Unlike characters, Statham likes to talk
Jason Statham knows how to kick butt.
The actor does so often, in such films as “The Transporter” series, “Crank,” “The Expendables” franchise and now “Homefront,” written by his “Expendables” co-star Sylvester Stallone, in which Statham plays an ex-DEA agent who crosses James Franco’s meth dealer.
Statham typically plays the strong, silent type, letting his fists and feet do the talking. But in a recent conversation, Statham had a lot to say.
Question: Do you ever wish voice in all of us, and you can only get expressive through words. There’s a limit to what you can do without speaking.
There can be these certain quiet moments that can say a lot. But obviously, you need a great writer to give you good stuff to say. I feel you’re only as good as the dialogue that you’re given. You’re given some crap stuff and you’d rather not say any of it. You’d rather just be the silent
guy. It all depends on quantity.
Q: You have some interesting scenes with James Franco as the bad guy in “Homefront.”
A: Yeah, with James. He plays a great bad guy, right? Q: Certainly different. A: Yeah, he’s not typical. There’s so many ways to play a bad guy, and usually people choose the obvious one. But him being the great actor that he is, he went for something really eerie and quirky and unpredictable. There’s so much more danger in someone where you really don’t know what they’re going to do, and you don’t know what they’re really capable of, rather than someone who’s trying to be physically tough.
Q: Speaking of tough, how long can you keep doing such physical work?
A: Well listen, I’m working in the “Expendables” movies. I’ve done three now. And I’m the youngest chap by a considerable amount of years. They’re giving it their all, and they’re still getting away with it. I just get inspired by that. I think it’s fantastic. Sly (Stallone) is in incredible physical shape, and it keeps it believable and it’s real. God bless that I can at least get somewhere close if I ever make it, obviously, to that good old age.
Q: Sounds like you like working with Stallone.
A: He really turns everything on its head, Sly does. He’s such a specimen of physicality. He doesn’t let any years get in his way. He just keeps at it. I think it’s a state of mind. How long you can continue to be good at something is how much you believe in yourself, and how much hard work you do with the training. If I get a bit lazy and just sit on the sofa for weeks on end, I’m sure everything starts to deteriorate. If I start abusing myself and letting everything go, there’s a short lifespan for physicality.
Q: Are you happy with where your career is at?
A: Yeah, I’m very happy. Listen, you’re always wanting more. I think life’s good. The yearning for something else, for something better, keeps you going. The motivation is always there. You’re never completely content. But I’m very happy where I am. I’ve had some ups and downs, but the good thing is, I’m still working at the moment. And I know a lot of great people that don’t have the opportunity. And if they did, they’d be making a lot of cash. So you have to be cognizant of that, at least. It’s a pretty good spot.