Purity in
Artistic
Research
Edward Bluemel
There are few essential things that a human being may need, yet we know that in today’s society we are overwhelmed by many more physical and mental needs that project our horizons towards a constant sunset of worries and questions. We often need to take back our own self and our alter ego, control our choices about where to spend our time and how much energy to invest, and finally to make space for our dreams and ideas.
Purity in
Artistic
Research
We met Edward Bluemel, one of the promising British actors that recently entered the world of theater and cinema. You may have seen him in TV shows like Killing Eve and Sex Education, or in the movie The Commuter.
What is the meaning of essentialism for someone who plays a character? What happens in one’s personal life once the curtain falls?
△ What does it mean for you to act? What does it mean to be another you?
For me, acting simply means venting and escaping from the real world. It also works in different situations and on many levels. For example, it can mean to re-enact a discussion I had during the day that did not go as planned while I’m in the shower, or to imagine being on a Hollywood movie set. I think that everyone needs to vent this way and to be allowed to succumb to surrealism every once in a while. I’m very lucky since I am allowed this kind of imagination and thought as part of my job.
△ You have worked for cinema, television and theater. Which one do you prefer?
That’s a very hard question, since there are a lot of differences between these environments. On one side, I think the theater is wonderful, as this is where I started my career and I got a better idea of who I was and what I wanted to do. I like to be in front of an audience. On the other hand, ironically cinema and television allow a much more intimate relationship with the viewers, even though they are not in the same room where I am acting.
△ Speaking of fundamental needs, I would like to know if acting is a form of artistic expression you could never live without.
I think I could live without it. I don’t know how I could pay the rent, but I think I would make a living from art. I like to think that, as a person, my character would not change even if I would not be expressing myself artistically through acting on a stage or a movie set. Even in the most difficult times, everyone finds something that helps them to be creative. Who knows, maybe if I were not an actor I would have been a violin player or a dancer, or something like that.
△ How did you become an actor?
When I was eleven, I already had the feeling that I wasn’t good at anything but acting. There was an odd series of events in my life: there was a persistent and unrelenting voice inside my head as a child, and I received compliments from my parents and teachers that were potentially underestimated.
△ Did the support from your family play an important role in your choices?
I feel very lucky, because my family always let me choose the career path that I wanted. They were always very realistic about how acting was hard, but they were also willing to support me. This was very important, because it meant that I always had the help I needed to try a career in a field where you are never sure you can make it; actually many people give up because there’s fierce competition. My brother suddenly left his job as a corporate lawyer to become a pastor, so I can say that my parents are not demanding or “choosy” when it comes to unconventional career choices.
△ What’s your favorite part of your job?
The answer seems easy, but I like it when the audience audibly reacts to the story you are telling on stage. Whether with a laugh, a gasp or a moment of embarrassment, this always strikes me in a good way,
△ How would you describe your previous acting experience? What’s your favorite character among those you played on TV?
I have always been very lucky since the beginning of my acting career. I have always taken part in wonderful shows. I would describe it as a very steep learning curve that I’m very happy to try and climb. I had a great time in working on the second season of Killing Eve, produced by BBC and recently broadcasted: I loved working on my character, Hugo, a very intelligent and sharp guy, one that always keeps his cool. Having said that, his unpredictable nature also means that he capable of surprises, which adds an extra touch.
△ You belong to the new generation of British actors. What would you suggest to a young actor?
Get ready to answer questions from people like “How can you remember all those lines?”.
△ What are you currently working on?
I’m currently enjoying lazing about, as I have no new engagements, so I’m concentrating on myself and on other projects, like becoming the absolute Mario Kart King in my house (he laughs, ed.). I’m making slow but constant progress.
△ Do you ever feel like you need a break from social life and social media? Like going somewhere else and taking a moment just for yourself…
Of course. Being completely disconnected is a really rare gift in the world we live in, so I try not to underestimate its importance. Sometimes I would like to throw my smartphone into the abyss and go back to my old Nokia. But I also love company, so it’s nice to have a group chat on WhatsApp to talk with friends when we feel a little lonely. However, I try not to rely too much on these things. Recently I dropped my smartphone in the toilet (a classic) and I was surprised to realize that it was nice to be unreachable.
△ If you were not an actor, what would your ideal job be? Do you have any big passions or hobbies?
I would like to manage a small seafood restaurant together with my best friend, one of those restaurants where the fish is freshly caught, on the same day you cook it. We are “the odd couple”: he’s a great cook and I have a odd passion for lobster, so we would match perfectly. As you can imagine, seafood and fresh ingredients always need to be high quality, so there is a lot at stake.
△ Have you ever considered moving to the United States?
No, not really. I like it where I am in South London. Recently I desperately fell in love with my non-league local football team, Tooting & Mitcham FC, and the thought of leaving them to follow the American dream makes me cringe.
