Gary Oldman on playing repulsive spy Jackson Lamb in Slow Horses | 7.30

Key Concepts

• Jackson Lamb: The central character discussed, a slovenly, antisocial spy from the Slow Horses series.
• Mick Herron: Author of the Slow Horses books, on which the TV series is based.
• George Smiley: A previous iconic spy character played by Gary Oldman in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, used for comparison with Jackson Lamb.
• Spycraft: The methods and techniques used in espionage, particularly how Lamb's behavior serves this purpose.
• Knighthood: A high honor bestowed by the British monarch, recently received by Gary Oldman.
• Prosthetic Makeup: Artificial facial or body enhancements used in acting.
• Jaundice: A medical condition causing yellowing of the skin and eyes, simulated for Lamb's appearance.

The Genesis of Jackson Lamb and Oldman's Role Selection

Gary Oldman discussed how he came to play Jackson Lamb, noting his prior belief that "the great writers are now working in TV." He had a specific "wish list" for his next TV role:

• No prosthetic makeup.
• No long hours in the makeup chair.
• No huge costume changes.
• A preference for a "world of spies," having enjoyed Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
• A requirement for "good writing."

He stated that the role of Jackson Lamb "just dropped from the sky," fulfilling these criteria with "great character, great stories," and a "wonderful bunch of people to work with." The scripts are described as "pretty faithful adaptations" of Mick Herron's books, whom Oldman praised as "a wonderful writer in his own right."

The Transformation into Jackson Lamb

Despite his wish for minimal makeup, Oldman detailed the 45-minute process to transform into the "slovenly, dirty, greasy Jackson Lamb with his raincoat." This involves:

• Applying "broken veins on the nose."
• Adding "a little jaundice yellowing."
• Incorporating "lots of muck and grease in the hair."
• Costume-wise, Lamb primarily has "the one suit," with occasional tie changes, a winter coat, and a "dirty rotten old Mac for the summer."

Comparing Jackson Lamb and George Smiley

Oldman drew parallels between Jackson Lamb and his previous spy character, George Smiley from Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. He noted that both characters are "often the smartest person in the room," describing them as "playing a chess game when other people are playing checkers." He explained that Lamb's seemingly "loafing off" moments, such as having his "feet up on the desk and his eyes are closed," are actually when "the brain... the mind is working," similar to Smiley's "quiet internal moments."

Jackson Lamb's Antisocial Behavior as Spycraft

The interview addressed the "farting questions," acknowledging that "every audience in the world love a good fart joke" and that it's part of Lamb's "notoriously antisocial external behavior." Oldman elaborated on Lamb's deliberate disregard for social norms:

• He "doesn't give a whatever" and "has no social norms."
• He smokes "partly because he's a smoker and because it's just not really politically correct anymore to smoke," so he will smoke "where it says no smoking."
• He "drinks too much" and "doesn't eat the right food."

Oldman argued that this behavior is "all part of the spycraft." He explained, "you're gonna judge a book by its cover. You're going to miss you think you've got me and actually I'm I'm going to turn and put you on the back foot." This suggests Lamb's unkempt and offensive demeanor is a calculated tactic to mislead adversaries and prevent them from getting "too close."

The Significance of Knighthood

Oldman concluded by reflecting on his recent knighthood, comparing it to his Oscar win. While acknowledging the Oscar as "a big deal," he stated that "it pales in comparison to something like this." He described the knighthood as:

• An experience "you can't rehearse for."
• A "unique singular experience."
• "Flattering and overwhelming and humbling and all all in equal measure."

He contrasted it with the Oscar, where he could at least imagine the experience of being on stage. He expressed feeling "truly blessed and honored to receive it," calling it "a really beautiful day."

Conclusion

Gary Oldman's discussion provided deep insights into his portrayal of Jackson Lamb, highlighting the character's deliberate slovenliness and antisocial behavior as integral to his "spycraft." He drew compelling comparisons to his previous role as George Smiley, emphasizing the internal intelligence beneath an unassuming exterior. Oldman also shared a profound perspective on his knighthood, valuing it as a uniquely humbling and overwhelming honor that surpassed even the achievement of an Oscar. The interview underscored Oldman's commitment to complex character development and his appreciation for meaningful career milestones.