'I Know This Much Is True' Premiere: Mark Ruffalo's brilliance touches hearts, fans say he deserves an Emmy
Spoiler for 'I Know This Much Is True' Episode 1
The first episode of 'I Know This Much Is True' deepened the sentiments one would go to depths of to be there for their family. While the episode was heartbreaking and some may say even difficult to watch, Mark Ruffalo's delivery of twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey is an exceptional portrayal of the intense and impeccable actor he is. Ruffalo's performance in the devastating series will 100 percent make you want to watch more, even with tears in your eyes. Fans took to Twitter to thank Ruffalo as the series premiere stole hearts everywhere.
"The wait was worth it. Thanks Mark Ruffalo for giving us art #IKnowThisMuchIsTrue #AskMarkRuffalo," tweeted a fan. "#IKnowThisMuchIsTrue is heartbreaking and powerful and Mark Ruffalo truly is one of the best actors working today," tweeted another fan.
The episode introduced us to the two brothers, their mother and stepfather reeling in a sad family dynamic using flashbacks and bringing us back to the current day in the narrative. Thomas suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and while Dominick promised his mother on her death bed that he would be there for his brother, that responsibility bore a heavy burden.
To play both roles, Ruffalo gained 30 pounds for scenes that involved Thomas. "We didn't want it to be like I run and throw a wig on and do the same scene in the same day, so we took six weeks off to really separate these two guys. And Thomas is on medication, mood stabilizers and anti-psychotics. A lot of people put on weight. Putting on the weight for Thomas was really challenging. I didn't expect it to be. I thought I was going to have a fun time doing that, but when you're force-feeding yourself, some of the romance of food sort of leaves," said Ruffalo.
"WOW! No questions. I just wanted to say what an outstanding actor you are. I already knew you were good... but wow just wow!!! #AskMarkRuffalo #IKnowThisMuchIsTrue #HBO," tweeted another fan.
Ruffalo's dedication to playing both brothers, and both intense roles individually, is clearly visible in the first episode. "#IKnowThisMuchIsTrue’s first episode was fantastic. Mark Ruffalo should win an Emmy for this role. I can’t wait for next Sunday," tweeted another fan. While the series and the narrative are alluring in itself, it seems as though Ruffalo has impressed fans enough and left them wanting more.
While the role of The Hulk has always been part of Ruffalo's persona as an actor, his role in this new HBO series has managed to bring him to the forefront for an aesthetic performance, and we're here for it. "Mark continues to confirm that he is one of the best actors of the moment, I am proud #IKnowThisMuchIsTrue #AskMarkRuffalo," tweeted another fan.
'I Know This Much Is True' airs Sundays at 9pm EST on HBO.