Movies - TV
James Spader Brought Plenty Of His Own Ideas To His Blacklist Character
By CHRISTIAN GAINEY
With four decades of show business under his belt, James Spader knows a thing or two about creating a character. On NBC’s “The Blacklist,” Spader has helped craft an enigma in a Borsalino fedora and Italian leather shoes playing his cards close to his chest.
According to The Oklahoman, the veteran actor made the decision to shave his head because it was the right choice for the role of Raymond “Red” Reddington. Spader's understanding of Red's nomadic lifestyle affected more than his hairstyle, and he collaborated closely with the costume department, offering ideas for the character's wardrobe like the now-famous fedora choice.
Spader said, "He has been on the move for a couple of decades now, if not longer. And, he travels lightly but he has to wear clothing that's practical. He has to be someone who's dressed to go straight from the jungle to a banker's office and be able to be comfortable and appropriately dressed for both."