Press
Conference with Harvey Keitel and Theo Angelopoulos,
41st
International Thessaloniki Film Festival
Monday
13/11/2000
"All
the great stories of the world have been told by Homer, Aeschylus, and
the other ancient Greek authors. This is why it is so exciting for me to
be here." With these words, Harvey Keitel expressed his happiness for his
visit to Greece, and urged new film makers to employ the ancient myths
while wishing that…Hollywood would move to Greece.
The star of
the film "Ulysses' Gaze" expressed his deep admiration for Theo Angelopoulos
saying that the director's stories helped him live better, make inquiries
about his life, and ultimately learn himself.
In the actor's
press conference in the framework of the 41st Thessaloniki Film Festival,
he described his experiences from the film "Ulysses' Gaze", which took
him to Serajevo, Vukovar and other cities torn by war. He noted how he
considered it a great privilege to have experienced the reality of war:
"it was sort of a divine command that urged me to see how I could narrate
the story of war and therefore help in any way I can but especially the
children", he said characteristically.
Theo Angelopoulos
was present at the press conference and talked about his collaboration
with Mr. Keitel: "In the beginning there was a huge gap between us", he
said. "We would test each other, sniff each other like dogs. Later, contact
was established. Harvey is unpredictable. There were times that reminded
me of something Kazan told me about Marlon Brando. Every time he would
give him pointers, he would tell him different things and the great actor
would answer 'let me try it on my own, and then you can correct me.' And
Brando was always better than what he expected. The same applies for Harvey.
I'll
never forget one of his screams", added Mr. Angelopoulos as he described
a scene at the Belgrade airport when fog had been trapped in a warehouse
that was 100 x 40 meters. There were about 100 people inside the warehouse
and Harvey just let out a desperate, animalistic scream that made everyone
tremble in fear. "There are times when a great actor and director transcend
the norm, and go beyond the scene and the film", concluded the director.
In reference
to his goals, Harvey Keitel said that an Oscar is not a goal but just an
object. On the contrary, what really interests him is to narrate stories
and help others do the same.
The actor refused
to answer the question if he was a star and insisted that it was wrong
for actors to compete: "I only struggle against myself and the divine",
he said and added that it was a privilege to be in Greece, at the Thessaloniki
Film Festival where new film makers have the chance to meet, discuss, exchange
opinions and learn how to better narrate stories.
Finally, the
famous star spoke about Jane Campion and called her a "godess" and an incredibly
spiritual human being. "Her inquiries resemble Theo's", he added and concluded
with a wish: "I hope that for the rest of my life I can make movies like
Ulysses' Gaze and still be able to pay the rent".
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