Q&A with actor Rufus Sewell
Deceiving and manipulative as the “bad guy” in many of his films, Rufus Sewell is nothing but charming in real life. While buying water and waiting outside of The Virginia Theatre for the movie “Yes” to start, Illini Media Company Ebertfest correspondent Stephanie Poquette ran into the actor best known for his roles in “A Knight’s Tale,” “Tristan and Isolde” and “The Illusionist.” Politely agreeing to pictures and autographs, he was a crowd favorite. But, that didn’t stop one Virginia Theatre worker from kicking him out for not having his VIP pass.
IMC: What brings you to Ebertfest this year?
RS: Well, I came for my movie, “Hamlet,” even though I’ve seen it about a million times. This is my first time at the festival, and I am really enjoying it. I got straight off the plane and headed over here to sit and watch a four-hour movie (Hamlet), but I’ve also been watching some of the other films.
IMC: So you just watched Tom Dicillo’s “Delirious,” what did you think?
RS: I really enjoyed it. I’m a big fan of the directors. The performances were really good. It’s great to see a movie that addresses both the frenzy of being famous, and the frenzy to become famous. This is a dominant part of our culture (obsession with celebrities), and it’s interesting to see a movie that addresses the other side of it (what the paparazzi do). I also think Michael Pitt is just a wonderful actor.
IMC: You have been in a lot of period pieces. Do you prefer acting in those types of movies?
RS: It’s not that I prefer or enjoy them; it’s just that you find scripts are quite unimaginative lately. If I find a period piece that I like, then fine, but I don’t have a preference for them. You also find that directors or people in the business are looking for certain people to play certain roles. I suppose I fit this role. But, as you can see from my dress, I am not that old fashion (laughs).
IMC: What movie or character did you enjoy working on the most?
RS: I really liked working on my latest film, “Vinyan.” It should be coming out next year. But other than that I really enjoyed working on “Tristan and Isolde.” It was one of the times that I played a good guy, and I don’t regret that at all.
IMC: Speaking of being the “good guy,” a lot of people would say that you always play “bad guys.” Do you gravitate towards these characters more?
RS: (Laughs) It’s not that I gravitate towards these characters. It’s just if I play a good guy, I guarantee that people won’t see the film.
IMC: Is there any director that you would like to work with?
RS: Well, I mean, there are all the obvious choices, but I would like to work with Mike Lee. And, I suppose I could give Scorsese a chance.
April 26th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Thanks for this interview! Rufus is one of those under-recognized actor who, for those of us who follow him, is far, far more talented than any big name Hollywood actor you could name. Not only that, he is always charming and gracious to fans (I can attest to this personally). He most certainly doesn’t always play bad guys or period pieces - have a look at his filmography! Just because American audiences are narrow in their focus doesn’t mean Rufus hasn’t done plenty of interesting and varied films and roles!