Ben Whishaw was born on 14th October, 1980, along with his twin brother James. Raised in Bedfordshire, England, Whishaw showed an early interest and promising talent in acting. Shortly after graduating from acclaimed British theatre school RADA in 2004, Whishaw was hand picked by Trevor Nunn for the lead in his modern-day-set production of Hamlet.
Ben Whishaw as Hamlet
At the tender age of 23, young Whishaw seized the opportunity to play Hamlet with open arms. His performance, which caused much audience excitement due to his youth and relative inexperience, was greeted by almost universal praise. The Daily Telegraph's theatre critic Charles Spencer (in a review headed 'An Unforgettable and most lovable Hamlet) said of him: “(He).. presents the most raw and vulnerable Hamlet I have ever seen.” (Daily Telegraph, 29th April 2004).
Criminal Justice TV Series
Ben Whishaw has continued to garner many more rave reviews for both his theatre and TV work. At one point, he was even on the bookies lists as a possible contender to take over from David Tennant as Doctor Who. His outstanding central performance in the BAFTA winning drama serial Criminal Justice (2008) was especially noteworthy. Whishaw played Ben Coulter, an innocent man accused of murder. It was a role that drew on his particular talent for playing damaged, sensitive individuals. His acting is very physical, full of nervous energy expressed through ticks and movement. His eyes dart around, constantly suggesting so much more is going on in his head than can be expressed simply through words. And of course he is very beautiful too. Not conventionally handsome, maybe, but very attractive nonetheless. Tall, skinny with dark unruly hair and cheek bones to die for – he could be a rock star. Little wonder he was chosen to play one of the six embodiments of Bob Dylan in Todd Hayne's remarkable film I'm Not There (2007), as well as Keith Richards in Stoned (2005).
A Flourishing Movie Career - Ben Whishaw's Films
After the praise for Whishaw's stage and small screen performances, his progression into feature films has happened quite naturally and without fanfare. Ben had small parts in Enduring Love and Layer Cake (both starring current Bond Daniel Craig), before winning the lead role as Jean-Baptiste Grenouille in Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006). His almost dialogue free performance as Grenoille showcased Whishaw's acting ability, but the movie met with mixed reviews. Next came I'm Not There, and a lavish remake of Brideshead Revisited (2008), both of which offered excellent roles, if not quite the critical breakthrough Whishaw deserved. Perfume director Tom Tykwer found a small role for Ben in his 2009 film The International, but with the buzz of 2009 Cannes providing fuel for the fire, it seems as though it may be Jane Campion's Bright Star that finally brings Ben Whishaw the recognition he deserves.
Bright Star – A Film About John Keats
Ben Whishaw and Abbie Cornish star in Jane Campion's Bright Star, a film about the tragically short life of poet John Keats, and his overwhelming love affair with the girl next door Fanny Brawne. The film debuted at Cannes, and has been snapped up for international distribution.
Bright Star, a film of a love, loss and poetry, has already been touted as a possible Oscar contender for Campion. Whether or not that level of success emerges remains to be seen, but with Ben Whishaw starring as John Keats the chances are very promising. Bright Star is definitely one to look out for, along with anything else featuring the very talented, hugely capable young British actor Mr Ben Whishaw.
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