Harry Melling
Harry Melling is an English actor best known for his roles as Dudley Dursley in the “Harry Potter” film series. Recently he played Harry Beltik, a state champion chess player in “The Queen’s Gambit” alongside Anya Taylor-Joy. He will also play Malcolm in “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” directed by Joel Coen.
Jumpsuit by Helen Anthony
Hat by Anciela
What pushed you into acting, and what is your first memory of being in front of the camera? Do you remember the feeling you had?
I always knew I wanted to do it. There was never a moment of questioning that instinct. I guess I was my own pushy parent, pushing myself. My first love was theatre, I would try and see everything. Oftentimes sneaking into some grotty London Pub (not for the drinking) but to watch the new obscure play in its downstairs theatre. I think it's the transformation of it all that is what appealed to me. When it works you're transported somewhere else, both in the doing and the watching it; it's magic. Nice Segway to Harry Potter. Sometimes looking back feels like watching a fuzzy old VHS home recording. I remember being amazed at the sheer number of people working behind the scenes. From the set makers to the sound department, to the camera op's, everyone pulled together to make this fantastical world come to life.
How was it filming the Queen’s Gambit, and what did you enjoy the most? Were you expecting it to become critically acclaimed?
I don’t think anyone anticipated the success of ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. Whenever I mentioned with much enthusiasm that it was about ‘chess’, faces would ever so slightly drop. Oh, little did they know! I think it’s all down to Scott Frank’s (writer/director) genius. He's a master storyteller. And the cast he managed to pull together was just outrageously good. I'm so fortunate to be amongst them.
What was your favorite part about playing Harry Beltik, and did you have to learn chess for the role?
My chess knowledge was non-existent. I knew nothing, so had to study up. We had this brilliant chess expert called Bruce Pandolfini, who was invaluable. He was especially good at allowing you to build certain character traits or ticks into your game; the manner in which you would move pieces, tap the clock, etc. All that early work, in a very unexpected way, informed certain character choices even when it came to non-chess scenes. And the thing I most enjoyed about Harry Beltik (besides his first name) was the journey he goes on throughout the series. The gentle shifts in him as he comes to terms with what he wants from life. Much like a game of chess, his relationship with Beth is in constant flux; two moves that way, one step back, stuck second guessing certain advances. Those scenes were fun to play out.
Left:
Jumpsuit by Helen Anthony
Shoes by Christoph Ritter Studio
Hat by Anciela
Right:
Top by Linus Leonardsson
Hat by Jonny Beardsall
Tell us more about The Tragedy of Macbeth and Please Baby Please. What are you looking forward to?
I don't want to give too much away. Personally, I hate spoilers. What I will say is that working with Joel Coen again was such an honor. I grew up idolizing the Coen Brothers and so getting to work with them on 'The Ballad of Buster Scruggs' and then 'The Tragedy of Macbeth' were two of the most special experiences I think I will ever have as an actor. Their kindness, humor, and artistry overwhelm you. And as for 'Please Baby Please' it was such an original, exciting, unique script. I knew the second I read it that I had to be involved in any way that I could. Writer/ director Amanda Kramer is a genius, and I want to work with her again and again. I’ve made it clear I will drop anything to be a part of her work.
How do you prepare for a role, and could you walk us through your process?
I like to think each role takes on a different process. I try to be as intuitive as I can and engage each project individually. I’m sure there are crossovers, sometimes you find certain things you worked on creeping into other performances. The general rule for me is that it always starts with the script and you slowly build from there. Some of your ideas work and others don't quite come through, but even those disregarded ones have still gained you a greater understanding of what you're trying to achieve when you come to the set.
Left:
Top by Christoph Ritter Studio
Hat by Linus Leonardssen
Right:
Coat by Helen Anthony
Crown by RYSIA PIERZCHALA
If you could choose, what three actors would you want to work with one day?
There are so many actors that I would like to work with! Too many! I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with such greats already. I would feel nervous about naming names. Maybe that's something to do with tempting fate, who knows? For me there are many lists: director lists, cinematographer lists, and so on.
Of all the characters you have played so far, who did you relate the most to, and why?
I think you relate to all your characters on some level. There is always some version of you in there, even the really appalling ones. That's part of the joy of acting, engaging with an aspect of yourself that isn't necessarily on display. And with that comes the potential to surprise an audience, which is probably an actor's greatest weapon.
Left:
Shirt by Scotch & Soda
Scarf by Shaku
Right:
Shirt by La Boutique
Hat by Agnė Kuzmickaitė
What’s been your favorite part about acting?
I think it’s the various things you learn along the way. I had to do this show with a satanic sock puppet named Tyrone once ('Hand To God'). I had never done any puppetry before and thought the creatives were taking a mad risk casting me. But after four months of puppetry every day, I felt confident with it. You're always learning as an actor, which is something I really treasure about the job.
Do you ever see yourself behind the camera one day?
I certainly see myself penning something for the screen. And who knows if the right story came along then maybe direct. Saying that, I'm under no illusions about how hard it is. I'm in constant awe of directors and the focus and willpower it takes to build a film.
Left:
Jumpsuit by Helen Anthony
Hat by Anciela
Right:
Coat by Helen Anthony
Crown by RYSIA PIERZCHALA
Who’s someone you look up to in the industry, and what do you admire the most about that person?
I really admire people in the industry who are just doing their thing. They're not necessarily trying to conform to something expected, they do the work, and through collaboration follow their instincts.
If you weren’t an actor, what would you be doing?
I often think about this. I believe that as long as it involves some kind of 'making something', I'd be happy. I find great satisfaction in mending things or working out how things are put together, give me some Ikea flatpack furniture any day. The process of assembling something is what I enjoy, perhaps that's why acting is a good fit.
Left:
Shirt by La Boutique
Hat by Agnė Kuzmickaitė
Right:
Shirt by Scotch & Soda
Scarf by Shaku
CREW CREDITS:
Photographer: David Reiss
Talent: Harry Melling
Fashion Stylist: Krishan Parmer at Carol Hayes Management
Groomer: Alex Szabo at Carol Hayes Management using Drunk Elephant
Tearsheets: Caitriona Moran, Graphic Design, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Victoria Durant, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
