Jack O’Connell on His Role as Irish Vampire Remmick in Sinners
Sinners, the Southern Gothic horror film directed by Ryan Coogler, has taken the box office by storm, with its unique blend of action, horror, and music. One of the standout performances comes from Jack O’Connell, who plays the charismatic Irish vampire Remmick. In an interview with W Magazine, O’Connell discussed his role in the film, working with Coogler, and his experiences preparing for the iconic Irish dance scene.
According to W Magazine, for the first hour of Sinners, the film’s genre and tone are expertly crafted to transport viewers to 1932 Mississippi. It is here that O’Connell’s character, Remmick, makes his presence known, bringing with him a sense of foreboding and unease. As W Magazine notes, O’Connell’s portrayal of Remmick is multifaceted, offering a false but alluring post-racial utopia to the film’s characters.
O’Connell’s preparation for the role was extensive, with the actor drawing on his own Irish heritage to bring depth to the character. As he told W Magazine, "Instantly, you could tell that Remmick was very well-written, with a lot of depth… When you’re offered that, it’s a great starting point." The actor’s connection to his character was further solidified by his experience with Irish dance, which plays a pivotal role in the film.
The dance scene, set to the classic 19th-century folk song "Rocky Road to Dublin," was one of the first things O’Connell began preparing for, as he revealed to W Magazine. The actor teamed up with Angela O’Connor from the Academy of Irish Dance in London to perfect the choreography. The day of the shoot was a memorable one, with O’Connell describing it as a "really transcendental experience."
O’Connell also discussed his approach to playing a character who could be seen as a metaphor for cultural appropriation and exploitation. As W Magazine reports, the actor took Ryan Coogler’s lead, suggesting that any interpretation of the character is ultimately up to the viewer.
In addition to his work on Sinners, O’Connell has a number of upcoming projects, including the horror films 28 Years Later and its sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. As W Magazine notes, the actor is drawn to the horror genre due to the talented filmmakers he has had the opportunity to work with, including Coogler, Danny Boyle, and Nia DaCosta.
The success of Sinners is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its cast and crew. As O’Connell told W Magazine, "It’s massively rewarding to think that it’s gone down how we’d hoped… Ryan Coogler is just a fucking brilliant filmmaker, so I’m just buzzing for everyone—but mainly for Ryan."
The film’s exploration of Black American music and its ties to other cultures was also a topic of discussion with O’Connell. As W Magazine reports, the actor and Coogler spoke at length about the sharing of ancient cultures and customs, and the migration of people and traditions.
In his conversation with W Magazine, O’Connell also touched on the prosthetics and makeup he wore for the film, which he found helped him get into character. The application process was lengthy, but ultimately rewarding, allowing him to tap into the character’s nuances.
As the interview with W Magazine came to a close, it was clear that Jack O’Connell’s performance in Sinners is just the beginning of a exciting new chapter in his career. With a range of upcoming projects and a proven track record of working with talented directors, O’Connell is sure to continue making waves in the film industry.
Source: W Magazine – Jack O’Connell on His Role as Irish Vampire Remmick in Sinners
