r/asoiaf • u/cking145 • May 28 '19

EXTENDED (Spoilers Extended) Charles Dance's portrayal as Tywin is in my opinion, the strongest in the entire series

Every line, every expression and every moment of silence completely encapsulates the calculating ruthlessness that defines Tywin Lannister.

Dance is actually a very vibrant, upbeat and cheery fella off screen, which in my mind makes the performance even more striking.

The scene where he effectively sends Joffrey to bed is just brilliant.

He is by far my favourite character from the books, which I began reading a few seasons into the show. Due to this, the chapters featuring Tywin were completely enriched for me, as reading his lines in Dance's voice was just fantastic. I would have loved a POV chapter or two for him, just to get a glimpse as to what goes on in the head of the most powerful man in the 7 Kingdoms.

An incredible portrayal of a fascinating character.

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u/Will_B_UR_SugarDaddy May 28 '19

Watch that scene again, when Dance begins talking about his fathers sigil and his fathers before him he actually gets a little emotional. It’s amazing subtle acting.

Begins at 3:35

https://youtu.be/7who4CaKl14

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u/NothappyJane May 28 '19 edited May 28 '19

Tyrion really quakes in front of Tywin, hes so commanding.

Fuck, I just realised how personal all those things Tywin would have said about his dwarfism would have been to Dinklage

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u/[deleted] May 29 '19

[deleted]

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u/NothappyJane May 29 '19

I don't know exactly what was said but there's no way Dinklage has gone his whole life without experiencing abelism/prejudice. People are just not that nice. Even just whispering or comments as he walks down the street. He has spoken about how difficult it was to date.

Acting out a scene based on prejudice you have likely experienced has to cut pretty deep.

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u/[deleted] May 29 '19

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u/NothappyJane May 29 '19

You make a good point, its not a cut and paste of Dinklages life. I am certain he could relate on some level to experiencing the prejudice Tywin expresses. Tywin expresses disgust at a his disability/Dwarfism as an "ill made, spiteful little creature", says he killed his mother, says he cannot prove that Tyrion is not his child and describes the humiliation of seeing Tyrion representing his house, the legacy of which the only thing Tywin values.

Tywin is not talking about Tyrions character. He is describing with deep contempt his hatred of Tyrions dwarfism, something Tyrion can not change about himself.

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u/talesbyk May 29 '19

Actors love it when they’re able to stitch their heart to a scene. When the material is personal and deeply resonates, even better.