After Cate Blanchett in the cinema, she embodies “the most beautiful and powerful of the elves of the Kingdom of Middle-earth”. If Morfydd Clark became known to the general public thanks to his interpretation of Galadriel in the Amazon Prime Video series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, this is not his first attempt: Sister Clara in His Dark MaterialsMina Harker in DraculaDora Spenlow in The Personal History of David Copperfield or even masterful psychotic nurse in the horror thriller Saint-MaudGrand Prix at the Gérardmer Festival 2020, which will earn him an award at the prestigious Bafta.
Meeting with the British rising star at CannesSeries, where the 34-year-old actress received the Madame Figaro Rising Star Award on Friday.
Have you always wanted to become an actress?
I was born in Wales and went to a Welsh language school where there is a lot of art, acting and singing. I bathed in art and spectacle. I loved acting, but becoming an actress was just a fantasy. I had really bad results in school. I auditioned for the Welsh National Youth Opera and the Welsh National Youth Theatre, and I was lucky that they accepted me. I started thinking that I could make it my job, thanks to the support of the people there. I then left to study at a drama school in London. I was lucky that my career got off to a slow start. Even though I only had one line, I observed a lot and had time to learn. I also had the chance to do a lot of theatre.
How did you react when you learned that you had obtained the role of Galadriel?
It was a big shock! It’s one of those roles that you audition for and think, it’s funny that I can audition, but I’ll never get it! I felt like I was in some kind of dream.
Were you a fan of Tolkien’s universe before playing in the series?
Oh yes ! I know his work like the back of my hand.
Did you study the way Cate Blanchett played to prepare for the role?
I had studied Cate’s interpretation since the age of 12, so it was already done! When you play in fantasy, you are supported by all the work of others. You are transformed into a mythical creature, with costumes, ears, prostheses, etc. Most of the preparation was physical. I wanted to become as strong and flexible as possible. I did a lot of gym, swimming and rock climbing, it was great!
And so you discovered the films of Peter Jackson at the age of 12…
Yes, at the ideal age! I couldn’t believe it! I’m a fan of a lot of things. That’s why I feel so lucky to be in the arts and doing fantasy. I found a lot of comfort there throughout my life!
Did you have a return from Cate Blanchett after season 1?
No, but I see Cate Blanchett as a kind of guide that I wouldn’t want to disturb!
You also had to learn a new language for the role…
I was very enthusiastic about it. I’m bilingual and I feel like that really influences who I am. Depending on the language spoken, you are a slightly different version of yourself because of how you can structure things and the particular words you have at your disposal. I really like the idea that Galadriel knows that she has that in her and that she has a part of herself that exists in the Elvish language and that she can sometimes escape from it as well.
What do you keep from the experience of season 1?
This is the longest and best experience I’ve had! What makes anything creative possible is the connections you make with the people involved. We filmed during the pandemic, I was, like many actors, far from home, the bonds that we forged, the sharing of their expertise and their passion, that is what is most precious to my eyes.
What did Galadriel bring you?
She brings me fearlessness. She doesn’t follow the rules because she’s a woman. She doesn’t say things carefully, she’s not always gentle. She shows a boldness that I hope to find a little more often.
Has the worldwide success of the series changed your life?
Not completely. I still live my little life, and it’s kind of nice to meet people from time to time who really like the show. I feel lucky to have people who love my work and the fact that the show has taken them somewhere else.
How did you handle the fan reactions?
They are very funny… All these memes and montages on TikTok made me laugh. When you do something, it becomes something totally different once people watch it and take ownership of it. I feel closer to a lot of people because of that. And then, I was a fan, I know this feeling that I have the chance to experience in the other direction.
We filmed during the pandemic, I was, like many actors, far from home, the bonds that we forged, the sharing of their expertise and their passion, that is what is most precious to my eyes. »
After the success of season 1, do we have less pressure in season 2?
To be honest, it changes from day to day! Some scenes are more difficult than others, and sometimes some scenes that seemed easy end up being so. What is different is that it feels like going back to school after the summer holidays. What’s nice is that I know my character better.
What can you say about your character in this season 2?
I’m afraid to say too much! Let’s say she feels like she was wrong. When we admit we were wrong, it changes the way you see yourself and how you see others. I think she’s becoming more forgiving, to herself and to others.
Apart from Cate Blanchett, are there any other actresses who inspire you?
Sarah Michelle Gellar was a big influence. I was so disappointed that she hadn’t arrived in Cannes yet! I loved buffy the vampire slayer. I’ve always liked powerful women. I watched recently The English with Emily Blunt. She also plays a strange and powerful woman there.
Your Galadriel is in a way the Buffy of today…
I take that as a huge compliment! It’s interesting to compare her to Buffy, there’s a part of her that craves power. That’s what makes it both interesting and sometimes scary.
Do you have time to participate in other projects?
Yes. A large part of rings of power concerns post-production, so there is a big break between each season. I’m really happy to be able to devote myself to smaller-scale projects. After the shooting is over, I’m going to shoot Hamlet and I hope to have the opportunity to do the stage again, because I miss it.
What other roles do you dream of playing?
I love costume dramas. I grew up with Jane Austen… If I have the opportunity to play in a period drama, I would be delighted! I don’t really have any specific ideas about what I want to do. I also like being surprised when I receive a script, telling myself that I would never have thought of this character being offered to me. I really like this aspect of the job. And I also like to play weird little clocks. (Laughs)
Would you like to go behind the camera?
I don’t have a burning desire to do that. I love working with writers and directors, but the more I see them working, the more I tell myself that I couldn’t do this. I like to be the receptacle of someone’s ideas. I also like to hide behind the characters I play, because when you write, you really reveal yourself.
Galadriel’s character is iconic. Aren’t you afraid that you will only be considered for this role until the end of your career?
I just feel very grateful. I still can’t believe I can make a living from this job. Maybe I reached my peak with this role, but it’s already more than anything I could have imagined! So, even if I’m told about it for a very long time, it would make sense to me!