Daniel Radcliffe Movies Retrospective: A Look at the Actor's Post-Harry Potter Roles
When an actor enters into Hollywood as a huge celebrity and in is featured in pure blockbusters, there is a sense that the actor will continue the trail as an A-Lister. However, Daniel Radcliffe seems to be the exception to the rule.
Before finishing the Harry Potter series, Radcliffe showcased some fine acting in the little-seen "December Boys." The actor attempted to create a new image for himself while he was filming the franchise, but the lack of promotion for the movie and the mixed reviews, did nothing for him.
Once Harry Potter was over in 2012, audiences questioned what Radcliffe would be doing after the mega blockbuster franchise. The only thing that was known was that Radcliffe wanted to leave Hogwarts forever.
His follow-up to the "Deathly Hallows" was a horror film entitled "The Woman in Black." The genre picture was well-received and it even obtained decent box office success.
However, since that film, the actor has chosen smaller and more intimate projects. His follow-up to the horror flick was the highly regarded independent film "Kill Your Darlings." In the movie, Radcliffe played the iconic author Allen Ginsberg and received rave reviews for his portrayal. It also challenged the actor in new ways as Radcliffe had some very difficult sex scenes.
"Kill Your Darlings" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and later went to the Venice Film Festival. While it did not live up to the promise of being an awards contender, the movie not only showed Radcliffe in a new light, but it completely changed his image.
Last year, while the actor promoted "Darlings," he also showcased other facets as an actor in two other films at the Toronto International Film Festival. Both those indie flicks are being released this year.
This week, the actor will be seen in the upcoming romantic comedy "What If," originally titled "The F Word." CBS films picked up the picture at Toronto after it premiered to rave reviews. The new flick tells the story of Wallace, who is burned out from a string of failed relationships. As a result, he forms an instant bond with Chantry, who lives with her longtime boyfriend. Together, they puzzle out what it means if your best friend is also the love of your life.
Radcliffe and his on-screen partner Zoe Kazan are being hailed for their chemistry. Additionally, critics are raving about the well-written script. It seems odd that CBS would release the movie in limited theaters but, given Radcliffe's latest box office grosses, the actor has proven he cannot sell a film outside the Harry Potter series.
Later in the year, Radcliffe will return to the horror/ supernatural flick in "Horns." Unlike "What If," this feature premiered at Toronto to mixed reviews. However, Radius TWC seems very confident in the film's potential and has decided to only release the movie in theaters as opposed to the usual VOD and theater release. While the film is not receiving great reviews, Radcliffe has critics enthralled. David Baldwin from "We Got this Covered" called it, "A daring and intense performance from Daniel Radcliffe allows Horns to rise above its messy tonal shifts and silly second half."
The film is slated to be released October 31 and is likely to receive more traction in the coming weeks.
The young actor has already booked three more films and he is slated to appear in a new "Frankenstein" adaptation and in Judd Apatow's latest feature "Trainwreck."
Outside of film, Radcliffe has also become one of the finest stage actors of his generation. In another move to leave the child image, Radcliffe played the daunting lead role in the play "Equus." The show lead him to a Drama Desk Award nomination and it also opened up doors in Broadway.
In 2010, he starred in the revival of "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying." Once again he received raves and the production received a number of Tony awards.
His latest role was in the dark comedy "The Cripple of Inishmaan" The Broadway play was staged by Martin McDonagh and that show led him to the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Actor in a Play.
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