Lambert plays the god who assembles the tournament's fighters in Mortal Kombat, a role that requires him to deliver enormous quantities of mythological exposition. He plays it with amusement rather than solemnity, which is the only reason the film's premise lands rather than collapsing under its own explanation.
He was born in the United States and raised largely in Europe, and he built his career in French cinema before moving to international work, remaining bilingual throughout it. He came to prominence in a jungle adventure adaptation of a classic novel and then in a fantasy about immortals that became a durable cult franchise across films and television.
Recurring subjects: immortality and its weariness, outsiders moving between cultures, and mythological material played straight. His delivery is distinctive and deliberate, and his screen presence combines physical stillness with an amused detachment that suits characters who have already seen everything happen once.
His immortal warrior franchise has a lasting cult following across films and television series, and his game adaptation is regularly named among the more successful early attempts at the form. His French language work brought major national awards recognition early in his career.
For viewers who want fantasy played with a straight face. Suited to anyone approaching the game adaptation, and to those who should follow it with the immortals franchise that made his reputation.
