Anthony Boyle delivers a captivating performance as Arthur Guinness in Netflix’s ‘House of Guinness,’ a historical drama about the heirs to the iconic Irish brewing empire. In a recent interview, Boyle delves into the complexities of portraying a character steeped in history, while also navigating personal demons and societal expectations. Boyle’s commitment to authenticity shines through, whether he’s discussing Arthur’s sexuality, the nuances of his relationships, or the surprising story behind that magnificent mustache. This article explores Boyle’s insights on bringing Arthur Guinness to life, his approach to tackling challenging scenes, and his deep connection to Irish history and culture.
Embracing Irish History and Heritage
Boyle expresses immense pride in being part of a moment where Irish artists are making a significant impact on the global stage. He feels blessed to play characters that connect him to his heritage. Comparing his roles in ‘House of Guinness’ and ‘Say Nothing,’ Boyle notes the vast differences between Arthur Guinness and Brendan Hughes, despite both sharing an actor and a mustache. He envisions a scene where the two characters meet, sharing Guinness and debating Irish politics, highlighting his deep engagement with Irish identity.
‘I’m so proud to be from that country. We’re such a small nation, and we punch above our weight in sport, in literature, in art, in acting, in music.’
Portraying Arthur Guinness: Research and Interpretation
Boyle discusses the challenges of portraying a historical figure like Arthur Guinness, whose personal life is somewhat obscured by the passage of time. He emphasizes the importance of not shying away from Arthur’s sexuality, stating that to ignore it would be a disservice to history. Boyle credits Steven Knight, the show’s writer, for their shared vision of portraying Arthur with pride, seeing him as a man ahead of his time. He notes that historical figures have always been diverse, and it’s crucial to recognize and include these stories in historical narratives.
Navigating Complex Relationships
Boyle reveals his unique approach to portraying Arthur’s relationships, particularly with his wife, Lady Olivia Hedges (Danielle Galligan), and Sean Rafferty (James Norton). He avoids pre-defining these relationships, preferring to explore the complexities and contradictions in the moment. With Danielle Galligan, Boyle sought to create a messy, unlabeled dynamic, allowing the directors to sculpt the relationship in the edit. He aimed to portray a range of emotions, from love to hate, to capture the nuanced reality of human connections.
Crafting Sibling Dynamics
Boyle discusses how he approached Arthur’s relationships with each of his siblings, aiming for distinct dynamics. He envisioned a softness and protective quality with his sister, Anne (Emily Fairn). With his younger brother, Benjamin (Fionn O’Shea), Boyle imagined a history of bullying, creating a palpable tension. Arthur’s relationship with Edward (Louis Partridge) was built on the idea of reconnecting after a period of separation, mirroring Boyle’s own experience with his younger sister. He wanted their interactions to reflect the physicality and emotional volatility of brotherly bonds.
Confronting Irish Republicanism and Symbolism
Boyle unpacks the scene where Arthur clashes with Edward over the proposal to brand Guinness with a harp, a symbol associated with Irish nationalism. He explains that Arthur’s explosive reaction stems from his deep-seated emotions and the external pressures he faces from the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB). He views Edward’s actions as appeasing the IRB, which Arthur sees as a betrayal of his family name and legacy. This scene underscores Arthur’s complex relationship with Irish identity and his fierce protection of the Guinness brand.
The Iconic Mustache: Power and Unkemptness
Boyle shares the amusing story behind Arthur’s impressive mustache. He recalls being inspired by a photograph of Arthur with a jaunty hat and a severe look, emphasizing the mustache’s power and unkemptness. He affectionately recounts his experience with his makeup artist, Konnie Daniel, and her daily application of “The Gentleman’s Stiffener.” Boyle’s enthusiasm for the ‘tache is palpable, and he hopes for a second season to revisit the iconic facial hair.
Full-Frontal Scene: A Power Move
Boyle discusses the full-frontal scene in episode 3, explaining that it was his idea to have Arthur emerge naked from a bath. He saw it as a way to convey Arthur’s dominance and disregard for social conventions. Boyle wanted to show Arthur’s ownership of his world, using his body to assert his power over the servants. He emphasizes that he approaches each character as a living, breathing human being, regardless of the historical context.
A Genuine Guinness Drinker
Boyle reveals that he is genuinely a Guinness drinker, dispelling any notion that it’s just for show. He shares fond memories of drinking Guinness with his granddad and family in Belfast, describing it as a great pint. He concludes the interview by humorously acknowledging the presence of Netflix representatives, assuring them that his love for Guinness is authentic.
Final Thoughts: Bringing History to Life
Anthony Boyle’s portrayal of Arthur Guinness is a testament to his dedication to bringing historical figures to life with authenticity and nuance. From embracing Arthur’s sexuality to crafting complex relationships and sporting a magnificent mustache, Boyle immersed himself in the role. His insights into Irish history, family dynamics, and the challenges of portraying a man ahead of his time make ‘House of Guinness’ a compelling drama. As Boyle encourages, be bold and grow the ‘tache, and perhaps a second season will bring Arthur Guinness back to our screens.
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