Susie Figgis: The Casting legend Who Shaped British cinema
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A pioneering force in film casting, Susie Figgis, has left an indelible mark on British and international cinema, discovering and championing talent for over two decades. Her influence spanned from groundbreaking independant films to blockbuster franchises, shaping the landscape of modern filmmaking with an unparalleled eye for character and performance.
Figgis first burst onto the scene over 40 years ago, making a memorable impression during an interview for Neil Jordan’s debut, The Company of Wolves. She was tasked with finding the perfect actors to portray the adolescent Rosaleen – exemplified her signature style.She employed “painstaking and meticulous methods,” exceeding expectations with the discovery of Sarah Patterson. This commitment to finding the perfect fit continued with the inspired suggestion of Angela Lansbury for the role of “Grannie,” a character who, famously, met a dramatic end on screen. Figgis’s vision extended beyond lead roles,assembling a vibrant supporting cast of dancers,performance artists,and seasoned actors for the film’s unique aesthetic.
Her influence wasn’t limited to simply filling roles; she demanded engagement. Figgis sought “an intelligent and thoughtful response” to screenplays, refusing to accept a simple “yes” or “no” from agents and actors. This insistence on genuine connection ensured that every performer understood and embraced the project’s vision.
From Avant-Garde Roots to Mainstream Success
Figgis’s background as a member of the 1960s/70s avant-garde theatre collective, the People Show, alongside her cousin, film director Mike Figgis, might seem at odds with her reputation for professionalism. Though, she was known for her unwavering commitment to punctuality and the director’s vision. “Woe betide any actor that arrived late to a Susie Figgis casting audition!” a testament to her exacting standards.
Following The Company of Wolves, Figgis continued to shape the careers of prominent actors, identifying Cathy Tyson for Neil Jordan’s Mona Lisa, Jaye Davidson in The crying Game, and Eamonn Owens in The Butcher Boy. Concurrently, she maintained strong relationships with directors like Richard Attenborough and Stephen Frears, contributing to a string of critically acclaimed and award-winning films throughout the 1980s, including Heat and Dust, The Killing Fields, The Mission, and A world Apart.
A “Molotov Cocktail Personality” and Lasting Legacy
Described as possessing a “molotov cocktail personality” – a blend of directness, radicalism, and unwavering honesty – Figgis was a force to be reckoned with. While her approach could be disarming, directors knew they were in capable, albeit eccentric, hands. This talent continued into the 1990s with contributions to films like Ken Loach’s Hidden Agenda, Jane Campion’s The Piano, interview With the Vampire, and The Full Monty.
Her influence extended into the 21st century, beginning with the first Harry potter film, The Philosopher’s Stone. Tim Burton sought her expertise on his UK-based productions,including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,Sweeney Todd,and Alice in Wonderland. She also lent her skills to diverse projects like colette and Bohemian Rhapsody.
Figgis’s passion for cinema and her willingness to engage in “animated and vociferous discussions” were hallmarks of her process. She gave 100% to every project, infusing each film with her “infectious love and ribald humour.” Her presence and inspiration, according to those who knew her, are “irreplaceable in the current landscape of timid British cinema.”
