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Deceptive 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, I 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.
buzz: What brings you to Ebertfest this year?
Rufus Sewell: 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.
buzz: 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.
buzz: 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).
buzz: 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.
buzz: 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.
buzz: 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.
Sound Off
Last post: Apr. 28, 2008 at 1:48 am
Jeff Brandt (Jeff Brandt) said on Apr. 26, 2008 at 4:09 am:
Crazy seeing this guy in person with Stephanie. He almost blended in with the crowd. Seemed like a very kind, modest person.
Matt B. (Matt Barnes) said on Apr. 28, 2008 at 1:48 am:
Loved him in 'Dark City'. It wasn't Shakespeare, but him and a creepy Keifer Sutherland made for a good movie. Ebert liked that one too.
trisha (trisha ruiz) said on Apr. 25, 2008 at 3:12 am:
oh my fuckin god. i love rufus sewell i can't believe he's just been wandering around champaign. this is almost as bad as when i missed john malkovich here last year. almost.