He holds an Oscar ("Leaving Las Vegas") and brilliant dramatic actor when he does not abandon himself to pure action, this collector car enthusiast could not refuse this role of vigilante violence, long hair fluttering in discolored Hell Driver.
You've admitted you are feeling uncomfortable in this role.Why?
Because my character is a concentrate of violence but also because I represent an undead.Not easy even for a professional actor, to slip into that kind of character.Yet I believe that if a role puts you feel uncomfortable or scares you, you should not hesitate to interpret it, because that's probably what you're supposed to live.Whatever the reason and the lesson learned, I always try to improve myself, to stimulate myself and reinvent myself especially.I consider myself a student of the 7th art, not as a master.
Do you believe in the existence of hell?
Objectively, I do not know ...But subjectively, I think a battle between heaven and hell is engaged in the depths of each of us.We must not forget that we all make mistakes. Are you, like your character, someone resentful?
Violence, for good or for evil, is sometimes necessary.It is part of the human condition.Anyone can become violent, at least inwardly.We all experience feelings of frustration and anger when a loved one is attacked physically or psychologically.Fortunately, most of us do not pass the act!Films such as "Hell Drivers" allow us to externalize this violence and to live without acting really.
Are you not haunted by the violence of some of your characters?
I'm not the kind of actor who gets involved in his characters to the point of becoming unbearable at home.At least I hope so (laughs)!I learned to give up every night on the set, overnight, and enjoy life.
Would you play as characters who throw or "man in the World"?
Like the iconic characters.I grew up watching the films of Charles Bronson and Clint Eastwood.So I prefer heroes larger than life.But I also love the game of actors like Jack Nicholson and Humphrey Bogart, who are not afraid to be extreme in style and magnitude of their performance.There may be more accustomed to meet in dramas, but this is not inconsistent with the action film.
Is there still a role you crave?
I would interpret Captain Nemo from "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea", but I do not know if this dream will become reality one day.I regularly launches the idea, though loud for everyone to hear, but I still see nothing come (laughs).
That you are a collector car, what is your favorite moment?
In "Hell Driver", I liked the Chevrolet Chevelle 1970s.In time, I had one.Otherwise, right now, I love my Dodge pickup.It has a diesel engine compatible with the environment.
You push the song in some of your movies.Do you ever record an album?
I was never 100% comfortable with my performance as a singer.What I'm doing now is clearly the right choice.And then for me, an actor who sings is not really bright, and vice versa.Anyway, I do not care in the opinion of critics!
What do you spend your leisure time?
When I do, and it does not happen often, I spend most of my time with my son and my wife.I also enjoy walks and play things fairly simple.I'm incredibly boring.
How do you cope with fame after thirty years of career?
The public is the reason I'm still famous, and I'm really conscious.People have been loyal all these years.I'm not here because of good reviews or praise the media, but thanks to the fans.So when I meet them, I try to be as respectful as possible.It's important for me to pose for pictures and signing every autograph each, even that excited my family.
If you did not make it to Hollywood, what kind of life would you lead?
In truth, I gave myself one last chance to get a role.In case I would not have been chosen, I intended to become a fisherman.I had many friends at the time, who, for a summer in Alaska, were made a small fortune and returned home at the wheel of magnificent Corvettes!As I loved the ocean, and the prospect of being on the high seas would have allowed me to write and live like Jack London, I entertained the fantasy of being a sailor and writer.
Interview in Los Angeles by Catherine Nitelet-Vedder.
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"As long as I am still capable of entertaining my audience, I am a glad man." (Nicolas Cage)
Yes indeed, very cool, Cristina, it is a great interview! I love that he appreciates his fans too, always so good and considerate of them. Thanks Cristina for posting this, so NICe to read.
I missed this earlier Cristina, thank you for posting and for the translation A lovely interview with great questions. Nic sounds reflective and wise and as ever funny and open. This is the second (third?) time in recent interviews he has mentioned wanting to do Captain Nemo!! smoking a seaweed cigar no less!
Is it just me or is Nic talking more about his acting style in recent interviews? Or is it just he is being asled moe. either way he seems open to talking about it and sounds very grounded which is NICe, and I enjoy the insights. Nic has to be admired to have come on such a long journey and to still be going strong, he has a auch a level of experience, I really appreciate anything he has to say about his or other's acting approaches.
It seems to me too that that topic is addressed quite often, I love to hear what he has to say too. I suppose when an actor reaches his level of fame, experience and stature, the questions about technique and inspiration might get asked more aften. but I do think he seems more open in general lately, which makes it so enjoyable to read/hear. I love reading his comments on acting and related topics, it is so interesting to get his unique take on things.
