Summary
Matt Smithhas long been a hidden gem.
Correction: he’s a not-so hidden gem for fans of a certain British sci-fi series.
Now 40 years old,Smith marked his post-Whocareer with fascinating role choicesthat proved him a consistently intuitive performer.
Image by Jefferson Chacon
Yes,Morbius’s extravagant vampire villaincounts.
He twists his lines into unique side alleys and his loaded glances slice as sharp as Valyrian steel.
Among this actor’s many natural gifts is one for insightful improvisation.
The reign of House Targaryen begins with this prequel to the popular HBO seriesGame of Thrones.Based on George R.R. Martin’sFire & Blood,House of the Dragonis set nearly 200 years beforeGame of Thrones, telling the story of the Targaryen civil war with King Viserys.
Such a melancholy act involves a bitter reunion withher former childhood friend-turned-tormenterQueen Alicent (Olivia Cooke).
Then there are the accusations calling her sons' legitimacy into question.
Facing such opposition, Rhaenyra begs her father for help.
Viserys is so ill that it’s impossible to tell if he heard her pleas.
The scene starts as Rhaenyra’s and ends as Viserys'.
Enter Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen.
We didn’t stop [filming].
There was a discovery there of this moment.
Writer/director Martin McDonagh certainly knows how to make a statement.
Image via HBO
The slow-motion movement and panning camera escalate the scene’s tension and narrow its focus.
The moment is intimate and private,Daemon taking his wife’s handand turning their faces from view.
After the tumultuous finale aired,D’Arcy praised Smith’s contributions toGQ.
It was a sublime choice, and I could see it instantly."
Thankfully,Ryan Corr, who played Harwin Strong,spilled the tea toAccessReel.
“Smith was supposed to stride to his family’s table without a word.
Image via HBO
And [the guard’s actor] didn’t know what to do.
And [Smith] said, ‘Say my name.’
[…] I get goosebumps thinking about it.
I sat there watching that and go, oh, that’s why you’re Matt Smith.
That’s why you’re free to play Daemon Targaryen.”
The aired scene plays out according to planand works.
All Matt Smith needs to carry a room as Daemon is his cavalier swagger and dangerously brazen grin.
After all,Matt Smith’s insights birthedHouse of the Dragon’s best scenes.
Certainly not the episodes that spawned a thousand gifs and thinkpieces.
The results are massive testaments to Smith’s process andprove how those unplanned accidents became lightning in a bottle.
Improvisation is an art form, and Matt Smith holds the keys to that particular kingdom.
