Swedish actor, director and fighter Dolph Lundgren has been an integral part of combat cinema for 20 years. After his screen debut in the James Bond film "A View to a Kill", Sylvester Stallone chose a tall Swede for the role of a Russian fighter Ivana Drago в “Rocky 4”. After everyone liked the image of the indestructible Drago, Lundgren offered leading roles in action films "Masters of the Universe", “Red Scorpion”, "Executioner", “Showdown in Little Tokyo” и "Universal Soldier".
Last ten years Lundgren was busy filming and directing DTV films like "Defender" и "Missionary", but now, thanks to his partner in “Rocky 4”, the actor again had the chance to “shine up” on the big screen - to star with other stars in a blockbuster "The Expendables".
Clint Morris contacted Dolph Lundgrento talk about "The Expendables".
Dolph, you are taking us back to the era of old-school action films!
Dolph Lundgren: Yes! "The Expendables" – definitely a treat for action lovers!
In the film, you are, as always, in good shape. Do you still exercise daily?
Dolph Lundgren: In the film I’m almost 5 kg heavier, I didn’t want to lose face standing next to Terry Crews – and his hands are simply huge – so I worked out more than usual. You know, there are several big guys in the film, I tried to reach their level. If we talk about everyday training, then yes, I do martial arts almost every day, especially recently - I want to earn a 4th dan black belt.
When you're filming a film, do you have to train more?
Dolph Lundgren: Yes, it depends on the role. In this case, I knew that I would be standing next to healthy guys, and I worked out more than usual. I work on my arms, I lift weights, I know what the audience will mainly be looking at. When I train, I adapt to the film I will be starring in. For example, if it's a martial arts movie, I spend more time sparring. I'm also currently working on a book about fitness, so I'm doing various research in that area.
In a recent interview, Jean-Claude Van Damme joked that, in middle age, he couldn't do half the things he used to do. Are you also limited by age?
Dolph Lundgren: Yes, but I think the point is consistency. A person gets old, it’s hard for him to stay in shape, so you can’t work carelessly. But you are right, the further you go, the more difficult it becomes. [Laughs]
Did you have any injuries on the set of “The Expendables”?
Dolph Lundgren: No, not much. Compared with "Rocky" it's nothing. Missed a couple of hits from Jet Liwhen we were filming our fight. Oh yeah, I had to have minor surgery on my elbow.
Just some minor elbow surgery? Coming from your lips it sounded like a scratch!
Dolph Lundgren: By and large, nothing like that. This film was not difficult to film.
For some time you made films yourself. Have you ever wanted to take Sly's megaphone away?
Dolph Lundgren: [Laughs] No, but he was kind enough to let me be a part of the creative process. When he wrote the script, we discussed what he had written together, and I could put in my two cents. We constantly came up with something new - things similar to those that were so intriguing about the confrontation Ivana Drago и Rocky Balboa. But no, Stallone he didn’t need any tips from me - he starred in a huge number of action films, more than anyone else. He has more fighters than Clint Eastwood.
Did Sly come up with your role?
Dolph Lundgren: Well, I don't know, but in the script the character is described as a big Scandinavian, which is kind of like me.
Have you kept in touch with Stallone since Rocky IV?
Dolph Lundgren: Yes. We never discussed working together, but for the last few years we have worked with the same producers, so we often crossed paths. It's always nice to meet and chat about this and that. I was very surprised when he came to me with the script "The Expendables". My heart jumped out of my chest when I thought that he would offer me work together again.
Some directors who use 3D seem to have forgotten that cinema doesn't begin and end with the visuals - sound is important, too. As a director, do you consider sound as important as image?
Dolph Lundgren: Yes, completely. For example, in "The Expendables" Sly Spent a lot of time on the sound - mixing and all that. A very difficult task is to choose the right sounds and effects for all the elements of action scenes. I remember how Sly looked for the sound of a truck; he had to go through the noise of hundreds of different engines until he found the sound he liked of an 8000 horsepower tractor. The art of sound mixing is much more complex than it seems at first glance.
“The Expendables” is the first film with your participation that, after many years, will be shown in a cinema. Do you think it will help your career?
Dolph Lundgren: I hope so. I've made a lot of DTV movies, some great, some not so good, so this change is for the better. These days it is very difficult to make it to the big screen with a film, which is why I jumped at the chance to act in an action film that will be shown in theatres.
Would you like to star in a buddy cop movie with Sly? This could work!
Dolph Lundgren: That would be cool! I guess Stallone It wouldn't hurt to think about making a sequel "The Expendables", then I will most likely have the opportunity to work with him again. Stallone – one of a kind, he is capable of something that I would hardly agree to, such as filming a film “With all my might”; he is a truly risky man.
Just like you! Didn't your career start in a completely different direction?
Dolph Lundgren: I actually studied in Australia. I have a master's degree in chemical engineering. I studied at the University of Sydney in the early 80s.
And years later you returned to Australia to film The Executioner, didn't you?
Dolph Lundgren: Yes, that's right. I had to go back and work for about five months. Cool place.
No, I'll tell you what's cool... “The Expendables” is one of those rare 2D films that are coming out now!
Dolph Lundgren: To the point! Personally, I'm not a big fan of 3D. I know it's cool and all, but it just doesn't grab me. It seems to me that this is just a ploy to increase box office revenue. Many directors use this technology to have an edge over their competitors, whether their films are mediocre or not. However, sooner or later, I may have to change my point of view.
Because you will soon be filming a sequel to “Universal Soldier” in 3D? This was in the news a few months ago.
Dolph Lundgren: Well, I haven't seen the script yet. I don't even know who will be filming. It's difficult to say what the result will be. My character died twice, how are they going to resurrect me a third time?
Author: Clint Morris
Source: moviehole
Translation: EvilDollaR
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Tags: The Expendables, Universal Soldier: Day Of Reckoning, Dolph Lundgren, Sylvester Stallone
Tags: The Expendables, Universal Soldier: Day Of Reckoning, Dolph Lundgren, Sylvester Stallone
Dolph is handsome! I watch any crap and nonsense with his presence in the frame: a tiger’s gait, some movements unimaginable to me - mesmerizing! I keep trying to put my hands behind my back like him and it doesn’t work!!! And he is just a gutta-percha rock
Thank you. Great interview.