Sam Rockwell’s fear of terrifying his acting hero: “Oh, Jeez, this guy’s a psycho!”
Character actors don’t come more dependable than Sam Rockwell, with the star having spent the last 35 years evolving into one of the most reliable performers in the industry, regardless of how scarce those leading roles continue to be.
Of course, Rockwell hasn’t spent his entire career being shunted into the background, but it’s also not untrue that the majority of his filmography is comprised of supporting parts. When he does take centre stage, though, the results are unsurprisingly solid.
Whether it’s Duncan Jones’ existential sci-fi Moon, Clark Gregg’s pitch-black comedy Choke, or fantasy drama Lawn Dogs, Rockwell always makes the most of those rare above-the-line opportunities. Even when he’s second lead behind the focal point of a picture, he’s nothing less than memorable, as his energetic performance in Matthew Vaughn’s otherwise turgid Argylle recently displayed.
Second fiddle is how casting directors and filmmakers tend to use him more often than not, however, and it’s been a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties. One of the easiest ways to elevate any film is to cast Rockwell in any role, but he still hasn’t been able to manoeuvrer his way into working with his acting hero.
He might have an Academy Award, a Bafta, a Critics Choice Award, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild to his name – all in the supporting category, of course – and become one of his generation’s most dynamic and versatile performers, but he clearly doesn’t have the sway or the influence to realise one of his longest-held dreams.
Then again, maybe his own prophecy came true, considering Rockwell was so enthusiastic at the mere prospect he voiced concerns it might dissuade the object of his affection. “I really want to work with Gary Oldman. I want to play his brother or something,” he told IndieWire way back in 1998. “Or have him direct me, or I just want to get inside that guy’s head.”
There are plenty of actors who view Oldman as an influence and inspiration, but Rockwell was so enamoured he was genuinely worried his fanboying might be a deal-breaker. “I just feel that I know the guy, even though I don’t know him. I feel like I know him. If he reads this, it’s going to freak him out. He’s gonna want to stay away from me, ‘Oh, Jeez, this guy’s a psycho!’. I love his ballsiness.”
It’s been more than a quarter of a century since Rockwell laid his cards on the table and screamed his membership of the Oldman fan club from the rooftops, and they’ve still never worked together. Maybe it’s a coincidence, or maybe his idol caught wind of his over-the-top exuberance and decided that such high levels of admiration indeed freaked him.
