Well here we are again with Nicholas Hoult, not stuck in a thankless or boring hearthrobbish role, in a nominations juggernaut at the Oscars, though almost completely ignored for his own work, though also with the most necessary ingredient...being caked in white makeup. Hoult once again transforms his image away from his young up in comer appearance, though where in his role as Nux, he was still a boy in a certain sense, Hoult as Harley is firmly a man. This is actually a rather fascinating character I'll admit on the outset as Harley is the leader of the opposition in the court of the Queen, leader of the country landowners in opposition to the city merchants led by Goldophin (James Smith). Harley seeks to end the war while Sarah and Goldophin seek to have it extended indefinitely. This is with Harley's claim to save lives, but also perhaps more so to end the heavy taxation for on his side. This subplot frankly could be worthy of its own film as the two men vie in their own war for power though on technically a much larger scale, however it is secondary, as we see how it is influenced, by the triangle of the women. This nonetheless leaves a fascinating character within the role of Harley, that Hoult takes on with great aplomb. He quite frankly owns it in a way as the giant wigs, and lavish clothes could not seem a better fit.
This is in itself a brilliant start in his work within the conception of his approach to Harley, that is rather intriguing. Although Hoult is in fact a tall actor, this has really never been emphasize in any of his roles, until this one. This is worth noting because of the way he essentially brandishes in his physical approach to the part. This being in standing with this grand poses that seem to try to enforce a command, while also conveying this certain ease of power within the casual quality of this physical manner. Hoult's manner just has this certain nearly portrait perfection of it fitting a man who seems ready to be indeed immortalized on some grand painting only befitting to the most powerful man of England. As I noted before this part is well written in conception, however it still would be easy enough to swallowed whole by the three leads. Hoult though essentially excels within the margins becoming this certain lighting strike every time he pops into the film with his forceful performance. This in that aforementioned physical work, but every part of his being including his refined, though so very incisive accent he brings with the role. Harley may be a supporting player within this particular story, but Hoult is fantastic by very much playing the part as the man who will be the lead of his own story as he undergoes his own path to power.
Hoult is outstanding here by essentially just nailing every single moment he has with such a perfection in state, and manner. There is throughout the character of Harley this very specific method which Hoult portrays as respectability, almost at all times, though particularly in front of the queen. The one real break within this is one of his earliest scenes where his demands are not met but in fact derided by Sarah. Hoult's outburst is magnificent as he delivers only a moment of intensity, then bares the real vile hatred in his face, though quickly held back within the requisite refinement for his position particularly within this society. The rest of the film is just one knock out moment after another of essentially Hoult being amazing in delivery the very particular power and presence of Harley. This being one that is defined by a distinct wit that is essentially the nature of his power that he tries to build in the court. Although the lines are indeed there, Hoult's impressive feat is essentially delivery every single one of them with such flawless ability. His interactions with Sarah being in particular these lovely bit of barely hidden hatred, though every one Hoult is exceptional in his the sheer venom he brings to every little barb sent her way.
With Abigail there is a bit more mediation, and I love the bit of fascination that Hoult portrays towards her, as in his eyes he suggests the wheel turning on how he can possible utilize her. When she decides to broker a deal with him, Hoult is marvelous in the scene, in the way he shows Harley not being even remotely phased by her threats. Hoult instead offers just this quiet bit of glee to Harley's face that is testament to a sense of joy of a proper opportunity. In presence of the Queen though Hoult is perhaps at his most magnificent, in finding this most calculated approach in the man. In this every line is proper to the court, but in every little glance, and subtle lack of sincerity, he finds the great manipulations of Harley even as he puts on the act of a proper civil servant. Hoult's work here is essentially of the expert marks man, he only takes a handful of shots throughout the film, but he finds a bullseye with each and every one of them. We don't get a great deal of time with Harley as a man, though we have more than enough time to find the grand manipulator he is, who is probably not wholly genuine in his claim that he's trying to save the realm, thanks to Hoult's wonderful work. We don't see every motion in Harley's own rise to power, however every checkpoint is such a vivid one, and this journey is nearly as compelling as the central one in the facets we find of it, this in large part due to Hoult's always pointed and wonderfully entertaining work.
