by Tom Hiddleston’s Love Affair with Crimson Peak
Since its release in 2015, Tom Hiddleston has been one of the most vocal champions of Guillermo del Toro’s Gothic romance/horror film Crimson Peak. While promoting the movie on its press tour, Hiddleston expressed great admiration and affection for the project. Even years later, he still talks about it glowingly in interviews. But what is it about this film in particular that resonated so deeply with the acclaimed British actor? Let’s take a closer look at some possible factors that contributed to Hiddleston’s enduring love for Crimson Peak.
Genre and Director
First and foremost, Hiddleston is clearly a fan of Guillermo del Toro’s signature blend of Gothic storytelling and fantastical visuals. Del Toro has established himself as a modern master of dark fairy tales and macabre fables, with films like Pan’s Labyrinth, The Devil’s Backbone, and Hellboy. Working in the horror/romance genre with a director of del Toro’s caliber must have been tremendously appealing for Hiddleston.
Del Toro has said that Crimson Peak was directly inspired by classic Gothic novels and Hammer Horror films from the 1960s-70s. This plays right into Hiddleston’s strengths – he excels at bringing period dramas and literary adaptations to life. The lush, Gothic atmosphere and sensuality of Crimson Peak also allowed Hiddleston to flex his dramatic muscles in a more emotionally complex role than his Marvel movies. Working with an auteur like del Toro to craft a lush, Gothic ghost story was surely a dream project for the actor.
Character Complexity
At the heart of Hiddleston’s enthusiasm seems to be his role as Thomas Sharpe, the mysterious baronet with dark secrets lurking beneath the surface. Hiddleston has said that Sharpe was one of his favorite characters he’s ever played. As an actor, complex, layered characters that require nuanced performances are always more engaging than one-dimensional parts.
Thomas Sharpe is an enigma – charming on the outside but hiding a monstrous inner life. Peeling back the façade to reveal his true nature over the course of the film must have been tremendously satisfying for Hiddleston as an actor. He relished the challenge of making Sharpe’s villainy understandable, if not sympathetic. Hiddleston also appreciated del Toro’s focus on psychological and emotional horror rather than gore or jump scares. It allowed him to craft a subtly unsettling performance.
Collaboration with Fellow Actors
Another factor that likely contributed to Hiddleston’s love of Crimson Peak was the opportunity to work closely again with Mia Wasikowska, with whom he had great on-screen chemistry in Only Lovers Left Alive. Building rapport with a fellow actor through multiple collaborations can enhance performances tremendously. Hiddleston and Wasikowska seem to bring out the best in each other.
Hiddleston also sang Wasikowska’s praises in interviews, calling her one of the most talented actresses of her generation. Having someone of her caliber as a scene partner surely elevated his own work. The comfort of working with a friend also likely made the filming process more enjoyable. Both Hiddleston and Wasikowska remain effusive in their praise of each other to this day. Strong personal and professional relationships between actors can be rare in Hollywood – so finding that kind of kinship must be deeply meaningful.
Critical Reception
While Crimson Peak did not perform well at the box office, it was well-received by critics upon release. Reviews lauded the lavish production design, gorgeous costumes, and deliciously creepy atmosphere. But they also took notice of the nuanced lead performances by Hiddleston, Wasikowska, and Jessica Chastain. Positive feedback from critics likely gave Hiddleston a sense of pride in his work on the film.
Even if a movie isn’t a commercial smash, critical acclaim still validates an actor’s efforts. It suggests they successfully realized the director’s vision and engaged audiences, even if the general public didn’t ultimately flock to the theater. Hiddleston seems like the kind of artist who finds deeper satisfaction in respect from his peers than box office numbers alone. So the largely positive reviews of Crimson Peak likely only enhanced his affection for the film in retrospect.
Lasting Fondness
In interviews years after Crimson Peak’s release, Hiddleston continues to gush about his experience making the film. He still speaks of Thomas Sharpe as one of his most complex and compelling roles to date. Clearly the project had a profound impact on him that has endured.
For an actor, playing a role they connect with on a deep level can be intensely gratifying. When those kinds of artistic experiences align with positive critical reception and collaborating with fellow artists they admire, it’s no wonder Hiddleston looks back on Crimson Peak with such sincere fondness. Great films often leave a lasting impression, and this one seems to have truly burrowed its way into Hiddleston’s heart. His effusive praise is a testament to the magic del Toro and company were able to conjure up.
So while Hiddleston may never explicitly state his “reasons” for loving Crimson Peak, examining the elements of genre, director, character, collaboration and reception provide clues to his enduring affinity. At its core, it was simply a creatively fulfilling project that allowed Hiddleston to stretch himself as an actor. Working with a visionary like del Toro in the realm of Gothic horror clearly sparked Hiddleston’s passion. And that passion still burns brightly years later – a true sign of an artist’s deep appreciation for a special film that left its mark.
