Prepare to dive into a world of comedy, where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
'A Heart-Sinking Moment'
Mackenzie Crook, the talented actor and creator behind BBC Two's new series 'Small Prophets', recently shared a heartfelt revelation. He admitted that rewatching 'The Office' gave him a sense of unease, almost like a PTSD flashback. This confession sparked a deeper conversation about the impact of his iconic role as Gareth and the challenges of breaking free from such a beloved character.
In 'Small Prophets', Crook takes on the role of Gordon, the manager of a DIY store. At first glance, it might seem like a familiar character, reminiscent of Gareth from 'The Office', but with a quarter-century's worth of life experience added. Crook describes Gordon as a "monster" with a touch of disappointment, yet by the end, he finds himself quite fond of this complex character.
The Charm of 'Small Prophets'
This six-part series is a delicate exploration of middle age and the unexpected twists life can bring. At its heart is Michael, played by Pearce Quigley, whose performance is both comically heartbreaking and subtly melancholy. Michael, a twitcher and a hoarder, works at the DIY store and visits his father, Brian, every afternoon. His life takes an extraordinary turn when he discovers the secret to growing homunculi - miniature humans who can answer any question truthfully.
The series is a unique blend of influences, drawing from experimental and surrealist giants like David Lynch and Michel Gondry, as well as the innocent charm of 70s and 80s shows like 'The Good Life'. Crook aimed to create a gentle comedy, free from cruel humor and cringe factors, and in doing so, he stumbled upon his genre.
The Impact of 'The Office'
'The Office' left an indelible mark on Crook's career, and rewatching it recently brought back intense memories. He described a scene from series two where a fire alarm goes off, and the ensuing awkward situation is a perfect example of the show's signature style - painfully funny.
Crook's journey into fame was not without its challenges. He struggled with the perception that he was the "weird-looking bloke" from 'The Office', a label that followed him long after the show ended. This led him to question his own appearance and the public's perception of him.
Writing and Directing: A New Passion
Crook has found a new passion in writing, editing, and directing. He confesses that acting no longer holds the same allure for him, and he's never been fully convinced by his own performances. His breakthrough idea for 'Detectorists' began as a bleaker concept, but the pilot's beautiful summer setting transformed it into a heartwarming tale of everyday heroism.
The Superfans of 'Detectorists'
'Detectorists' has garnered a dedicated fan base, and Crook attributes this to the BBC's hands-off approach, allowing him the creative freedom to bring his vision to life. This freedom is evident in 'Small Prophets', where the stakes are higher due to its surreal and magical elements. Crook pitched the series as a story where not all questions are answered, and the audience is left to imagine the resolutions.
The Origins of 'Small Prophets'
The idea for 'Small Prophets' began with the homunculi, which are brought to life through stop-motion animation rather than CGI. Crook wanted to evoke a sense of nostalgia and magic, drawing on his childhood love for unexplained phenomena and stories like 'James and the Giant Peach'.
'Small Prophets' is a captivating blend of reality and fantasy, a gentle comedy that explores the extraordinary within the ordinary. Catch it on BBC Two and iPlayer from February 9th.
