but entirely in keeping with its use within Westworld, in this video. The pauses/repeats from minutes 2 to 4 in particular feel like a brilliant re-execution of a brilliant complement to a plot, which must have taken both musical and script editing to align here. Just. So. Well. Done. Sorry if this sounds to effusive but am so impressed with this - congrats to those involved on their talent, effort and achievement.

[@davepalmer151]

Note how the background music doesn't stop when the in show video does. That's not an accident. Nor is how well the music matches both in show events and out of show discussions. Just amazeballs.

[@TheCrazygamerPT]

Anthony Hopkins was one of the reasons that made me decide to watch the series. Great perfomance, hope he gets at least nominated for an Emmy

[@HaouasLeDocteur]

you HAVE to make a video about the episode 7's encounter.

[@stephenlaporte7111]

Dhul Qarnayn yes please. Such a chilling performance.

[@cliffdariff74]

MetrazolElectricity I don't think it was hero worship as you suggest, but a descriptive if not insightful, critic on the excellent acting qualities of Hopkins.

[@GEOHHADDAD]

It's not hero worship. It's simply an admiration of a great artist and an explanation of how he works

[@TwiztidJuggla420]

I do feel and am now explicitly saying that he is a hero. He's Hannibal fucking Lecter! lol

[@SpeedCubed89]

Ya, gotta hop on the hero train here.

[@ginaloverofangels]

I so enjoyed how you broke down the emotions of Sir Anthony Hopkins through this clip. I watched the original movie way back when with Yul Brynner. That one frightened me so much.

[@raymondshaw]

This is a flawless description of Anthony Hopkins' masterful technique at portraying an intelligent, nuanced, and downright-relatable (if not entirely sympathetic) villain. I would love to see a Nerdwriter1 analysis of Hopkins' performance in 'Fracture' opposite Ryan Gosling.