Jude Law's Blood and Feces Perfume: The "Stinky Method" for Historical Immersion

Jude Law reveals his unconventional method for immersing himself in the role of Henry VIII in his latest film, "Firebrand." The actor donned a perfume with the disturbing scent of blood and feces, creating a 360-degree sensory experience on set.

In a candid interview with People magazine, Jude Law delved into the intricacies of his portrayal of Henry VIII in the upcoming film "Firebrand." Among his unconventional techniques was the use of a pungent perfume imbued with the unsettling aromas of blood and feces. Law explained that the decision stemmed from director Karim Aïnouz's commitment to creating a fully immersive environment for the actors.

He elaborated, "The scent was a big part of that world-building, and I wanted everything to smell and feel real." To enhance the authenticity of the film's setting, the cast and crew embraced the discomfort of a period-accurate experience. Windows were left open, allowing the set to grow cold, as the actors donned fur cloaks to keep warm. Furthermore, live animals were present, mirroring the historical context of the film.

Law initially introduced his unorthodox perfume choice at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023. He recounted how he initially used the scent sparingly, but under Aïnouz's direction, it evolved into a full-fledged "spray-fest."

Historically, Henry VIII is infamous for the executions of two of his six wives. In "Firebrand," Alicia Vikander portrays the monarch's sixth and final wife, Katherine Parr. Vikander's character astutely navigated the political complexities of her husband's court, taking control of England during his absence abroad. Upon his return, however, Henry's court attempted to sway him against her.

Law emphasized the significance of shifting the narrative focus onto Katherine's perspective. "Henry was a player in a story about a great woman," he told The Hollywood Reporter. "He’s dominated the narrative of these six women for 500 years, and it was trying to steal back the narrative a little bit and have him be a supporting role to his wife’s story."

Vikander echoed the sentiment, expressing her fascination with Katherine's remarkable life. She highlighted Katherine's status as one of the first women to publish under her own name and her remarkable survival skills.

Despite his regal role in "Firebrand," Law admitted to Deadline that his interest in the royal family remained limited. He likened his involvement in the film to his passion for theater, acknowledging the historical intrigue but expressing indifference towards contemporary royal news.

In summary, Jude Law's "stinky method" employed in "Firebrand" serves as a compelling example of an actor's commitment to creating a tangible and immersive cinematic experience. The film's focus on the underrepresented narrative of Katherine Parr offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of 16th-century English history.