Tom Hardy is widely known for portraying unconventional characters. Many of his roles share traits such as being outsiders, eccentric individuals, morally ambiguous figures or characters with distinctive, sometimes really strange accents. However, there are only a few instances where his characters come across as relatively grounded and "normal" — Dunkirk and Locke come to mind.
I think what stands out about his role in Inception is how it breaks away from his usual typecasting. As Eames, he exudes charm, charisma, and a sense of humor, embodying a suave, almost James Bond-like figure. The performance highlights his range, showing that he can effortlessly step into a role that is polished, witty, and magnetic — a stark contrast to the brooding intensity he is often associated with.
It’s surprising that he hasn’t taken on more roles like this, where his natural charm and comedic timing could truly shine. In fact, I feel that his tendency to play characters with similar traits has started to feel a bit repetitive in recent years. Would his career have been even more exciting if he had balanced his darker, complex characters with more roles like the one in Inception?