Horse riding and fencing

[trugannini]

Our boy rode a horse in a few films, Wuthering Heights, Schlinder's List, Onegin, there
may have been others? It looked as though he could ride? Yes? When his fencing coach in "Sunshine" asked him to change from Right Hand to Left Hand, that scene wasn't 'trickery', Ralph really was doing it, which leads me to think he did all his own
fencing in the movie? Yes? What do others know about this? If so, he's passed
the 100% mark in my book. :)

[Liza]

I think he did these things on his own too. Ralph seems to be as authentic and organic in the portrayal of his characters as he can be. That's one of the things I love about him, the commitment to be as real as possible in these roles. Look at how he genuinely alters his physical appearance for his films, being willing to put on or lose weight as needed, shaving his head, the attention he pays to things like a character's clothing. The way he refused to wear special lenses when playing a blind man in "The White Countess". With all the technology and special effects available now, he could take an easier way, but doesn't. He remains true to his character and craft. I love that!

[trugannini]

Yes Liza, I agree. In Oscar and Lucinda he worked his mouth in such a way that he had
a slight lisp, and his way of smiling, he lifted his cheeks to enhance Oscar's child-like
smile. He went to a blind institution for White Countess and studied one particular man for a couple of days noting all the little mannerisms. In The White Countess he is stopped in the
street by Japanese soldiers with bayonets..As he approaches them his eyes move in the
exact way that a blind mans eyes would move, brilliant. I'm glad you agree about the horse riding and the fencing. :)

[Dana]

In the director's commentary on the Bernard and Doris DVD, the director said Ralph took, for lack of a better term, " butler lessons" and also had someone teach him how to do embroidery because he wanted it to be authentic.

[trugannini]

Yes Dana, he continues his career learning all the time. That's what I love about him, his
commitment to his craft...and after 25 years of acting he is still humble enough to learn
more. He is a stand-out No.1 in his professionalism, wanting to give any part he takes
on 100%. That attribute is very hard to find. :)

[Dana]

I think he is just amazing. Every role I've watched him play has been believable -- unlike a lot of actors. He just embodies whichever role he is in, and he's truly amazing and so talented.

[Alice]

Ralph's grandmother Sylvia Twistleton-Wykeham-Fiennes was an accomplished horsewoman - perhaps riding skills run in the family!