Interview: Morgan Freeman
Interview: Morgan Freeman
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Tuesday, 02, Feb 2010 09:23
By Anisa Kadri.
It's been called the role he was born to play and watching Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela in Clint Eastwood's upcoming drama Invictus, it's hard to imagine any other actor portraying the political icon. Based on the unlikeliest of true stories, the Warner Bros release tells of Mandela's relationship with Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), the captain of the South African rugby team as the rainbow nation stood on the brink of collapse in the wake of apartheid. Divisions between white and black remain but if Mandela can inspire Pienaar and his Springbok XV to World Cup victory on home soil, a new day could dawn for South Africa.
Speaking in London at the UK premiere of Invictus, Freeman revealed all about playing a political legend, the brutality of rugby and the future of the Batman franchise.
Was it fun or a curse having to get Mandela's walk and voice and everything else correct?
Work for me is fun. I enjoy what I do. So all of the things connected with it are great to do. So doing the research on Mandela was fun. And what makes it the best fun is if you come out the other side having learned or accomplished something.
Do you know if Mandela's seen the film? How do you think he rated it?
He has seen it. He won't say what he makes of it so you have to kind of gather from his reaction. I was sitting next to him whilst watching the picture and when I first came on the screen, he leaned over and he said 'I know this fellow', recognising both of us. As the picture went on, he smiled a lot and he laughed.
Would you say this is the most important film you've ever made?
No [laughs]. I don't know. Maybe I haven't made the most important film yet.
What was it like filming in South Africa where people knew who you were meant to be?
South Africans started calling me [Mandela's nickname] Madiba. I was totally accepted. I remember getting out of the car one time and going into the stadium and someone started going, 'You walk like him! You walk like him! You walk like him!' So, you know they were all watching and giving me lifts.
Are you now a fan of rugby?
No, I'm not a fan of rugby. I still don't know what rugby is about. I know what they do. They do much the same as American football players. They get a ball and they run into each other with it. But in American football, you've got a little bit of affection.
What do you make of the Oscar buzz surrounding Invictus?
I feel good about that. If it does have Oscar buzz, that's great. It can't do anything but help us.
What are you going to do in London?
I went the night before last to see the Warhorse. I was moved; it's wonderful. What I like about theatre like that is that it's very clever, it's very innovative - people turn into animals.
Is there another Batman and are you involved?
I don't know but I'm pretty sure that Warner Brothers isn't going to let a billion dollar franchise die on number two. I expect that there will be another two. Am I going to be involved? That depends on the writer.
Invictus is released on February 5th.