Interview with Bruce Campbell

Well, folks, we said we would do more interviews and we deliver! The gentleman we have today is a star of screens big and small. He is an actor, a director, a writer, a cult hero and he does his own stunts. You know him as Ash, Brisco, Jack and a list of other great characters. Enough shemping around, ladies and gentleman, Irate Weirdos proudly welcomes:

Bruce Campbell!

Jericho: Bruce, thank you again for doing this. I have to tell you, this has been a Bruce Campbell week around the Brown Ranch. A week ago I got the confirmation from you that you were willing to do this interview. I ran out on my lunch hour and bought "If Chins could Kill", I finished that yesterday. This is a record for me, I'm the slowest reader in the world, but it's a fun read! I also stopped reading Steven King's autobio to read yours, so feel honored! This morning I watched the Evil Dead Trilogy, with all the notes from the book, the movies took on a whole new depth. In addition to this, we saw "Serving Sara" on pay-per-view this week. I hadn't realized you were on the cast when we ordered it. It's nice seeing Matthew Perry stretch his acting muscles. But, I just have to ask; does Elizabeth Hurley taste as good as she looks?

Bruce: Take a wild guess. Hugh Grant was no fool.

Max: Okay, enough goofing around, let's get to the meat of this interview. If you weren't an actor, what do you think you would do for a living?

Bruce: Park Ranger, for sure. Something outdoors.

Jericho: There is a saying around Hollywood (George Lucas said there was, so I know it's true) that goes "Films are never finished, they are merely abandoned." If there were any project you could go back and "finish" what would it be and what would you do to it?

Bruce: None. I think the idea of going back and "fixing" stuff is absurd - it's raiding your own art of the times. Each film is a landmark in its own way. Why update it? Flicks are a great look back in history.

Max: Being a GOOD actor is a lot of hard work, we all know this. But how much of success in Hollywood is based on sheer, dumb luck?

Bruce: Can't tell you - I'd guess maybe 1%. I don't believe in it. I think a hard working mediocre actor will go further than a non-motivated, better actor.

Jericho: So, one morning, your cell phone rings. It's your agent, for whatever reason, some studio has gone insane. They have decided that they have no brains and far too much money. They want you to do a movie for them, you have TOTAL control over it and a budget that would make Jerry Bruckheimer's jaw drop! It's your dream project, what would you do and who would be involved?

Bruce: I have a little drama that I could do for 2.5 million. That would suit me fine. I have it all cast in my head, but I never play those games - it's too cruel.

Max: Of the directors you have worked with, what were the aspects that made for the best director/actor/film relationships and which of these did you emulate when you directed?

Bruce: I like a full communication set-up. I like to know what's going on. I think both the actor and the director have to have a plan, and they have the share their plan with each other - in advance.

Jericho: You detailed a great shrek (prank) in "Chins" on Dave Goodman, one the "The Boys" you have repeatedly worked with throughout your career. Who was the best shreker out of The Boys and what was the best shrek? Any shreks on X-Files?

Bruce: Shreks come in all shapes and sizes. On X-files, it was all about farts. David Duchovny and I got a hold of those gag fart cups and we had a competition. It was a draw.

Max: Of the characters you have played, which were the furthest from Bruce Campbell?

Bruce: Well, as the old saying goes, you can never get away from yourself, so a lot of the sensibilities are the same. Professionally, they're all really far away if you think about it: I've never really been a cowboy, or a jewel thief, or an international spy, or a cop, or a zombie killer, etc. You get the idea.

Jericho: I'm fascinated by "A Community Speaks". Max and I, like you, were born and raised in a Midwestern, industrialized city, ours being St. Louis, MO. Max is a long time environmental and public issue activist. I became more involved when I moved to Seattle. Here, I see the country's worst traffic co-existing with some of the most spectacular beauty nature has to offer - I have to find ways to be involved, to protect what cannot protect itself. I know that you have a FAQ on your site on this documentary, but is there more you can tell us about this project? Who has been involved besides yourself and your wife, Ida? Any news yet on how this will be distributed?

Bruce: Beyond what's on the site, we just have a bag full of footage to edit - 55 hours worth. Public land use is a big issue, and we're hoping to tell a full story (all sides) within the microcosm of what's being done in the Applegate Watershed of southern Oregon.

Jericho: Groovy, I get the last question! Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? Still acting, directing and writing? Maybe your activism leading to a life of politics? Senator Campbell, Oregon Green Party has a real ring to it!

Bruce: Hell, I hope I just have enough time to blade my driveway, cut the weeds back and harvest the lavender in July!

Jericho: Again, we would like to thank the hardest working man in Hollywood for taking the time to talk to us. If you haven't read "If Chins could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor" go grab it now! Bruce, here's hoping you always have work, you never have to work with Tom Arnold again and that the Kayro syrup only attracts a few flies next time!