Alan Rickman talks Severus Snape

[Matilda]

Part of an interview in which Alan Rickman discusses his approach to the character of Severus Snape:

And for those who are interested, here is a link to the full interview, in which he talks about RADA, Shakespeare, Broadway, Ang Lee, and much more:

http://new.livestream.com/nytimes/events/694/videos/76749

[Myrina]

1. His enunciation and overall Snape-vibe was AMAZING.

Rickman has created one of the most memorable movie characters of all time, IMO.

[VWolf]

3. I agree. It started with his

"up to something" line in Sorcerer's Stone and went on from there.

[Matilda]

6. I was so interested to hear that Snape's buttons were his idea.

Many actors find their character through something external - an item of clothing, a prop, particular makeup, and work inwards from there. Snape's buttons are so much of a part of him that if Rowling ever wrote a Snape-centred story, I think she'd have to include the buttons.

[emmadoggy]

9. I completely agree.

I said it down-thread, but he was perfection in that role. We are huge HP fans in my house, and I adore the books. Rickman embodied that role in a way that I'm not sure anyone else could have. He was incredibly true to the character as he was in the books.

Of course, Rickman is wonderful in all his roles.

[LWolf]

2. Thanks for the link to the full length interview;

it was worth the time.

[chervilant]

4. Such a gifted thespian!

Loved him in Bottle Shock, too. (another guilty pleasure: over the top, campy Die Hard.)

[chalky]

5. LOVED him in Bottle Shock. But then, I've had a crush on him since Truly Madly Deeply.

n/t

[catchnrelease]

7. Ahhh!

I can almost start crying just thinking about TMD. It's a running joke between my daughter and I. Such a sweet story.

I think Rickman is good in most everything he does. Another good one, actually the movie is not so great, but I love watching AR in Costner's Robin Hood movie. Talk about chewing the scenery! He was so over the top campy as the Sheriff of Nottingham, it's almost worth watching just for that.

Thanks for the link to the video, will definitely watch.

[emmadoggy]

10. He is a scene-stealer in every movie he does!

I also enjoyed him in Bottle Shock. And loved him in Love Actually. But he has a knack for the really fun, juicy bad guy roles like Snape, Hans Gruber in Die Hard, Marston in Quigly Down Under, the sheriff in Robin Hood etc.

He is always just so fun and enjoyable to watch. Love him.

[emmadoggy]

8. He is just so wonderful. Love him.

And he was absolute PERFECTION as Snape.

Thanks for sharing this video!