Talking about his role in “Green Street Hooligans,” here is an interview we did with the film’s star, Charlie Hunnam, done during his promotion for “Cold Mountain”. I have condensed the interview to include information on Charlie and the new film, rather than rehash the information from “Cold Mountain”. I found Charlie to be a very down to earth, intelligent, and straight forward person, and he had alot of enthusiasm for his craft and pending projects.
How did you get into acting?
Charlie: I was in college studying to be a director and I was discovered in a shoe shop buying shoes and I was cast in three episodes of Biker Grove and that lead to an agent and a few weeks later “Queer as Folk”.
You had passed up some leading roles for “Cold Mountain” any second thoughts?
Charlie: Not really. I had a hard time deciding on parts like Nicholas Nicolby because it was a great cast but I could not do it justice and stand comfortably in those shoes. I decided to sit back and look at my offers and to take time and try not to make the mistakes that many of my peers do who just want to work. Hollywood doesn’t really write for my age group and it’s important to look for the good roles and not be so quick to jump on whatever comes along.
That is a great attitude. When I did my two small parts, I had so many people telling me to take whatever they give you, as you do not know when you will act again. Since I was not pursuing acting as my career, I did not have to worry but now that the studios are coming for you with roles, it must be hard to say no at times to offers.
Charlie: Yes, it is when some films do not pay as well and you have a mortgage to pay and you are on an economy drive eating eggs and beans. Then you are offered a million dollar role and you turn it down, as it is not right. I want to be doing this when I am 60 and getting the big paying roles then so I have to pick the parts that are right for the long term rather than take the money now.
It must have driven your agent crazy though?
Charlie: He’s actually been very good to me since I am his main client and he wants me to succeed. He’s willing to take it slow for long term success. Many people want the money and excitement but that is not always the best.
True, River Phoenix and others show that films can fade and if roles dry up, tragic outcomes may arise.
Charlie: Exactly.
So what’s next for you?
Right now I am doing a film on soccer hooligans and I play the leader of the West Ham and I am fascinated by what I learned in research. It is amazing how organized it is. Fights can and often are arranged before the matches and there is a rigid code of conduct for members of the various clubs. There are rules for fighting like not using weapons, not hitting a man once he has gone down, and so on.
Also, it is amazing how well-organized the various clubs and supporters are. There is a scene in the film where rival firms meet in a train station and a member informs the other firm that they have made a serious mistake getting off at this stop. There is some good comedy in it as well. Elijah Wood, Tommy Flannigan are in it as well. I will do Robert Towns new film after that as well with Collin Farrell and Selma Hayak.
