Rami Malek Shatters Expectations: How ‘The Amateur’ Reinvents the Spy Thriller Genre

Rami Malek points out that his role in “The Amateur” is unique compared to the typical characters found in spy thrillers.

“He’s quite distinctive. In most spy thrillers, the characters aren’t someone you’d generally identify with, but with Charlie, it feels like he reflects many of our own experiences,” Malek explained during the movie’s premiere in New York, as reported by The Bangin Beats. “Most of us have felt unnoticed or underappreciated at times. I certainly have, and I’d bet that nearly everyone else has too. Charlie embodies that feeling.”

“Based on the 1981 novel by Robert Littell, “The Amateur” stars Charles “Charlie” Heller (played by Malek), a CIA cryptographer who sets out on a vengeful mission following the murder of his wife (played by Rachel Brosnahan). “He’s somewhat of a societal outsider—an outcast,” Malek further described. “I’m drawn to portraying such alienated, marginalized characters who, despite everything, find clever and unexpected ways to cope.”

Director James Hawes, known for his work on “Slow Horses” and “Black Mirror,” also aimed to challenge the conventional boundaries of the genre.

Hawes was curious about exploring a new take on the ‘revenge film’ archetype. “It’s about someone navigating their grief without the specific skill set of a character like Liam Neeson in ‘Taken,'” Hawes stated. “How does an underdog succeed? And how do we convincingly depict their journey to triumph?”

While Hawes agrees with Malek that Charlie is not the typical espionage lead, he acknowledged the genre’s enduring charm.

“Audiences are captivated by the concept of a lone hero navigating a murky, clandestine world. This sense of isolation is precisely what adds to the excitement,” Hawes noted. “Espionage films often feature what I refer to as the ‘inverted world.’ Take ‘Three Days of the Condor,’ where the protagonist’s everyday life is suddenly subverted, turning familiar faces and places into threats. It’s a similar dynamic.”

Hawes added, “Currently, our world seems somewhat topsy-turvy, and these films offer a way to examine and question our fears, beliefs, and perceived threats. They’re thrilling to watch because of this.”

The film also features Laurence Fishburne, Caitríona Balfe, Michael Stuhlbarg, Holt McCallany, and Julianne Nicholson. Fishburne, who plays Charlie’s mentor Robert “Hendo” Henderson, expressed his fondness for the spy genre. “They’re full of secrets, and everyone loves secrets,” he said.

The film is replete with intense action sequences. Fishburne mentioned, “There’s a major fight scene I’m involved in that was particularly exciting. Also, there’s a beautifully edited sequence in Marseille involving cars, boats, drones, and birds that I think is spectacular.”

One of the more dramatic scenes involves a glass swimming pool shattering, as seen in the trailer.

“Finding and securing the location for that was nerve-wracking. We had to convince someone to let us simulate blowing up their pool on the sixteenth floor,” Hawes recalled. “The location was right across from the American Embassy in London, which meant we had to have some careful discussions with them as well.”

“The Amateur” is currently showing in theaters.