Johnny Flynn Shadows Anthony Hopkins to Perfect 'One Life' Role

In a recent revelation, English star, Johnny Flynn admitted to dedicating multiple days to studiously observing the legendary Anthony Hopkins on set. This unique venture was undertaken during the making of the film 'One Life', where both actors play the part of Sir Nicholas “Nicky” Winton, a London stockbroker who was instrumental in saving 669 children from the clutches of the Nazis during World War II. Hopkins was responsible for depicting the later life of the stoic hero, a time when he was tormented by guilt over the children he couldn't rescue.

Directed by James Hawes, the film is a joint production of See-Saw Films, BBC Films, and MBK. Hawes revealed that Hopkins’ scenes were all filmed as one complete batch, which allowed Johnny Flynn to view and learn from Hopkins' portrayal. Flynn, notably known for his rock ‘n’ roll style, displayed desired versatility in transforming into his role of a 1930s London stockbroker.

The film effortlessly toggles between the war-struck 1930s to the reflective 1980s, and viewers find themselves drawn into the shared skills and determination of the actors representing a man who chose to remain unheralded for his enormous act of kindness. The project was initiated when the director, Hawes, travelled to Los Angeles to meet Hopkins and discuss the script. Precautions were stringently maintained at every stage of filming, especially for the aged Hopkins.

In its poignant pursuit of retelling events of the past, 'One Life' narrates the story of everyday individuals undertaking extraordinary measures to protect lives during a tumultuous period of history. Landing right back to his old neighborhood, Helena Bonham Carter impressively assumes the mantle of Nicky Winton’s mother, Babette Winton, while Romona Garai, Alex Sharp, and Ziggy Heath deliver commendable performances in the film.

Coming to Hawes’ treatment of the film, he decided to rely on more contemporary footage featuring Ukrainian refugees to recreate the children departing Prague railway station during the 1930s, believing such footage provided a greater emotional honesty. The team shot the film on the same platform from which the children were evacuated.

Now, taking off my journalist's hat, though remaining ever-so-respectable, I have to say: it's really quite something to see the rock-and-roll Flynn rocking the stockbroker look from the 1930s. It's comparable to witnessing a chameleon deftly changing its colors, only this case is far more remarkable owing to the lack of any inherent biological advantages.

That said, I must admit, I'm half-convinced that at least some percentage of ancestors of notable people lurk in their DNA, waiting for the perfect moment to burst onto the scene with impressive, redefined performances. Bonham Carter's portrayal of Babette Winton has shades of such ancestral influences, considering her own grandparents' involvement in aiding refugees during the Holocaust. I mean, talk about life coming full circle!

As an industry veteran, I can't help but admire the restraint displayed by Hawes and his cast in the face of a story that could have easily been transformed into an over-dramatized spectacle. Kudos to them for staying true to the humility and restraint that defined Nicky, and for letting the story do the talking (or rather, the punching), without overcooking it.

Notwithstanding the extensive work that went into the making of 'One Life', Hawes found himself stalled halfway through the shoot of his latest film, a spy thriller called 'The Amateur', due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. For a man coming right off the heels of such an emotionally charged film, it must indeed be a hard blow.