James Payton is a versatile actor known for his roles in various film and television productions, with notable appearances in franchises like Harry Potter and Captain America. Despite having a range of credits, including roles like “geography lecturer” in The Crown and “wasted guy” in a 2005 thriller, Payton has found an unexpected niche in regional fan conventions.
The documentary delves into Payton’s experiences at these conventions, where fans eagerly queue for a selfie with the actor known as Neville Longbottom’s dad in Harry Potter and Hitler in Captain America. While the film captures the humorous aspects of this side hustle, with scenes reminiscent of The Office and The Trip, it also touches on Payton’s reflections about his career trajectory.
Throughout the documentary, Payton maintains a dry sense of humor as he navigates the quirks of fan conventions, budget hotels, and moments of downtime in empty community halls. The film, however, leaves the titular question – “Who is James Payton?” – somewhat unanswered, prompting a desire for more exploration into his personal experiences, such as the impact of his father’s death at age 12, his divorce, and his relationship with failure in an industry where setbacks are inherent.
While the documentary offers glimpses into Payton’s life, it leaves viewers pondering not only who James Payton is but also why his journey is significant. A more in-depth exploration of his personal challenges and triumphs could have provided a more satisfying answer to the question posed by the title.
