Alright, listen up, folks! The buzz surrounding Celyn Jones’s new film, ‘Madfabulous Movie,’ about the enigmatic 5th Marquess of Anglesey, Henry Paget, is for real. This ain’t just another period piece; it’s a vibrant exploration of an eccentric historical figure often relegated to a scandalous footnote. Jones knew this story was special from the jump, captivated by a photograph of Paget in full glam, a look that would make even Bowie do a double-take – talk about being ahead of your time, no cap.
Dubbed ‘the dancing marquess,’ Paget lived a life highkey out of sync with Victorian-era norms, especially in North Wales. His lavish lifestyle, extravagant parties, and self-funded theater company at Plas Newydd — where he was the star attraction, even performing a ‘Butterfly Dance’ in a transparent silk robe — set tongues wagging. While some historians debate his sexuality, there’s little doubt his life story is a crucial piece of gender identity history. This dude was straight up pushing boundaries, and the film totally captures that struggle for authentic self-expression in a world that wasn’t ready.
Director Celyn Jones dives deep into Paget’s psyche, moving beyond the public spectacle to reveal the ‘man and the monster’ within. He explored the real drivers behind the Marquess’s seemingly reckless behavior, suggesting it stemmed from a profound need for acceptance and a quest to discover his true self, rather than just being a ‘dick’ squandering cash. This narrative lens adds a layer of empathy, portraying Paget not merely as a spendthrift but as a complex human battling addiction and neglect, looking for a place to fit in. It’s giving deep character study, for real.
The casting for ‘Madfabulous’ is legit on point. Callum Scott Howells, known for ‘It’s a Sin,’ absolutely slays as Paget, bringing a perfect mix of impish charm and raw vulnerability. Jones himself admits he needed an actor who could embody both the extravagant showman and the deeply human, struggling individual – and Howells delivered, no cap. Ruby Stokes as his wife Lily and British legend Rupert Everett as the aging butler Gelert add some serious gravitas, with Everett crafting Gelert as a stoic survivor whose silent suffering hits different, really selling the quiet tragedy.
What’s super cool is how ‘Madfabulous’ is a love letter to North Wales, shot right on Paget’s actual estate, Plas Newydd. This film isn’t just telling a story; it’s a movement, shining a spotlight on an often-overlooked dynamic between the working class and aristocracy in Britain’s social history. The local reception has been straight up bussin’, with the film outperforming ‘Barbie’ in Bangor. The community is totally fired up, feeling seen and heard through Paget’s story, transforming him from a forgotten photo to a celebrated icon back in his own home. Talk about a glow-up, periodt.
The emotional impact on audiences, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, has been profound. Jones recalls a Q&A where a man, tearfully supported by his husband, expressed wishing the film existed when he was younger. That kind of raw, genuine connection? That’s what it’s all about. This success is not just keeping the British independent film scene from feeling sketchy, but it’s also fueling Jones’s next project, ‘Mountain,’ a coming-of-age story set in the ’80s, proving that authentic storytelling is highkey thriving. Plus, he’s got more acting gigs lined up, including with Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta-Jones – dude’s busy!
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Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
