Idris Elba talks about his starring role as John Luther in Neil’s Cross’s six part BBC thriller 'Luther'.
So give us an insight into Luther’s world?
Luther is a modern spin on the maverick detective, an unorthodox, very smart, intellectual guy, but also passionate about his work and about the cases that he fights for. He can't help but get emotionally involved in his cases and, as a result, when we first meet him, you realise quickly he's been working on one case far too long.
What we see as the series continues is a man trying to get back into his stride and back on top of his game. He is a compassionate man that believes in his job. He has a good understanding of human beings and the psychology of human beings, especially those that do wrong. You see a man that is fantastic at solving crime, fantastic at risk assessment and fantastic at figuring out why you did it then you see him stumbling when it comes to dealing with his personal life.
How is the break-up of his marriage impacting on Luther?
His attempt at dealing with the break-up of his marriage is a crash-course for disaster. His marriage is on the rocks – a result of him being too passionate about his work and his wife and not being able to sustain the relationship. Knowing Luther the way I know Luther, I think he's dug himself deeper into his work because there's been something missing from their relationship for a long time.
How did you prepare for the role?
I met with a senior murder detective, who also advised on the drama. He gave me an insight into his working life, how long it took to get where he is in the force and the things he has seen. We talked about what life as a detective is really like – we discussed Luther's behaviour, the expected protocol for a given situation. I had to know the rules to plan how Luther breaks them. I didn't really go on any field work or anything like that, it's not that type of story, it's more about the character.
Tell us about Luther’s friend and colleague DCI Ian Reed (played by Steven Mackintosh)?
He's definitely seen the best and worst of Luther, and these guys are absolutely loyal to each other – they've got each others' back, no matter what. Steven Mackintosh is fantastic as Ian Reed – very, very strong and very vulnerable and believable.
He is also working with an idealistic young detective. Tell us about him?
Warren Brown, who plays Ripley – he's not going to like me saying this – but he is Luther's Robin to my Batman. Warren is a great actor and also brings a fresh-faced, un-burdened detective storyline, energy. There are really wonderful moments where Luther does something that is completely not text book, which throws Ripley for six, but, like Batman and Robin, they stick together.
How did you find the script, written by Neil Cross?
It was a page-turner for me. I kept reading it, I couldn't put it down. I fell in love with Luther – he's a complex man, which is interesting, dramatically speaking. I wanted to play a character that challenged me and challenges the audience and I think we have that with Luther.
Tell us about the structure of the drama as it is not a traditional "who did it"?
There is plenty of tension just watching Luther's mind work – he is an intense fellow. My character does his own thing throughout, but you as an audience will sit there thinking: 'Should he be breaking the law to get there?' It puts the audience in a unique position. My character has something of the fantastical about him, he wants to solve the crime at any costs – he's like a super-hero and he never changes his clothes!
How does if feel working back in England?
I love being here. It's great working in America and so far I've been very privileged in the roles that have come my way. Although I'll continue to work in America, London is still home and British television drama still sets a benchmark for the world, so Luther was a unique opportunity for me. I think we've done something special with Luther, creating a new kind of hero for a contemporary audience.
What type of TV programmes have inspired you?
Oh, it varied - all the cop shows. I liked The A-Team and, going further back, Spiderman.
