Jude Law Used A Blood, Sweat, And Poop-Scented Perfume To Play King Henry VIII In “Firebrand”

If you thought actors were obnoxious when deciding to go “method,” then get ready because Jude Law is here to take method acting to a very visceral level. While promoting his new movie Firebrand at Cannes, Jude revealed that he wore a special perfume that reeked of “blood, fecal matter, and sweat” in order to recreate the pustulous wounds of King Henry VIII, who he plays in the film. I mean… that’s gotta be an OSHA violation; where was this filmed?! But his co-star Alicia Vikander is probably thankful that he’s covering up her nose in that pic.

Firebrand is the story of King Henry VIII and his sixth wife, Catherine Parr, played by Alicia Vikander. Apparently, at the end of his life, Henry VIII was pretty fucking gross with his legs having ulcers and stuff, and Jude says that during his research, he discovered that Henry VIII probably stunk up fifty feet in any direction, via The Guardian:

“I read several interesting accounts that you could smell Henry three rooms away,” said Law at a press conference in Cannes on Monday. “His leg was rotting so badly. He hid it with rose oil. I thought it would have a great impact if I smelt awful.”

A specialist perfumier was enlisted to make a custom brew, continued Law. “She makes wonderful scents, and she also makes awful scents. She somehow came up with this extraordinary variety of blood, fecal matter, and sweat…”

“Initially, I used it very subtly. But then it became a spray fest.”

The film’s director, Karim Aïnouz, testified to the success of Law’s immersive approach. “When he walked in on set,” he said, “it was just horrible.”

Ummm… okay, but the real victim here is Alicia, who had to film a sex scene with Jude. Was he using his special perfume during that? Because she needs to sue. Although, a review in The Guardian suggests that maybe worse than Jude’s perfume is whoever’s ass they used in the sex scene:

“The king’s bedchamber is perfumed by the pus splurging from Henry’s bloated and ulcerated legs as the doctor changes his bandages, getting thumped and screamed at by the royal patient. This Henry is peevish and cantankerous.”

“And we at one stage get a full-on shot of His Majesty’s pale, fleshy bum as he has conjugal relations with Catherine – like the giant, shaved arse of a sheep. Did Law use a buttock double for this stomach-turning image?”

Not a sheep! Imagine your ass gets called “stomach-turning” after the discussion of puss legs? That’s a blow to the self-esteem! Here’s a press conference from Cannes with Jude, Alicia, Karim, and producer Gabrielle Tana:

Whatever, Jude, I’m sure this isn’t the first time that a thespian has reeked for his art. I’m sure that Jared Leto smelled a lot worse than blood, shit, and sweat while playing The Joker. Although, that was probably his natural scent. And I can guarantee that Jude’Oscar-baiting stank brew smelled a lot better than anything Paris Hilton has released as a perfume.

Here’s Jude and Alicia at the Cannes photocall and premiere of Firebrand:

Pics: Brouhaha Entertainment, INSTARImages