Rhys Ifans Movies
Welsh actor Rhys Ifans has not only one of the most distinctive names in the film industry but also one of its most idiosyncratic appearances. Tall, lanky, and snaggletoothed, Ifans can go from raving freak to persuasive romantic interest in less time than it takes to pronounce his name correctly.Ifans got his start acting in a number of Welsh language dramas and comedies, and he made his feature film debut in Anthony Hopkins' August (1996). The following year, he was part of one of the most successful films in Great Britain in 1997 when he starred in Twin Town. As one half of a set of twins (the other was played by his real-life brother, Llyr Evans), he played what was undoubtedly one of the most riveting and revolting characters to come into contact with film audiences in years. The film's success opened the way for more work, and the following year he did a complete about-face, appearing as the charmingly errant father of Catherine McCormack's young son in Dancing at Lughnasa.
The following year, Ifans rejected grooming and general communication skills to play the role that was to give him international recognition, starring as Hugh Grant's hygienically challenged roommate in the romantic comedy Notting Hill. Many a critic agreed that Ifans virtually stole the show from his better-known co-stars, and that same year he had a chance to prove himself further in such diverse features as Heart, a black comedy in which he played a writer; and Rancid Aluminum, in which he starred as a man forced into business with the Russian mafia after his father's death. Following an unlikely appearance as a football player in The Replacements (2000) and a turn as the son of Old Scratch in Little Nicky (2000), Ifans role as a socially challenged forest dweller turned opera loving socialite in the eccentric Human Nature provided audiences with abundant laughs and a further glimpse into the quirkiness of a truly unique actor.
Of course the ever eccentric Ifans was only warming up, and after supporting roles in such efforts as The 51st State, The Shipping News and Once Upon a Time in the Midlands fans once again took the lead in the 2003 comedy Donnie Deckchair. Cast as a man who'se desperate attempt to escape the monotony of suburban life includes a bundle of large helium balloons and a lightweight deck chair, Ifans charmed Australian audiences in the family friendly effort.
Outside of his film work, Ifans previously served as the lead singer of the band Super Furry Animals before they struck the big time in the late 1990s. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, All Movie Guide
- 1999
Strongly recalling the film noir feel and labyrinthine plot twists of The Usual Suspects (1995), this German production featuring an all-English cast is a madcap caper flick about a quartet of dull-witted would-be bank robbers. The film opens with the police surveying the bloody aftermath of a botched robbery. The sole survivor, Jo Simpson (Claire Skinner), is carted off not by the cops -- to the surprise of Inspector Badger (John Benfield) -- but by the ultra-secret Cyclops Institute, where she is interrogated. Piece by piece, the investigators learn about her three accomplices, Eddie (Rhys Ifans) and Ian (David Schneider), two young losers who were obsessed with becoming famous, and the older, more experienced con man Michael (John Hurt). The investigators also learn about the mysterious way in which the criminals get caught up in schemes not of their own making, by way of an anonymous package containing a videotape and blueprints of the bank. It is eventually revealed that Simpson's memory is not as reliable as it might appear. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Hurt, Rhys Ifans, (more)
In Janice Beard 45 WPM, an eccentric Scottish woman dives headfirst into London's work force, which may or may not be ready for her. Janice (Eileen Walsh) began dealing with an unusual home life from birth; her dad died of a heart attack as she was being born, sending her mother into a funk from which she's never quite recovered. At 23, Janice decides she needs to get a job to help pay for her mother's medical bills, so she puts together a resume and starts looking for work -- never mind that her c.v. is, for the most part, a pack of lies. Janice manages to flub her way into the typing pool of an auto company, where she unexpectedly becomes part of the office intrigues of Sean (Rhys Ifans), an ambitious office assistant. Patsy Kensit appears in a supporting role as Julia, a secretarial supervisor; Rhys Ifans would later appear in the Julia Roberts/Hugh Grant vehicle Notting Hill. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Eileen Walsh, Rhys Ifans, (more)
Irish director Pat O'Connor helmed this adaptation of Brian Friel's 1990 play which won three Tony awards in addition to UK Olivier and Evening Standard awards. Friel's portrait of five Irish sisters takes place in 1936 on a Donegal farm. The unmarried Mundy sisters are barely surviving. Middle-aged schoolteacher Kate (Meryl Streep) is the eldest, overseeing pretty Christina (Catherine McCormack), lively Maggie (Kathy Burke, re-creating her Tony award-winning role), reliable Agnes (Brid Brennan), and Rose (Sophie Thompson), who has a secret affair with a married man. Christina is the mother of eight-year-old Michael (Darrell Johnston), beneficiary of much attention from his four aunts. The story of a turning-point summer is told in retrospect by the adult Michael and begins when the sisters welcome their older brother Jack (Michael Gambon) as he returns home from missionary work in Africa. Michael's father Gerry Evans (Rhys Ifans) makes an unexpected arrival, winning back both Michael and mom before joining the International Brigade to fight Franco in Spain. Kate loses her teaching position, and the sister's income from their handwoven clothing is threatened by the announced opening of a woolens factory. Shown at 1998 fests (Venice, Toronto). ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Meryl Streep, Michael Gambon, (more)
- 1997
- NR
In British television writer-director Kevin Allen's feature film debut, the industrial town of Swansea, Wales, is viewed through the post-punk lens of disaffected youth. Lower-class, crude, drug-addled brothers Julian and Jeremy (played by real-life brothers Llyr Evans and Rhys Ifans), steal cars, smoke dope, and terrorize the town on their joy rides. They are thought to be twins but really aren't. Their father Fatty (Hugh Ceredig) is injured while working for corrupt contractor Bryn Cartwright (William Thomas). Jeremy and Julian want to be compensated with money for their dad's injuries, but Cartwright refuses. Posing as a respectable businessman, he is actually a drug trafficker in cahoots with two corrupt policemen, Greyo (Dorien Thomas) and Terry (Dougray Scott). Greyo is smitten with the brothers' sister, who is a prostitute. The "twins" go after Cartwright and his associates with a vengeance, inflicting sick brutalities on their pets and their families. ~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Llyr Evans, Rhys Ifans, (more)
- 1996
- PG
Anthony Hopkins made his directorial debut with this adaptation of Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, recasting the action in Hopkins' homeland of Wales. Ieuan Davies (Anthony Hopkins) has devoted most of his life to managing the estate of Professor Blathwaite (Leslie Phillips); while he's generally been content with his lot in life, lately Ieuan feels he's thrown away his existence and wishes he'd done something with himself. The Professor spends only the summer at his estate, and brings along his second wife, Helen (Kate Burton), whom Ieuan has long loved from afar; his frustrated love for her leads him to drink heavily and contemplate murder and suicide. Family friend Dr. Lloyd (Gawn Grainger) is also attracted to Helen, much to the dismay of Ieuan's niece, a plain woman in love with the good Doctor. In addition to directing and starring in August, Hopkins also composed the musical score. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Anthony Hopkins, Kate Burton, (more)
