In response to those defenders of Jonathan Rhys-Meyers' portrayal of George Minafer in A&E's "Magnificent Ambersons", I can only say that watching JRM in this role is just plain painful. I suppose the director gets to share responsibility with his leading man, but at what point do we just chalk this up to a bad job? All actors and actresses have "off" films. Perhaps this is that "bad day at the office" for JRM. What he's done before, or will do in the future has little bearing here. This role calls for a subtlety that did not show up in Rhys-Meyers' performance. Calling this an "interpretation" makes intelligent film lovers scratch their heads; and I believe even the professional critics had problems with this bizarre display. This "Ambersons" is destined for the ash heap, unfortunately.
Review of The Magnificent Ambersons
The Magnificent Ambersons
(2002 TV Movie)
Jonathan Rhys-Meyers' portrayal of George Minafer
4 February 2002