And there you have it: the first look at Tom Hiddleston in the biopic I SAW THE LIGHT. Hiddleston plays the iconic country music singer Hank Williams in the film that also co-stars Elizabeth Olsen, Cherry Jones, David Krumholtz, and Bradley Whitford. Music biopics have always held a special place in Hollywood and have often become awards fodder for the actors taking on the roles.
There is a thin line between physically looking like a famous musician and actually lending some acting talent to the performance. Sometimes, the physical side can overshadow the entire film (RAY) while other times the actor plays the character without having to look exactly like the person (WALK THE LINE). Here, Hiddleston is a dead ringer for Williams.
I SAW THE LIGHT, the story of the legendary country western singer Hank Williams, who in his brief life created one of the greatest bodies of work in American music. The film chronicles his meteoric rise to fame and its ultimately tragic effect on his health and personal life.
Tom Hiddleston has been synonymous with Loki that it is exciting to see him outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. When CRIMSON PEAK opens later this year, he will get a chance to play a period leading man but I SAW THE LIGHT may finally be his chance for critical acclaim in the United States. I just hope the performance lives up to the physical transformation.
I SAW THE LIGHT hits theaters in limited release on November 27th.