
John Lee Hancock’s “The Little Things” (2021) is a gripping neo-noir crime thriller that dives into the dark underbelly of Los Angeles. The film follows a past-his-prime detective, Joe “Deke” Deacon (Denzel Washington), who gets pulled back into the world of unsolved murders. Partnered with a rising star detective, Jim Baxter (Rami Malek), Deke’s troubled past and questionable methods threaten to derail the investigation.
But who are the faces behind these complex characters? Let’s delve into the cast of “The Little Things” and explore the actors who brought them to life.
The Veterans: Denzel Washington and Jared Leto
Denzel Washington is a titan of the industry, and his casting in “The Little Things” instantly elevated the film’s profile. Washington portrays Joe “Deke” Deacon, a Kern County sheriff’s deputy haunted by a past case.
Deke’s haunted demeanor and unorthodox methods create friction with his younger partner, Jim Baxter. Washington masterfully portrays Deke’s internal struggle, balancing the desperation to solve the case with the demons that plague him.
This role offered Washington a chance to revisit the neo-noir genre he excelled in with films like “Devil in a Blue Dress” (1995).
Jared Leto takes on the role of Albert Sparma, a seemingly harmless crime scene witness who becomes the prime suspect in the investigation. Leto’s portrayal of Sparma is unsettling, with an underlying creepiness that keeps the audience guessing his true motives. Leto’s method acting has been a topic of discussion for years, and in “The Little Things,” it adds another layer of mystery to Sparma’s character. Whether he’s truly a harmless oddball or a cunning killer is a question that lingers throughout the film.
The Rising Stars: Rami Malek and the Supporting Cast
Rami Malek, fresh off his Oscar win for “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018), portrays Jim Baxter, a dedicated and ambitious detective. Baxter’s initial hero worship of Deke turns into frustration as Deke’s unconventional methods clash with his by-the-book approach. Malek delivers a compelling performance, showcasing the internal conflict of a young detective caught between admiration and suspicion.
The supporting cast of “The Little Things” is equally impressive. Chris Bauer portrays Detective Sal Rizoli, Deke’s former partner who harbors resentment towards him. Michael Hyatt delivers a strong performance as Flo Dunigan, a police captain caught between supporting Deke and keeping him in line. Terry Kinney portrays the stern and cautious LASD Captain Carl Farris.
Natalie Morales brings a spark of energy to the film as Detective Jamie Estrada, a sharp and observant member of the task force. Isabel Arraiza portrays Ana Baxter, Jim’s supportive wife who becomes increasingly concerned about Deke’s influence on her husband. These supporting characters add depth and complexity to the narrative, creating a believable and nuanced portrayal of a police investigation.
Behind the Scenes: The Director and Writer
John Lee Hancock, the director of “The Little Things,” is known for his work on films like “The Blind Side” (2009) and “Saving Mr. Banks” (2013). Hancock brings a steady hand to the film, expertly balancing the suspenseful investigation with the exploration of Deke’s troubled past.
The script, written by John Lee Hancock and Micah Bloomberg, is a masterclass in neo-noir storytelling, keeping the audience guessing until the very end.
Critical Reception and Online Audience
“The Little Things” received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the performances of Washington, Malek, and Leto, while others criticized the film’s pacing and lack of originality. However, the film did spark conversation online, with audiences debating the ending and the true nature of Albert Sparma.
Online audience questions about the cast:
Was Denzel Washington difficult to work with?
There have been no public reports of difficulty on set. In fact, Rami Malek has spoken out about his admiration for Washington and how much he learned from working with him.
Is Jared Leto’s character based on a real person?
The film’s creators have not confirmed any specific inspiration for Albert Sparma. However, the character does share some similarities with real-life serial killers known for their manipulative behavior.
FAQs
Q: Who are the main actors in “The Little Things?”
A: The film stars Denzel Washington as Joe “Deke” Deacon, a troubled past-his-prime detective. Rami Malek portrays Jim Baxter, Deke’s ambitious partner, and Jared Leto takes on the role of Albert Sparma, the unsettling prime suspect in the investigation.
Q: What is Denzel Washington known for?
A: Denzel Washington is a Hollywood legend with a prolific career spanning decades. He’s a two-time Academy Award winner, known for his powerful performances in films like “Glory” (1989), “Training Day” (2001), and “Fences” (2016).
Q: Is Rami Malek related to the singer Freddie Mercury?
A: No, Rami Malek is not related to Freddie Mercury. However, he received critical acclaim for his portrayal of the iconic Queen frontman in “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018), which earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Q: Did Jared Leto method act for his role in “The Little Things?”
A: Jared Leto is known for his intense method acting, where he fully immerses himself in his characters. While there’s no confirmation for “The Little Things,” his performance adds to the unsettling mystery surrounding Albert Sparma.
Q: Who are some of the supporting actors in the film?
A: The supporting cast is packed with talent. Chris Bauer portrays Deke’s resentful former partner, Michael Hyatt delivers a strong performance as a police captain, and Terry Kinney brings gravitas as the cautious LAPD Captain. Natalie Morales shines as a sharp detective, and Isabel Arraiza portrays Jim’s supportive wife.
Q: Who directed “The Little Things?”
A: John Lee Hancock, known for films like “The Blind Side” (2009) and “Saving Mr. Banks” (2013), directed “The Little Things.” He masterfully blends the suspenseful investigation with Deke’s troubled past.
Q: What did critics think of the film?
A: Reviews for “The Little Things” were mixed. While some praised the performances, others found the pacing slow and the story unoriginal.
Q: Did audiences like the movie?
A: The film sparked online conversation, with viewers debating the ending and Albert Sparma’s true nature.
Q: Was Denzel Washington difficult to work with on set?
A: There are no reports of difficulty. Rami Malek has spoken publicly about his admiration for Washington and the learning experience.
Q: Is Albert Sparma based on a real serial killer?
A: The creators haven’t confirmed any specific inspirations. However, Sparma shares similarities with real-life serial killers known for their manipulative behavior.
Q: Will there be a sequel to “The Little Things?”
A: No official announcements exist for a sequel. However, the open-ended conclusion leaves room for interpretation, potentially leading to a follow-up.
The cast of “The Little Things” (2021) is a powerhouse ensemble that brings John Lee Hancock’s neo-noir thriller to life. Denzel Washington delivers a nuanced performance as the troubled Deke Deacon, while Rami Malek portrays the ambitious Jim Baxter struggling to reconcile admiration with suspicion. Jared Leto’s unsettling portrayal of Albert Sparma keeps the audience guessing throughout the film.
The strong supporting cast, including Chris Bauer, Michael Hyatt, Terry Kinney, Natalie Morales, and Isabel Arraiza, adds depth and realism to the narrative. Whether you’re a fan of Denzel Washington’s commanding presence, Rami Malek’s rising stardom, or intrigued by Jared Leto’s method acting, “The Little Things” boasts a cast that will leave a lasting impression.
While critical reception was mixed, the film’s online presence is undeniable. Audience discussions about the ending, the characters’ motivations, and the lingering mystery surrounding Albert Sparma demonstrate the cast’s ability to spark conversation and intrigue.
So, if you’re looking for a crime thriller with a stellar cast and a thought-provoking plot, “The Little Things” is definitely worth a watch. Just be prepared to delve into the darkness alongside these unforgettable characters.To read more, Click Here