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Jared Harris reflects on his role in ‘Morbius’: A surprising career choice
A versatile actor’s unexpected turn
Jared Harris, known for his Emmy-nominated performances in Mad Men and The Crown, has built a reputation for his compelling roles in both television and film. His work in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button directed by David Fincher, further solidified his status as a versatile actor. However, his decision to take on a supporting role in the much-criticized comic book film Morbius, starring Jared Leto, has left many fans and critics puzzled.
The practical side of acting
In a candid interview with Britain’s i newspaper, Harris shed light on his decision to join the cast of Morbius. “I have got a mortgage to pay, you know,” he explained. “Sometimes you say yes to things because you need to make money.” This pragmatic approach highlights a reality often overlooked in the glamorous world of Hollywood: even acclaimed actors sometimes take roles out of financial necessity.
What went wrong with ‘Morbius’?
When asked about the film’s shortcomings, Harris offered an insightful critique. “I have observed that those types of films do well if you have a sense of humor. You can’t treat it as though it’s Shakespeare. So yeah, that movie could have done with a more mischievous sense of humor.” His comments suggest that a lighter, more playful tone might have resonated better with audiences.
The role of Dr. Emil Nicholas
In Morbius, Harris played Dr. Emil Nicholas, a mentor and father figure to both Michael Morbius (Jared Leto) and Milo Morbius (Matt Smith). Despite the film’s star-studded cast, it was widely panned by critics, holding a mere 15% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 287 reviews. Financially, the film also struggled, grossing only $167 million worldwide, with a disappointing $73 million from North American audiences.
Industry reactions
Matt Smith, who also starred in Morbius, shared his thoughts on the film’s reception in an interview with Rolling Stone UK. “Yeah, it was thrown under the bus,” Smith remarked. “But you just have to roll with it. What else are you gonna do? It’s a film, at the end of the day, we’re not saving lives. For whatever reason, it didn’t quite work out and… It is what it is.”
Critical reception
The critical response to Morbius was overwhelmingly negative. One prominent critic described the film as “neither original nor good,” calling it a ”generic Marvel movie.” The review highlighted the lack of originality and depth in the film, criticizing Leto’s portrayal of the scientist-turned-vampire as one-dimensional. The direction by Daniel Espinosa and the script by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless were also deemed uninspired and formulaic.
The broader context of superhero films
The mixed success of Morbius reflects a broader trend in the superhero genre. While some films achieve critical and commercial success by balancing action with humor and character development, others falter by adhering too closely to a formulaic approach. The genre’s saturation means that audiences and critics alike are becoming more discerning, demanding innovation and depth in storytelling.
Final thoughts
Jared Harris’s experience with Morbius serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges actors face in their careers. While financial considerations are a reality, the artistic and critical reception of a project can significantly impact an actor’s legacy. Harris’s reflections on the film offer valuable insights into the importance of tone and humor in the superhero genre.
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