Nederlandse versie

Christopher Lloyd, almost 70, greeted the press with a cheerful smile under a glorious sun. Little did he know that he would be knighted in the Order of the Raven that very night, which would make his star shine even brighter. The American actor has played in more than a hundred films since 1975, including such iconic movies as One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Back to the Future and The Addams Family. Everybody knows (or has at least heard about) them but Lloyd also appeared in numerous television series such as Cheers or Taxi and more recently in Spin City or The West Wing, and lent his voice to many animation characters (Anastasia, Hey Arnold!, King of the Hill). What could this legend be doing in Belgium? The Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Film is celebrating its 25th birthday and obviously, no effort was spared to spoil the visitors!

The first movie you acted in was One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Talk about a great start!

CHRISTOPHER LLOYD: It was a fabulous experience, an incredible opportunity. I was just a theatre actor in New York, actually I had always acted in theatre productions, but I was not averse to crossing the bridge from theatre to film. Then this movie came along with all these great actors including Jack Nicholson and Danny DeVito, and directed by Milos Forman. I got accepted to this wonderful cast but to be honest, I did not have too much confidence. It proved to be an unforgettable experience and it is probably the most exciting production I ever did. We lived together as a group in an asylum in Oregon for 12 weeks. Before we knew it, there was this very strong bond between us and we even made friends with some of the other inmates. All elements fell into place and I was so happy that I had made the step from theatre. The only thing I could think of was: "Yes! I can do film!"

You also played Fester in The Addams Family. How did you end up playing him?

CHRISTOPHER LLOYD: Uncle Fester has always been my favourite character. When I was offered the role, I thought: "No way!" There was no resemblance whatsoever between Fester and me; I thought my head was too thin and Fester has this really round face. Eventually it all worked out, thanks to an extraordinary cast, but I felt very insecure. I wanted extra pieces attached to my face to make it look rounder and used a lot of make-up. I really worried about the role because there was another guy who wanted the part, some big bald guy who looked exactly like Fester doing nothing. In the end, it was decided that I had the part but director Barry Sonnenfeld and producer Scott Rudin said I had to play Fester without the prosthetics because my face lost a lot of its expression. It was great, I had so much fun playing Fester!

You have mentioned feeling insecure twice. Are you afraid to be yourself?

CHRISTOPHER LLOYD: I think about that a lot. (thinks) Then again, nobody has ever written a role where it would be sufficient for me just to be myself, so until that comes along, I will continue interpreting other roles. (laughs)

Do you consider yourself to be a comedian, mainly a comic actor?

CHRISTOPHER LLOYD: I mostly play parts in movies that attract young people, maybe that is why I am regarded as a comic actor. For instance, I have had offers to play the Doc Brown character in spin-offs, especially to attract young people, but I did not want to take that up. Do not get me wrong, I enjoy making movies for kids and I love seeing that they have enjoyed it afterwards. I think it is something that goes naturally, I feel very connected with kids but I also feel the urge to do something more dramatic. I am just happy to work along and I do not want to wait until the perfect role or movie comes along, so I have to choose from the parts that I am offered. I just like to work and as long as I feel connected with the role I am to play and I feel that the character has something to say, I will take the part.

Do you have a special plan to attract more dramatic roles or does the phone already ring all day long?

CHRISTOPHER LLOYD: Well, the phone never rang every day (laughs)… I would love to play more dramatic roles, but for now there are no offers, so I just wait. I do not hype myself so much either, I do not make phone calls just to socialise. If there is a role and a director would like to see me, I will go audition but I will not go if it is not necessary. I do not feel that I have arrived at a level in my career that I no longer want to audition. That is why a festival such as this one is so important. Sci-fi and fantasy movies are a great opportunity for more serious roles. Unfortunately, people are afraid to take risks. Investors, producers, they all need to get something back for their input.

Is that the way Hollywood has evolved?

CHRISTOPHER LLOYD: Hollywood is Hollywood. They are not too concerned about art. It is a commercial enterprise, an industry which has to satisfy its investors. It has always been like that and that is the way it will always be. Of course, there are exceptions, people who do not want to see their movies sacrificed to commercialism.

Have you thought about doing something else than acting, writing perhaps?

CHRISTOPHER LLOYD: No, I have not. Only when I see something which has been made so badly and I think: "Why, I can do better than that!" Then again, that is not a reference. (laughs) You need so much more talent to conceptualise, to find the right people; it is a whole different world.

Do you dream of a big comeback or do you regret playing in so many iconic movies; is it something you relive continually?

CHRISTOPHER LLOYD: I would love to totally re-invent myself in a new role! I do not regret the movies I have played in at all. Of course, some films were less than outstanding but you also have to accept if what you do is successful. I consider myself very fortunate and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to express such wonderful characters. It is just the way it is.

Tom De Vreese, 12/04/2007