Richard Armitage sets the record straight on controversial scene in Netflix’s Obsession
Richard Armitage has addressed the controversy surrounding his infamous pillow humping scene in Netflix’s Obsession. “I know some people were like, ‘Ewww, this is not sexy,’” he remarked, recognizing the varied reactions. “But that’s a weird reaction because it wasn’t meant to be sexy. It was about a guy whose obsession with a woman has taken him down the road to a point that’s freaking tragic. Sad. He was behaving like a dog in a way that was utterly degrading,” reports BritPanorama.
Armitage, 55, suspects that the audience’s mixed responses stem from what he describes as “the difference in tone” between the disturbing narrative of the 2023 series and its marketing as an erotic thriller. He adds that the series is loosely based on Josephine Hart’s 1991 novel Damage, which featured explicit scenes that were challenging to translate to screen. “I remember talking to the director, thinking, ‘Well that’s going to be a challenge.’ So we came up with some other ideas, and the pillow scene was kind of improvised.”
The actor, known for immersing himself in complex characters, first gained prominence in the BBC’s adaptation of North and South in 2004. He captured international attention as Thorin Oakenshield in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy. On television, he’s gained a reputation for intense performances in dramas like Netflix’s The Stranger and ITV’s Red Eye. His latest venture, Winter, casts him as a forensic pathologist, showcasing his ability to portray layered, unsettling roles.
In his role as Dr. Ethan Winter, Armitage delivers a performance that blends creepiness with sensitivity, introducing himself formally to each corpse. “The body will always tell me the truth,” he states, dissecting murder victims in an unconventional lab housed in a converted swimming pool.
Armitage describes the dynamic between Winter and DI Bell, played by Annabel Scholey, as being both humorous and tense. “It was fun to develop that frisson between the characters,” he explains, highlighting Winter’s occasionally obnoxious mannerisms, such as critiquing Bell’s family’s dinner choices. “But he knows he is doing it to wind her up.”
Having filmed parts of Winter in Belgium, Armitage developed an appreciation for local cuisine. “I went through the fridge looking for the label to see what it was called and get it in my suitcase when I came back to London,” he recalls, reflecting on the experience.
Armitage grew up in Leicester and shares a unique connection to Richard III, as he was born on the same day the king died. He has been dedicated to portraying the historical figure in a new light, seeking to explore the complexities of his legacy.
“I’m drawn to dark characters,” Armitage admits, acknowledging the parts of himself that find fascination with the extremes of the human experience. He credits this intensity to a balance between the director’s guidance to “pull it back” while he leans into the emotional depths of his roles.
Though he portrays confident and often dark personas, Armitage presents a contrast in reality, often feeling like an observer rather than the center of attention. He expresses a desire for privacy in an era where public life is heavily scrutinized. “I think that people in the public eye have the right to have a part of themselves that is not on offer,” he asserts, voicing concerns about society’s shifting boundaries regarding personal information.
He resonates with a belief in the importance of balance in both his work and the attitudes of public figures. Aspiring to remain apolitical, Armitage emphasizes his intention to entertain a diverse audience without alienating any segment by engaging in political discourse.
“The Broadway theatre scene is incredibly commercial,” the actor observes, noting the differences in audience expectations between London and New York. He appreciates the refined environment of London theatre, where the play remains the central attraction.
Besides acting, Armitage has also ventured into writing, publishing thrillers that showcase his storytelling abilities. Reflecting on the creative process, he compares it to his experiences with music, emphasizing the joy of being in a flow state.
As the interview winds down, Armitage acknowledges the humorous absurdity of his earlier role. “Yes, best get on,” he chuckles. “Those pillows won’t dry hump themselves!”
Winter airs on ITV1 on Wednesdays at 9pm
