Jude Law Reveals Inspiration Behind Blood and Feces-Scented Perfume for New Movie

Law brings England's King Henry VIII to life in 'Firebrand,' set to hit theaters on June 14th

Jude Law
NEW YORK – JUNE 11: Jude Law attends the “Firebrand” premiere during the 2024 Tribeca (Photo by John Nacion/WireImage)

Jude Law's role in 'Firebrand'

Jude Law’s latest role as England’s King Henry VIII in the upcoming film ‘Firebrand’ has raised eyebrows, not just for his stellar performance, but for the weird choice of perfume he wore on set. At the 2024 Tribeca Festival premiere of ‘Firebrand’ on June 11th, Law shared insights into his method acting approach, shedding light on the unique olfactory experience he embraced to fully immerse himself in the character.

Referring to the fragrance as “a stinky method,” Law revealed to PEOPLE the meticulous lengths he went to to embody the notorious monarch. Collaborating with co-star Alicia Vikander and filmmaker Karim Aïnouz, Law delved into a world of historical authenticity, where every sensory detail mattered.

Jude Law
Jude Law at the press conference for Firebrand in Cannes. Photograph: Andres Rentz/EPA

“Karim creates what I call a 360-degree environment to act,” Law explained, emphasizing the importance of a fully immersive experience. “So the scent was a big part of that, we wanted it to smell and feel real.”

‘Firebrand’ transports viewers to the final months of Henry VIII’s reign, offering a glimpse into the tumultuous relationship between the king and his wife Katherine Parr, portrayed by Vikander. As Law delved deeper into his role, he found himself embracing the discomfort of historical accuracy, even if it meant enduring the stench of his character’s ailments.

“Sometimes we had rooms we’d leave the windows open so it was very cold so we’d wrap up in our furs,” Law recalled, highlighting the commitment to realism. “Always animals present, which was true to the time, so me smelling bad was just an addition to that.”

The decision to incorporate the unconventional perfume was not arbitrary. Law discovered historical accounts detailing Henry VIII’s notorious odor due to his deteriorating health, which became a crucial element in portraying the monarch’s physical decline authentically.

“I learned that Henry had this stench because of his rotten legs,” Law revealed, explaining the rationale behind his choice. “I just thought it’d be an interesting addition for those around me who had to faun over him and do his every desire [while] also sort of holding back this retch.”

Law’s commitment to authenticity didn’t go unnoticed. Following the movie’s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, where Law first discussed his unique perfume choice, it became evident that the fragrance added a layer of realism that resonated with audiences and critics alike.

‘Firebrand’ promises to be more than just a historical drama; it’s a nuanced exploration of power, politics, and the resilience of Katherine Parr in the face of adversity. Filmmaker Karim Aïnouz’s decision to shine a spotlight on Parr’s overlooked legacy speaks to a broader narrative of historical reclamation.

“As a champion of radical change, Parr’s progressive beliefs and courage put her at odds with the ailing and increasingly paranoid monarch,” the festival synopsis reads. “When Henry appoints her as Regent during his absence, Parr’s newfound power threatens the courtiers who scheme against her, casting doubt on her fidelity to the King.”

For Aïnouz, ‘Firebrand’ is not just a film; it’s a homage to an often-overlooked figure in history whose contributions deserve recognition. “Everybody knows about Henry VIII and so many movies about the women that he killed but the one that stayed alive there’s so little about,” he expressed. “So for me, it was a reparation. I hope it’s just the beginning of a part of history and acknowledging her amazing work that should be celebrated.”

In the tapestry of historical dramas, ‘Firebrand’ stands out not only for its compelling narrative but for its dedication to authenticity, down to the most visceral details. Jude Law’s unconventional method may have raised a few eyebrows, but it’s a testament to the lengths actors will go to in pursuit of their craft and the stories they seek to tell.

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