|
Bruce
Campbell (Evil Dead: Hail to the King) Interview
What more can possibly said about Bruce Campbell? He’s been
around for a long time working on B-movies, some
"mainstream" movies, television and, more recently, the
multi-platform game Evil Dead: Hail to the King. What follows
is our short Q&A with Bruce, who is so busy that he only had
time to answer 12 of our 34 questions. He agreed to answer 10 so we
count ourselves blessed to wrangle out the 12 we got. As always, the
Armchair Empire would like to extend its undying thanks to Bruce.
When you’re finished reading, go buy one of his movies. Or at
least rent one!
Do you ever stop and wonder, "What if I'd been an
accountant?"
I actually tried to get out of the business several times
for personal reasons (1986 and 1989), but I just kept getting suckered
back in. If I ever had a "real" job, it would be as a forest
ranger.
TV violence has been linked to an increase in violent
crime. How accurate is this statement?
It's baloney. We're a violent society and that sucks. We
need to address violence in everything, not just films, TV, etc. Parents
also need to do their job reigning in their kids and product makers should
have proper warning labels. I'm for freedom of speech 100%, but we
shouldn't "lure" anybody into anything they don't want to be
exposed to.
What is the most ridiculous wardrobe you've ever had to
wear for a TV show
or movie?
I've worn a mud outfit (complete with burlap sack, 3-foot
floppy shoes, bushy eyebrows, wig and big teeth - oh, and I was chained
together with another actor), several types of dresses, military uniforms,
post-apocalyptic garb, sometimes nothing at all, you name it. That would
take me too long to answer - it's all kind of ridiculous.
You've had action figures based on your likeness, a
videogame modeled after Ash from the Evil Dead series, amoung others, is
there any other license you'd like to see your face on?
Not really. I like how things happen when you don't push
it - when the popularity of something becomes its own driving force. I'm
happy to have my face on stuff, but it's really just a character - it's
not Bruce. Either way, I'm glad that folks can collect that stuff.
In your position I'm guessing that you have to stay up
late on a regular basis. What's your beverage of choice to keep you alert?
I'm a morning person more than anything - film shoots
start early. Because I've worked in New Zealand so much, I got back into a
love of Tea - just good old fashioned Earl Grey. I've never been a coffee
guy.
<insert sound of Capt. Picard saying, "Tea,
Earl Grey, hot.">
Julie Strain is considered a B-movie Queen. Would you
consider yourself a B-movie King?
I used to be. I've since moved to the more kind and gentle
world of TV - ha! I tend to go where the wind blows. In the spring of next
year stay tuned for my book about it all - due from St. Martin's Press.
Folks can stay tuned here for details: www.bruce-campbell.com
What projects do you have on the go right now?
Mr. Web site knows all, but I'm finishing a documentary on
fans, working on Beggars and Choosers (for Showtime), editing a VIP
episode I directed, finishing the book, doing appearances, crap like that.
What's going to be the next big technological jump?
The digital world will rule all. Movies will ALL be
digital someday, theaters will not show prints any more and we just had
better get used to it. I mean, what's the big deal? Digital doesn't affect
the stories being told. I like the digital revolution because it will
empower the little guy.
<insert sound of George Lucas putting money in his
pocket>
Recently, hockey player Marty McSorely was brought to
trial for smashing his stick into the temple of Donald Brashier during a
game last season between the Canucks and Bruins. Since the action took
place on the ice during a game, should he have been brought up on criminal
charges?
Hell yes because it was so intentional and premeditated.
"Oh, I meant to hit his shoulder..." - BS. The guy knew exactly
what he was doing. Hockey needs to be brought from the dark ages like
every other sport. I played hockey on a team when I was a teenager and
enjoyed it for its finesse and skill, but the macho fighting crap is for
morons. Just play the friggin' game, will you?
What crummy job did you hold down before getting your big
break?
I was a cab driver, a janitor, delivered newspapers - same
old stuff as anyone else.
If you were working in an electronics store and a
customer, holding a copy of Evil Dead: Hail to the King, asked you,
"Why should I buy this game?" what would you say to make the
sale?
Because it defines cool. Buy it and take cool lessons -
minus the chainsaw.
Canadian Trivia Question: The book Anne of Green Gables,
by L.M.
Montgomery, is set in which Canadian province?
Ontario. Was I right?
For the record it’s Prince Edward Island. Do you want to
know more?
Some more Bruce Campbell links:
http://us.imdb.com/Title?0106308
http://www.anjalysholm.dk/bruce.htm
http://mrshowbiz.go.com/people/brucecampbell/content/credits.html
And a "near miss":
http://www.campbellandbruce.com/
Interview by Omni
|
