James Hawes: From Television Director to Feature Filmmaker with The Amateur
For over twenty years, James Hawes has been a discreet yet highly influential director within the television industry. His exceptional talent for genre storytelling was evident in the first season of Slow Horses, starring Gary Oldman, where he enriched the familiar spy thriller genre with unexpected elements. Now, his directorial expertise transitions to the silver screen with his second feature film, The Amateur, featuring Academy Award winner Rami Malek.
An Intriguing Spy Thriller
Hawes delivers a refined cinematic experience reminiscent of popular spy franchises like Jason Bourne and Jack Ryan, but centers on Charlie Heller (played by Malek), a seemingly underestimated CIA analyst thrust into the field following a personal tragedy. Adapted from Robert Littell’s 1981 novel, the film follows Charlie’s relentless quest around the globe to track down the terrorists responsible for his wife Sarah’s (Rachel Brosnahan) death.
While The Amateur shares thematic elements with its source material, it carves a unique path, providing a refreshing alternative to the wave of recent revenge-driven narratives seen in films featuring John Wick and The Equalizer.
A Complex Character Journey
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hawes expressed his intentions behind Charlie Heller’s character development: “I’d like to think what audiences appreciate about this movie is that we didn’t turn Charlie Heller into Jason Bourne. He must rely on his intellect and his ability to outsmart his environment, which creates an intriguing moral complexity.”
Upcoming Projects: Lanterns at DC Studios
In addition to The Amateur, Hawes is set to embark on another notable project: DC Studios’ upcoming series, Lanterns. Collaborating with a powerhouse team, including showrunner Chris Mundy and executive producers Tom King and Damon Lindelof, the show aims to capture audiences’ imaginations through its interstellar buddy cop narrative. Hawes acknowledges the comparisons drawn between Lanterns and the acclaimed series True Detective, yet distinguishes their differences:
“It looks and feels rooted. You meet two guys [Hal Jordan and John Stewart], but there’s a humor and camaraderie that sets it apart from True Detective.”
Exploring Themes of Justice and Loss
During a recent discussion with THR, Hawes explored the philosophical undertones of The Amateur, particularly the intricate relationship between justice and revenge. “Charlie’s journey is not simply about vengeance; it raises profound questions about grief and moral ambiguity,” he said. The film poignantly captures the silences that linger after tragedy, emphasizing how loss permeates every decision.
Challenges and Triumphs in Filmmaking
Reflecting on his transition from television to film, Hawes acknowledged the complexities involved in maintaining tone throughout a project. He stated:
“Tone is everything. In Slow Horses, we negotiated danger and humor, and similarly, The Amateur required a careful balance between dark themes and character-driven storytelling.”
The Emotional Weight of The Amateur
Hawes was intentional about consistently reminding the audience of Charlie’s profound loss, utilizing varied storytelling devices like flashbacks and intimate moments to portray grief authentically. “In shaping Charlie’s narrative, we wanted to depict the deep-rooted impact of his wife’s absence,” he recounted.
Future Endeavors
As he looks to the horizon, Hawes expressed his need for a brief respite after back-to-back projects but is already cultivating ideas for future film and television endeavors. “I’ve been fortunate to have consecutively rewarding jobs, but I’m eager for a moment of reflection,” he concluded.
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The Amateur is currently playing in theaters nationwide.