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TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX - " Man on Fire " Movie
Interview with Chris Walken
Q:
Despite all the darkness in the characters’ previous
lives, your character tries to pull Mr. Washington through
into the light, so to speak. How did you approach your
role in the film?
WALKEN:
Well, yeah, I think that’s true, it- Denzel’s
character and I—and mine, we were, both I guess,
we could call professional soldiers. I’ve retired,
I’m older than he is obviously, and I’ve
got a nice life. And I think I invite him to have
a nice life. You know, get out of that business of
nearly getting killed everyday. Uh, and I have a nice
house, nice wife, kids, swimming pool, but it doesn’t
turn out that way for him.
Q: How much of Mexico City affected
your own perception of the role?
WALKEN:
Well, I really liked Mexico, I’ve been there
before. I’m very fond of Mexico City. I come
from New York City and in fact there’s a lot
about Mexico City that reminds me of New York.
Q:
Did the spirituality of the film affect you in any
way?
WALKEN:
In what way?
Q:
There’s an element of redemption, but it also
kind of----
WALKEN:
Oh, no I think it’s true that’s the key
thing really, that’s the heart of the movie
is this man, Creasy, who has had a hard life and his
life hasn’t turned out so well. And then he
meets this little girl who gives him a new lease on
life I guess. Yeah, I think that’s what it’s
about.
Q:
What do you think elevates “MAN ON FIRE”
from other dramas?
WALKEN:
I hope you’re right. You know, you never know
what’s gonna happen with movies I hope that
people buy a lot of tickets.
Q:
What does the title signify to you?
WALKEN:
Well, the long time ago I read a book, there is the
book “MAN ON FIRE” and that’s obviously
what it comes from. The book, from what I recall is
quite different from the movie.
Q:
In terms of symbolism, what do you think the title
reflects?
WALKEN:
“MAN ON FIRE”—I’m gonna have
to think about that.
Q:
You chose this character instead of the lawyer character.
Why was that?
WALKEN:
Well I remember that it was one or the other at some
early point, uh, I don’t remember who decided.
I’m glad that I played, you know, basically
a good guy. Um, but that’s true, they weren’t
sure which one they wanted me for.
Q:
You’re such a good bad guy in so many ways—
WALKEN:
Well, I play a lot of bad guys. It’s great to
do something different once in awhile. And you get
older and you start to play people’s father
and uncle and uh, maybe the good guy.
Q:
Now---
WALKEN:
You know, somebody’s friend, play somebody’s
friend.
Q:
This was your first time working with Tony Scott,
is that correct?
WALKEN:
No, I did true “TRUE ROMANCE” with him.
Q:
Has he changed at all style wise?
WALKEN:
Nah, you know, Tony, he’s wonderful man. He’s—I
really like him very much, aside from being a superb
director. You know, he’s, you know, somebody
has said that with actors and directors, if you feel
like your in very good hands, and your taken care
of, your protected, you can take chances and you’ll
be okay, and Tony definitely does that. But he’s
also, a really good guy, I like him.
Q:
Could you have envisioned what he came up with when
you saw the final product?
WALKEN:
No, I was—you mean visually?
Q:
Yeah.
WALKEN:
No. I mean I know that he’s a maestro with the
cameras and all that, but no, when I was making it,
it was just shooting a, you know, shooting a movie,
that was all—
Q:
I was very surprised to see such a young girl Dakota
she—
WALKEN:
Yeah.
Q:
What was it like seeing something from such a---
WALKEN:
Your right, you know, not only that, to see a nine
year old person who’s so good. I was a child
performer in those days. A lot of kids were. My brothers
and I, we did that, but to see someone who can actually
act and act real good. Who knows where that comes
from. That’s like a musical prodigy or something.
Q:
Do you think she brought a little bit of energy to
the movie?
WALKEN:
She is fascinating to watch. You know, I suppose that’s
the magic of—well so is Denzel. And that’s
what you want if you’re an actor. You want people
to look at you and just not want to stop watching
you. And uh, yeah, I mean, together they were great.
