Meaning: Ron Moody's quote, "My portrayal of Fagin was all to do with my experience in comedy and revue," offers a glimpse into the actor's approach to his iconic role in the musical "Oliver!" This statement sheds light on Moody's interpretation of the character and provides insight into his acting process.

Ron Moody's portrayal of Fagin in the 1968 film adaptation of "Oliver!" is widely considered one of the most memorable performances in his career. Fagin is a complex character, a conniving and manipulative leader of a group of young pickpockets in Victorian London. Moody's approach to the role, as indicated by his quote, was heavily influenced by his background in comedy and revue.

The quote suggests that Moody drew on his experience in comedy and revue to inform his portrayal of Fagin. Comedy and revue are forms of entertainment that often rely on exaggerated characters, physicality, and timing to elicit laughter from the audience. Moody's expertise in these areas likely contributed to his ability to bring depth and nuance to the character of Fagin.

In comedy and revue, performers often use physicality and expressive gestures to convey emotions and convey the essence of a character. These skills would have been invaluable to Moody as he sought to embody the larger-than-life persona of Fagin. Moody's use of physicality and expressive gestures likely added layers of complexity to his portrayal, allowing him to capture the essence of the character in a compelling and memorable way.

Furthermore, Moody's experience in comedy would have equipped him with a keen sense of timing and delivery, essential elements for bringing out the humor and wit in Fagin's character. Fagin is known for his cunning and sly nature, and Moody's comedic background likely enabled him to infuse the character with the quick-witted charm and charisma that made his portrayal so captivating.

It is also worth noting that Moody's reference to his experience in revue suggests that he may have drawn inspiration from the stylized and exaggerated nature of revue performances. In revue, performers often use caricature and heightened theatricality to portray characters and convey emotions. Moody's ability to tap into this theatrical tradition could have contributed to the larger-than-life quality of his portrayal of Fagin.

In conclusion, Ron Moody's quote provides valuable insight into the thought process behind his portrayal of Fagin in "Oliver!" His experience in comedy and revue clearly played a significant role in shaping his interpretation of the character, allowing him to infuse Fagin with complexity, humor, and charisma. Moody's ability to draw on his background in these forms of entertainment undoubtedly contributed to the enduring impact of his performance as Fagin.