Tom Hardy’s The Revenant Character: Fitzgerald’s Cheek Scar and Motivations
Tom Hardy’s The Revenant Character: Fitzgerald’s Cheek Scar and Motivations
Does Tom Hardy’scharacter Fitzgerald have a scar on his cheek in The Revenant? If so, why?
Introduction
Tom Hardy, a native of London, has made a namesake mark in Hollywood. From his feature film debut with Ridley Scott’s 2001 war drama Black Hawk Down, Hardy has steadily climbed to becoming one of the most recognizable stars in the entertainment industry. Hardy's acclaimed performances often include complex, multifaceted roles that challenge the typical superhero Hollywood mold. His recent entry into Alejandro González Iárritu's epic early-American Western, The Revenant, sees Hardy portraying the character of John Fitzgerald. Despite the character being a deeply flawed antihero, Hardy’s performance is a testament to his ability to bring depth and believability to his roles.
The Role of John Fitzgerald
The Revenant follows the journey of Hugh Glass, a trapper who is left for dead by his fellow trappers after they fail to rescue him from an attack by a grizzly bear. Fitzgerald, one of these trappers, shows signs of both compassion and cruelty. The movie's narrative is riddled with moral ambiguity, and Fitzgerald stands out as a character whose actions are often unsettling.
Many viewers and critics have been drawn to the question of whether Fitzgerald has a scar on his cheek, a visual cue to his past experiences or psychological makeup. Tom Hardy addresses this query in his own words, emphasizing the complexity of his character and the creative process behind it.
Tom Hardy’s Perspective on Fitzgerald
When asked about the scar on Fitzgerald's cheek, Hardy responds by stating, “Yes, I never go into playing a character thinking 'Oh this is a good guy or a bad guy' even if he is written as the villain in the film. There's got to be something likable about whoever I'm playing.” Hardy’s approach to his characters is rooted in finding a deeper understanding of the “likable” qualities of an antihero, thus making them more relatable and human.
Regarding the killing of the boy and the burying of Hugh Glass, Hardy suggests that these crimes are part of Fitzgerald's complex motivations. He states, 'There’s a lot of things going on in John Fitzgerald but I think his most heinous crime comes in two parts. One is the actual killing of the boy and the second part is the burying of Hugh Glass.'
Although Hardy does not provide a definitive answer on why Fitzgerald did not kill Bridger, he speculates that it could be due to the opportunity being missed or that it might have resulted in a darker character. Fitzgerald's decision to bury Hugh Glass, despite the potential risks, could be seen as an act of survival in a harsh, unforgiving environment.
Scars and Motivations
The question of Fitzgerald's scar on his cheek is not only a physical detail but also a psychological one. As Hardy points out, 'John Fitzgerald’s scalp and there’s a past history of mistrust from the scars he’s inflicted and the scars inflicted upon him.' These scars symbolize a history of mistrust and conflict, reflecting Fitzgerald's complex psychological state.
Fitzgerald's son's arrival, which Hardy justifies as a form of 'noise discipline,' adds another layer of complexity to the character. This moment underscores the idea that Fitzgerald’s actions are driven by a need to maintain order and control, even in the most chaotic of environments.
His motivations are rooted in a combination of survival, pragmatism, and the need to protect himself and those around him, even if it means resorting to questionable actions. For example, Fitzgerald seeing certain people as hostile could be a response to a history of conflict and mistrust. This view of the world, a result of past trauma, influences his decisions and actions throughout the film.
Conclusion
Tom Hardy's portrayal of John Fitzgerald in The Revenant is a masterclass in character development. The scars, both physical and psychological, are key to understanding Fitzgerald's motivations and the complexity of his character. Hardy’s approach to challenging roles and his ability to bring depth to even the most notorious antiheroes make him one of the most respected actors of his generation.