Helen Mirren: I didn’t like original Arthur
Helen Mirren The actress, who stars in the 2011 remake of the film, found the concept of the main character’s addiction to alcohol uncomfortable.
While the original Arthur portrayed by Dudley Moore was a happy, yet undeniably alcohol dependent drunk, in the new version starring Russell Brand the character tackles his issues by attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
“I’ve seen the original. I didn’t like it. I thought the cast were great but I didn’t like the idea of the alcoholic,” she said.
However, the 65-year-old was full of praise for the original cast and even called John Gielgud, who played her role as Arthur’s loyal assistant in the 1981 movie, an inspiration.
Helen compared their acting careers and explained why she sees similarities between herself and the actor.
“My career hasn’t paralleled John Gielgud, but he was always my inspiration. He always took edgy choices. That inspired me,” she explained to BBC.
The Oscar winner also gushed about her co-star Russell Brand, praising him for his talent and charismatic personality.
The pair have struck up an unlikely friendship since starring together in the modern remake of Shakespeare’s The Tempest and, after that, Arthur.
“He’s fantastic to work with. All the time funny. Very brilliant. I spent most of my time with him laughing and being charmed,” she said. “He gave me his underpants at the end of The Tempest. I felt like a pathetic little groupie.”