Jackie Chan: Tough part is English, not stunts
Michael Ordoņa, Special to The Chronicle
Friday, January 22, 2010
Jackie Chan has starred in more than 100 movies, had a hand in about 100 others, and now takes on playing opposite kids in the family comedy "The Spy Next Door." He's a secret agent trying to settle down with his American girlfriend if her children - and the bad guys - will allow it. At 55, the often-injured Chan continues his breakneck pace: He has made two movies since wrapping this one and is gearing up to direct the long-awaited third part of his "Armour of God" series. The international action icon, who has performed in Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Taiwanese and English, paused to chat at a swank Los Angeles hotel.
Q: What, if anything, was a challenge to you in "Spy Next Door"?
A: Honestly, every movie I do in America, the only challenge for me is English. I've done everything already, for me it's pretty easy. Only the English.
Q: What are your most memorable stunt misfires?
A: Too many. "Rumble in the Bronx," broken ankle. "Armour of God," fractured skull. I'll never forget "Project A." I backflip onto a huge sofa from the stairs - but when I grab the bad guy, then I see my finger (indicates it pointing in the wrong direction). I couldn't stop because my action was different from a lot of people's - (with most actors) they use a double, flip flip flip, then tight shot. My shot, after the flip, I get up, look at the camera - that's me. "Drunken Master" - my eye (indicates smashing his face on a table). Too many injuries. Too many.
Q: What filmmakers excite you today?
A: First, James Cameron. And Ridley Scott. He always makes something different. He can make "Gladiator," then suddenly "Black Hawk Down." Then boom, some other thing. Of course Spielberg, George Lucas. These directors I really like.
Q: Have you seen "Avatar"?
A: Not yet. But I visited the set. James Cameron invited me. It's amazing. I tell him, "Cameron, I've been making films for 47 years. But when I come to your set, I'm like a kindergarten kid." All the equipment I'd never seen before - they have 360 cameras on the roof. You give me 360 cameras, I don't know how to shoot. On the set, there's like, 200 people sitting there with their computers. What the hell is that? Amazing, just amazing.
So if I cannot do these kinds of things, I'd rather do my traditional Jackie Chan things. Two cameras, one punch, one punch, without all the special effects. When people see Jackie Chan, they know what I'm doing. They see James Cameron, they expect something new. So I always admire him. His picture's in front of my wall.
Q: Are you aware of all the pop culture references to you? Characters in video games, cartoons, songs like "Jackie Chan Is a Punk Rocker"?
A: (Laughs) I don't mind. I thank all the rappers - I know they're many, but I can't find them. I really want to find them to edit the whole thing together. The other day, I saw a movie, they open a coffin - (screams) "Aah! That's Jackie Chan!" It's a funny movie.
Originally Posted by yutyeesam
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