Everyone’s their own worst critic. People can take you down as many pegs as they please, but it’s nothing compared to when you’re alone, chastising yourself for mistakes made or actions you regret. Gary Oldman knows this, and perhaps that’s why he’s saying the quiet part out loud in a new interview with Josh Horowitz on the latest Happy Sad Confused podcast. During their chin wag, Oldman told Horowitz he thinks his performance as Sirius Black in the Harry Potter film franchise is “mediocre.” Oldman cites ill preparation for what he believes is an underwhelming performance despite hordes of Potterheads loving his portrayal of the wizard criminal turned hero.
Oldman debuted as Sirius Black in 2004’s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, aka my favorite Harry Potter film in the series.
“I think my work is mediocre in it,” says Oldman. “No, I do. Maybe if I had read the books like Alan, if I had got ahead of the curve, if I had known what’s coming, I honestly think I would have played it differently.”
While Oldman’s assessment could seem harsh, he’s often self-critical, even at the best of times. Admitting to finding flaws in numerous performances, Oldman told Horowitz, “I’ll tell you what it is,” he says. “It’s like anything if I sat and watched myself in something and said, ‘My god, I’m amazing,’ that would be a very sad day because you want to make the next thing better.”
What do you think about Oldman’s performance as Sirius Black? I feel as if he did a fine job. Then again, it’s been ages since I’ve watched any Harry Potter films. Unlike Oldman, I did read the books, and I remember thinking he embodied the character well. Sirius Black becomes an essential figure in Harry’s life after revealing the truth about his wrongful imprisonment. Despite limited screen time, Oldman gives the character a satisfying redemption arc. Only some actors can rise to that kind of challenge. Perhaps Oldman will one day make his peace with performances he feels are lacking, and he’ll realize how much magic he’s brought to the silver screen repeatedly.