Herbert Nordrum on Embodying Colonel Brandon in the New "Sense and Sensibility" Adaptation

Norwegian actor Herbert Nordrum discusses his experience portraying Colonel Brandon in Georgia Oakley's "Sense and Sensibility." He shares his initial apprehension about joining an English production and adapting to Jane Austen's world, his process of developing the character while avoiding previous interpretations, and the unique on-screen chemistry developed with co-star Esmé Creed-Miles.

Norwegian Actor Herbert Nordrum Takes on Iconic Role in New "Sense and Sensibility"

In a recent conversation, Herbert Nordrum, the Norwegian actor currently captivating audiences as Colonel Brandon in Georgia Oakley’s fresh adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic, "Sense and Sensibility," candidly spoke about his journey. With the film hitting U.S. theaters on October 16th, Nordrum expressed his initial surprise at being cast in a predominantly British production, likening it to being unexpectedly drafted into the English national football team.

Nordrum's breakout performance in Joachim Trier's "The Worst Person in the World" is believed to have caught Oakley's eye. He credits Trier as a brilliant and insightful director who helped him discover his own value as an actor. This foundation proved crucial as he tackled the role of Colonel Brandon, a character known for his profound yet often unspoken emotions. Nordrum's portrayal emphasizes Brandon's inner turmoil and passionate nature, a deliberate choice he and Oakley made to ground the character in genuine human experience.

Despite Jane Austen not being a prominent part of Norwegian education, Nordrum had a childhood connection to "Sense and Sensibility" through Ang Lee's 1995 film, a favorite of his mother and sister. However, upon securing the role, he consciously avoided re-watching the Oscar-winning version to prevent being influenced by Alan Rickman's iconic performance. Instead, Nordrum focused on an internal exploration of Brandon, aiming to bring his own sensibilities to the role rather than replicating past interpretations.

A significant aspect of his performance was the dynamic chemistry he built with co-star Esmé Creed-Miles, who plays Marianne Dashwood. Nordrum praised Creed-Miles' inspiring presence and intuitive understanding of scenes. He recounted a specific moment during an early, awkward tea-drinking scene where Creed-Miles suggested they maintain intense eye contact before filming began, a technique that amplified the tension and nervousness, ultimately enriching their on-screen interaction.

Beyond the character work, Nordrum faced the challenge of mastering an English accent, a task he undertook with dedicated dialect coaching. While acknowledging the pressure of portraying a beloved literary figure for a new generation of viewers, Nordrum found comfort in Oakley's collaborative approach, which focused on the intimate narrative of love and sisterhood within the story, rather than the grandeur of a large-scale production. Having successfully navigated his first English-language feature, Nordrum is eager to pursue more international projects, citing his admiration for directors like Maren Ade and Joanna Hogg.

As he reflects on his portrayal, Nordrum finds a personal resonance with Colonel Brandon. He appreciates how the role encouraged him to embrace his own vulnerability and understand that it's acceptable to be overwhelmed or not have immediate answers. For Nordrum, Brandon is a hero whose quiet devotion and selfless support, even in unrequited love, exemplify a profound emotional strength. He humorously notes that one of the most enjoyable aspects of working on set was the frequent use of endearments like "darling" and "babe," a practice he hopes to introduce back home in Norway.