Scottish actor Dougray Scott has opened up about his experience playing a sociopathic character in the new television series 'Invisible', an adaptation of Deon Meyer's novel 'Blood Safari'. Scott stars as Quintus Wernich, the primary antagonist, and collaborated closely with the creative team to build a nuanced character comfortable with extreme violence. He praised the filming experience in Stellenbosch, citing the welcoming demeanor of South Africans and the quality of local cast members.
Scott, known for his roles in 'Mission: Impossible', 'Desperate Housewives', and 'Batwoman', reflected on his previous experiences working in South Africa over three decades ago. He noted the country's transformation and the legacy of Nelson Mandela, whom he described as a magnificent leader with empathy, sympathy, and compassion. Scott had the opportunity to visit Mandela's house in Johannesburg and the Soweto museum, which he found intensely moving.
The actor discussed his approach to playing a character like Quintus, who is comfortable with violence and operates in a world of mayhem and power plays. Scott aimed to find the nuance in the character, despite his lack of redeeming qualities. He described Quintus as humorous in his confidence and interactions with others, but ultimately an extreme character who has made choices that have affected people existentially.
Scott praised the script for 'Invisible', describing it as resonant, current, and pertinent. He was attracted to the political thriller genre and the story's evolution over the course of months. The actor enjoyed working with the South African ensemble, including Tim Theron, Kim Engelbrecht, and Frank Rautenbach, and credited director Jozua Malherbe with helping him deliver a strong performance.
Filming in Stellenbosch was a positive experience for Scott, who appreciated the beautiful surroundings and the friendly locals. He noted that people in South Africa are generally nice and welcoming, which was a refreshing change from his usual experiences. Scott has returned to South Africa several times, including for Christmas, and plans to visit again in December and February.
Scott enjoyed collaborating with Deon Meyer, who lives in Stellenbosch, and had dinner with him several times. He praised Meyer's work and the opportunity to bring his character to life. The actor took some South African experiences back to London, including biltong and steaks, and encouraged viewers to tune in to 'Invisible' on M-Net.
'Invisible' airs on M-Net on Thursdays at 8pm, with streaming options on DStv Stream and Catch Up. Scott's performance as Quintus Wernich is part of a strong ensemble cast, and he credits the director and his fellow actors with helping him deliver a compelling portrayal of a complex character. The series is an adaptation of Deon Meyer's bestseller 'Blood Safari'.
Key points
- Dougray Scott praises the filming experience in Stellenbosch and the quality of the local cast members.
- Scott reflects on the legacy of Nelson Mandela and the transformation of South Africa.
- The actor discusses his approach to playing a sociopathic character in 'Invisible'.
