JINNAH (1998) At first glance this role may appear almost as an anomaly in Lees Filmography. Theres a distinct lack of horror for a start and the actor we all know as the villain we cant help but love unusually plays the hero of the piece. However, despite narrative differences to the majority of Lees work, the actor himself has even gone so far as to claim that his role as Jinnah is the best work hes ever done. Whether or not the film appeals to one of his typical fans, its undeniable that he gives an excellent performance here. Ironically, reports surrounding the production claimed that Pakistanis were outraged by the casting of Lee as their hero, due to his long association with the role of Count Dracula. Political activists demanded that he be arrested and deported, some even sending death threats to him, meaning that he had to be accompanied by bodyguards throughout the shoot! Due to the sheer amount of controversy surrounding the casting, the Pakistani government who had been providing some of the funding pulled out of the project halfway through production. Despite the initial hostility, the film actually went on to be a critical success in Pakistan. To perform so well in the face of controversy is another testament to Lees excellence as a dramatic actor.
At first glance this role may appear almost as an anomaly in Lees Filmography. Theres a distinct lack of horror for a start and the actor we all know as the villain we cant help but love unusually plays the hero of the piece. However, despite narrative differences to the majority of Lees work, the actor himself has even gone so far as to claim that his role as Jinnah is the best work hes ever done. Whether or not the film appeals to one of his typical fans, its undeniable that he gives an excellent performance here. Ironically, reports surrounding the production claimed that Pakistanis were outraged by the casting of Lee as their hero, due to his long association with the role of Count Dracula. Political activists demanded that he be arrested and deported, some even sending death threats to him, meaning that he had to be accompanied by bodyguards throughout the shoot! Due to the sheer amount of controversy surrounding the casting, the Pakistani government who had been providing some of the funding pulled out of the project halfway through production. Despite the initial hostility, the film actually went on to be a critical success in Pakistan. To perform so well in the face of controversy is another testament to Lees excellence as a dramatic actor.