Matthew Rhys On Detective Work: The Hidden Truths Behind Playing Perry Mason

As the new actor to take on the iconic role of Perry Mason, Matthew Rhys has been making waves in the entertainment industry with his captivating performance. The Welsh actor's portrayal of the titular character has sparked curiosity among fans and critics alike, with many wondering what makes him tick behind the scenes. In this article, we'll delve into the world of detective work and explore the hidden truths behind Matthew Rhys's performance as Perry Mason.

Perry Mason is a classic character, created by Erle Stanley Gardner in 1933. The character's ability to solve complex cases has made him a household name, and his wit and charm have captivated audiences for generations. However, the character's reliance on detective work is more than just a clever trick - it's a reflection of the character's unique personality and approach to problem-solving.

The Art of Observation

One of the most important aspects of detective work is observation. Perry Mason is known for his ability to notice even the smallest details, which often proves to be crucial in solving a case. Matthew Rhys has spoken about the importance of observation in his own performance, stating that he spends hours researching and preparing for each role. In the case of Perry Mason, he has said that he aims to observe the world around him, taking note of the smallest details that might be relevant to the case.

Some of the key observations that Rhys makes include:

• The way people interact with each other, and the subtleties of body language that can reveal important information
• The environment in which the crime takes place, and the way it might be relevant to the case
• The characters involved, and their motivations and backgrounds

The Power of Imagination

Another key aspect of detective work is the power of imagination. Perry Mason is known for his ability to piece together seemingly unrelated clues and come up with creative solutions to complex problems. Matthew Rhys has spoken about the importance of using his imagination in his own performance, stating that he often draws inspiration from his own life experiences and observations.

Some of the ways in which Rhys uses his imagination to bring Perry Mason to life include:

• Creating his own backstory for the character, including his relationships and motivations
• Developing the character's dialogue and mannerisms, and using these to bring the character to life
• Using his imagination to come up with creative solutions to complex problems

The Importance of Research

Research is a crucial part of detective work, and Perry Mason is no exception. Matthew Rhys has spoken about the importance of researching his role, stating that he spends hours poring over books and articles to get a deeper understanding of the character and the time period in which he lives.

Some of the key areas of research that Rhys focuses on include:

• The history of the Los Angeles police department, and the development of detective work in the 1930s
• The lives of the characters involved in the show, including their backgrounds and motivations
• The social and cultural context of the show, including the racial and ethnic tensions of the time period

The Role of Inspiration

Finally, inspiration plays a key role in detective work. Perry Mason is a character who is driven by a desire to uncover the truth, and Matthew Rhys has spoken about the importance of finding inspiration for his performance. Some of the key sources of inspiration for Rhys include:

• Classic detective stories and films, such as the works of Agatha Christie and the films of Alfred Hitchcock
• Real-life detectives and their cases, such as the work of the Los Angeles police department
• Historical events and cultural phenomena, such as the Great Depression and the rise of fascism

Bringing Perry Mason to Life

So how does Matthew Rhys bring Perry Mason to life? Some of the key techniques he uses include:

• Creating a detailed backstory for the character, including his relationships and motivations
• Developing the character's dialogue and mannerisms, and using these to bring the character to life
• Using his imagination to come up with creative solutions to complex problems
• Drawing inspiration from his own life experiences and observations

Conclusion

Matthew Rhys's portrayal of Perry Mason is a masterclass in detective work. By using his imagination, observing the world around him, and researching his role, Rhys brings the character to life in a way that is both authentic and captivating. Whether you're a fan of the character or just looking for a compelling mystery, Rhys's performance is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.

Some of the key takeaways from this article include:

• The importance of observation in detective work
• The power of imagination in solving complex problems
• The role of research in bringing a character to life
• The importance of inspiration in creative work