Director Alik Sakharov on Peter Dinklage’s performance, and the master of manipulation Ramsay Snow

Last night’s episode of Game of Thrones, “The Laws of Gods and Men,” ended with one of the most powerful scenes in the series to date. Carried by a phenomenal performance from Peter Dinklage, we were filled with just as much heartbreak and anger as Tyrion, who had been betrayed by those few people he thought he could trust.

This episode also revealed that Theon Greyjoy is truly dead to those who once knew him, which was followed by another disturbing scene. Ramsay Snow offered his pet a gift, bathing Reek’s scarred body in exchange for one simple request.

In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Director Alik Sakharov talks about his work on this “very internal episode” that is setting up “for something grand to come.” He discusses working with Peter Dinklage for the trial scenes, and the future of Theon Greyjoy at the hands of master manipulator, Ramsay Snow.

Peter Dinklage gave one of his finest performances of the series this week. What did you two talk about for the trial scene?
Working with Peter is not very complicated, because gets his character so well. Speaking with Peter, we talk about nuance and controlling his emotions. If he were to show right off the bat that he’s bothered by this trial, then it would diminish the ending, which the scene has set up.

There are so many other great performances in the trial scene as well. What were some of your favorites?
In addition to what she said, Sibel Kekilli (Shae) does much of it with her eyes. And there’s a big moment in which Tyrion challenges Varys — basically accusing him of forgetting that it was Tyrion who saved them all at the Blackwater. Varys says “Sadly my lord, I never forget a thing.” There is a setup there that perhaps Varys could help his friend in the future.

This episode also sees things getting worse for Theon  — or at least there now seems to be no hope of rescue.
It’s sad for Yara, because realizes that she has lost her brother and it was quite an emotional shift for her. She’s a brave girl. She’s very strong. She did not show any of it, but we know she felt it.

In your mind, is Ramsay making a pass at Theon in the bathtub scene?
It’s about control. He is the master of manipulation. He knows how to play Theon and he knows which buttons to push.  Here for the first time, he’s being kind to him. Viewers will go “what is this guy thinking? Is he going to hurt him?”  The actor who plays Ramsay is a very strong actor and Alfie is an equal match. They are wonderful together. They have such chemistry in the frame you really feel it. When they look at one another – or if they don’t – you go “oof!” You feel it. It goes right into the core.

For more from Alik’s interview, including his thoughts on Tywin and Jaime’s deal, and working with Nikolaj and Charles, be sure to visit The Hollywood Reporter!

• Published on 05/12/2014 at 1:31 PM CDT
• Last updated on 10/21/2016 at 12:42 PM CDT