He’s the president in Olympus Has Fallen, and a fine, fine actor.
Aaron Eckhart spared us some time for a chat about his movies…
Note that the following interview contains mild spoilers forOlympus Has Fallen.
Every day I tried to kill somebody.
I threatened to kick somebody in the balls, or headbutt somebody, or rip the railing off.
Did you get cramp in your arm?
I could not feel my arms for three weeks, Im not kidding you.
I went to the medic and I said My arms are numb, I lost feeling from here down.
You had a short action scene at the beginning, with the boxing, how was that?
[laughs] All hell broke loose!
Well I mean hes the hero!
But youre the President!
Well I fit a 40 regular suit, so basically off the rack they go Who fits that suit?
Lets get that guy!
thats when I get the call.
Basically, nobody in there would get to go except me!
and they asked, What happens to us?
and the answer was, You die, because they dont care.
Interestingly enough its pretty clear cut about that, like the Koreans would never have got in there.
Its very weird, but on the other hand who do you pick for the bad guy these days?
Whoever you pick and however you cut it, it turns out nuts.
I mean do you pick the South Americas?
Do you pick the Russians?
As the world gets smaller and there are more participants in the movie business… [Laughs]
What movie is that?
And since youre producing, do you have any plans to direct?
As soon as possible.
Are you just waiting for the right the project?
It must be a mark of professional progress to take aim for that kind of position and responsibility?
I mean just look at Gerry, he produced this movie and its an inspiration to me.
So when I look at that, it spurs me on.
What sort of project would you be looking for?
Im becoming an old man basically, with no children!
I want the whole family to go to the movie and everybody gets something out of it.
Remember the first time you sawRocky?
I want kids to believe in themselves and their fathers and mothers, and thats whatThe Expatriatewas about.
In terms of your stunts, were you able to do them all yourself?
We invaded Kuwait on Friday afternoon right when the first showing was!
[He turns to his agent behind him and says Didnt I say that?
and then bursts into laughter when she replies Ill lie and say you did!]
That movie is the one Im most appreciated for all over the world.
I like doing those movies.
Aaron Eckhart, thank you very much!
Olympus Has Fallenis in cinemas now.
