Rami Malek: The Hollywood Enigma Struggling to Find His Place in “The Amateur”
In the aftermath of his Oscar win for Bohemian Rhapsody in 2019, Rami Malek has navigated a series of roles that many consider underwhelming. From his portrayal of a detective in the peculiar neo-noir film The Little Things to playing a forgettable villain in No Time to Die, and even a minor part in Oppenheimer, it seems Malek has increasingly faded into the background, overshadowed by the very acclaim that once set him apart. Strikingly, this pattern often reflects the industry’s perplexity regarding what to do with the unique talents of a 43-year-old actor who stands out in Hollywood’s sea of predictability.
The Dilemma of a Unique Talent
Malek’s performance as Freddie Mercury was not only memorable but also a testament to his ability to embody larger-than-life roles. However, as he transitions back into conventional characters, his distinctive and slight jittery on-screen energy clashes with the flat archetypes often presented to him. Unfortunately, Hollywood’s traditional narrative structures seem ill-equipped to accommodate Malek’s multifaceted persona.
A Bold Choice in The Amateur
In The Amateur, Malek embarks on a new venture as both an executive producer and the lead in this globe-trotting thriller, marking his first significant role since his Oscar-winning performance. He portrays Charles Heller, a CIA analyst who steps out from behind the desk to embrace a revenge-fueled quest after the tragic death of his wife, Sarah, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan. This high-stakes narrative, derived from Robert Littell’s 1981 novel, has the makings of a classic revenge story but often feels more conventional than groundbreaking.
The Aspiring Anti-Hero
Malek daringly depicts Charles as a genuine nerd, not the stereotypical heroic figure Hollywood typically glamorizes. Charles’s character is soft-spoken, meticulous, and deeply entwined in the routines of his mundane life. The tragic event that ruptures his reality pushes him beyond his safety net, showcasing a different emotional spectrum rather than adhering to testosterone-fueled action tropes.
In early scenes, Charles’s interactions with the swaggering agent known as the Bear (played by Jon Bernthal) provide a subtle exploration of hero worship. Rather than succumbing to the urge to play up the rivalry, Malek underplays it, allowing the characters’ contrasting dynamics to simmer beneath the surface. But when grief strikes after Sarah’s death, Malek’s portrayal takes an intriguing turn. In one moving scene, he meticulously sifts through Sarah’s belongings, immersed in sorrow—a raw moment tinged with emotional authenticity.
Unpacking a Juggling Act
The Amateur juggles an ambitious plot filled with twists and turns, from establishing Charles’s professional persona to the emotional turmoil ignited by his wife’s demise. As the film progresses, Charles navigates a convoluted course of blackmail, secrets, and well-crafted espionage. Yet, with two hours on screen, there’s a struggle to delve deeply into the character’s transformation.
With important subplots—such as Charles’s on-the-fly training and his conflicted relationship with a general portrayed by Laurence Fishburne—the film lacks the pacing to explore Charles’s evolution adequately. Instead, it skims the surface of the premise, neglecting the intricacies of how “an unlikely hero uses his intellect rather than physical prowess” to confront danger.
Pondering the Price of Violence
Despite its intentions, The Amateur ultimately grapples with the ethical implications of violence in a manner that feels superficial. The film contemplates the psychological weight of killing, yet fails to provide the emotional depth necessary for such weighty themes. Even with Malek’s substantial efforts, it appears the character’s psyche is lost amidst the rapid pacing and plot constraints.
A Question of Future Prospects
As unexpected as his career path has been, one can’t help but wonder: What lies ahead for Rami Malek in Hollywood? Perhaps it’s time for filmmakers to acknowledge and harness his unconventional talent rather than attempting to fit him into established molds. As Malek’s journey unfolds, audiences are left to ponder whether he will find roles that truly honor his unique gifts or if he’s destined to remain an enigma in an industry reluctant to embrace individuality.
For more insights into one of Hollywood’s most distinct talents, check out Variety and Hollywood Reporter for ongoing coverage of Rami Malek and his evolving career.
