Nothing lost, that may be found, if sought

More sad news today as we lament the passing of amazing actor Alan Rickman. I first really learned who he was when, as a young child, ‘Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves’ was all anyone could talk about. Amazing song that was number 1 for a record breaking 16 weeks, gorgeous Christian Slater that we all adored, and of course, the best ‘baddy’ we all loved to hate. He was funny – “Loxley, I’m going to cut your heart out with a spoon!” – and had some of the greatest facial expressions and delivery I’d every seen or heard. He was a fantastic villain and clearly a wonderful actor.

I’ve always loved the roles that he has played, and as a truly gifted actor, he has played a huge variety of roles. Particular favourites of mine were the powerful, but genetically-manufactured-as-a-Ken-Doll, ‘Metatron’ in ‘Dogma’ – a wonderful religious satire where Alanis Morisette is God (which didn’t really surprise me:); a much plainer character ‘Bad Harry’ in ‘Love Actually’, who breaks the heart of our beautiful Emma Thompson, but before he does, gives us a great treat to his exasperated facial expressions at the jewellery counter as Rowan Atkinson gives a necklace unnecessarily elaborate gift wrapping “Almost finished?! What else are you going to do? Dip it in yoghurt?”; and of course the bravest of grumpy heroes, in one of the greatest stories of our age, Professor Snape.

Is he good, is he evil? Who’s side is he on? Should we trust him? He manages to keep us guessing right until the end of the story, across 7 volumes of twists and plot turns, and this is perfectly portrayed by Alan Rickman’s ability to play goodies and baddies equally well. 

But the role that truly captured my heart, was Colonel Brandon, the understated hero in Sense and Sensibility. Not just because people have told me I look like Kate Winslet for many years, but because he smoulders with honour, dignity and quiet devotion in this picture. If I am in need of comfort, am upset or just want a familiar film to keep me company when I am ill, I put this film on. A beautiful scene near the end of this scene sees our hero reading poetry to our heroine as she recovers, delivered beautifully by Alan “there’s nothing lost, that can be found, when sought”

It is very sad to lose Alan at such a young age, and I am so grateful for the treasure trove of works he has left behind for us. My heart goes out to his family, and all those who love him. “I must away..”