Interview & Photography { John Russo
Produced { Photohouse Productions for Disney
Grooming { Melissa Walsh
Styling { Joseph Episcopo
Video{ Ken Waller Media
Location { Los Angeles California
JR: Having been in the industry for decades, how do you feel about the current state of the entertainment industry?
SL: “The entertainment industry” is a pretty all-encompassing term; film, theatre, music, TV, podcasts, and probably other forms and platforms I’m not even aware of. There is a dizzying array of product and the choices are myriad. Is this a good thing? Sure, it’s great to have options. On the other hand, in prehistoric times, years ago when I was a boy, the entire nation tuned in to watch Ed Sullivan or Bonanza or the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite, and that was rather remarkable – a nightly or weekly event shared by virtually the entire nation. So things are so much more fragmented now, so many niches. Something is lost and something gained. Specifically in terms of Cinema – the climate is economically difficult and impossible to predict, and the Studio’s are, as ever, blockbuster driven, however there is more emerging talent – writers, directors, actors – than ever before, and the work can be extraordinary. That’s a short answer to a complicated question.
JR: What do you think makes Quaritch a memorable antagonist in the sci-fi genre?
SL: If Quaritch is memorable it is because of his power, both physical and intellectual. He is very sharp. He is a charismatic leader as well. By becoming a 10 foot blue being with a tail he amemeorably becomes what he hates. That’s interesting.
JR: With the extensive visual effects in “Avatar,” how did that impact your acting process? SL: The amazing visual effects serve to enhance the acting process. The acting and the technology exist side by side, each serving the other.
JR: Are there any scenes in “Avatar” that particularly challenged you or that you’re especially proud of?
SL: There are many scenes that challenged me, and in many different ways. I always enjoy the physical challenges, the fighting and flying, the weaponry is always challenging. I like working with Sam Worthington because he is a skilled and trustworthy acting partner and fight opponent. I suppose finding my own skull and crushing it in WAY OF WATER was a particular favorite of mine because it was so truly bizarre.
JR: If you could give a bit of advice to a young actor starting his career what would you tell him?
SL: Advice to young actors? Do work that you are afraid of doing. Play the roles that are uncomfortable for you. Study hard, of course, but trust yourself and be prepared to make the leap of faith that is necessary to truly immerse yourself in a role.
JR: Has your perspective on acting and the industry changed over the years?
SL: As I get older I try to simplify the acting. Lose some of the baroque flourishes I was fond of in my youth. The film industry has changed – I mean, we don’t even use film anymore. But on a fundamental level things remain eternally the same: people want and need stories – love stories, war stories, fantasies, documentaries, myths and legends, and deeply imagined worlds like Pandora. The craving for stories is part of being human, and the movies have satisfied that craving for more than a century. I see no reason for it to stop now.
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John Russo