Directed and written by Paul Andrew Williams, Bull stars Niel Maskell as the lead character; Credits: Mubi

Neil Maskell is a brilliant actor, having had the opportunity to list a number of distinct characters on his resume. Yet, his latest role in the revenge thriller is one of the most distinct characters he ever played. 

Bull is a revenge thriller directed by Paul Andrew Williams, featuring Neil Maskell in the titular role of Bull in the show. Known for his character Churchill in Peaky Blinders, Maskell plays a mob leader in the series. 

His tale of revenge revolves around an incident that happened to him 10 years ago and he is back for his vengeance. The actor shared his experience on the sets of the film, the scare factor of shooting during a pandemic, and his collaboration with director Paul Andrew Williams on the set of the film. Williams is famous for his direction of select episodes of the crime series Broadchurch. 

Revealing why he went on to star in the film, the actor shared that he wanted to work with Paul Andrew Williams. The two had wanted to work together for a long time now and also have been acquaintances for quite a while. 

The actor revealed that he has known the director since his early days in London to Brighton and loved his work ever since. He liked seeing the work through the genre of social realism along with the typical chase film that it is. Seeing him bring back his theme from his prior works into Bull, along with the addition of the revenge plot attracted him. 

Maskell also admitted that his experience on the sets of the film was "great and funny." He said he would have said yes to any project with the director but the film is based on such a good concept that helped its odds. 

Vengeance chase films are in abundance yet the sheer thrill of it makes actors want to act in such films. Maskell exclaimed that it was nice seeing the theme in its true iconic genuinely. 

Bull is a tortured individual with a lot that hurt him. Though he displays himself as an untouchable power of authority, there are places where he has been damaged too. 

He can be easily compared to someone who grew up on the other side of the law, and there are more than a few times when he sees himself in midst of situations that are not totally just. 

The unlawfulness of the whole place only pushed him further down the edge and made him grow into a selfish being. He has learned to wield power and control over the members of his gang, and things have particularly aided him in his journey of manipulation and coercion. 

All his skills or excellence at anything in life is muddied with the fact of the dark objects that he uses them for. Being raised in the shadows and not having anyone look after him, Bull has turned into the husk of a human with many qualities that are indescribable. 

Now that he himself has a child, he is finally open to change and can see the reason behind why living a life on the good side of the law could help his child in the long run. While he is trying to change himself, his intentions are compromised again and that is his breaking point. His anger and pain know no bounds and there is nothing that could staunch the flow of his vengeful desire. 

While Bull could make you root for him for a few moments, his backstory is all kinds of troubled and his challenged future is more or less the consequence of his actions. Explaining one aspect that Neil Maskell himself added to the portrayal of the character, the actor shared that he brought changes in parts where Norm is concerned. 

Norm practically ruled over these boys when they were younger, making them serve him, and yet he did not make for a solid backstory.

However, there was more to it when it came to children being under his control, and Bull seemed to have faced the brunt of it. There might have been reasons that have not even been explored in the movie. 

So now that Bull wants to have his revenge on Norm, it is obvious that there is more to his hate for the leader than what is shown in the film. Maskell believed adding another layer to the character would force the audience to see him more in a more sympathetic light and understand the reasons behind all his dark actions. 

He was devoid of empathy in his childhood and the audience needs to see it as a point of redemption for the character. Hence, there is more than Maskell introduced to the character of Bull than strictly written on paper. 

The depiction of the character and the making of the film was also strongly propelled by the film director Paul Andrews William. Both as the writer and the director of Bull, he had a certain vision when it came to Bull, yet he showed trust in Maskell as a performing artist. 

William is very comfortable in his direction and totally at ease even when he has not figured out some aspect of the film or is yet looking for answers. He allows creative freedom to the performers so that they can bring their own interpretation of the character to the screen and show it in a distinct narrative. 

Though he is basically in control of the film being the director and the creator of the writeup, he doesn't contradict the artists for their varied perspectives and rolls with what they can best, even if it means leaving his own idea behind.