Statham, Pastore Take Aim At "Revolver"
By Ken Lombardi
Celebrated British film director Guy Ritchie has certainly seen his fair share of successes, first with the underground breakout hit "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels," followed by his prize winning "Snatch," starring Brad Pitt.
The director won praise for his highly stylized action sequences and the uncharacteristically comedic performances delivered from his actors. Ritchie has also made less-than-triumphant career choices, lest we forget the deplorable "Swept Away," starring Ritchie's ultra famous wife Madonna.
Now, Ritchie will present his most ambitious project yet, "Revolver," to American audiences on Dec. 7. The director's latest effort was released in Europe more than two years ago, befuddling movie critics and filmgoers alike. After careful re-editing, "Revolver" comes to the U.S. with high expectations. The movie marks a startling contrast from Ritchie's previous efforts, as concepts such as the ego and fate are explored heavily here.Photos: "Revolver" Goes Off
The film features a barrage of notable character gangster actors, ranging from "Goodfellas" star Ray Liotta to Ritchie's frequent collaborator, Jason Statham, who provided noteworthy appearances in both "Snatch" and "Lock, Stock." Statham ventured to New York for a conversation with The Showbuzz, along with his "Revolver" costar Vincent Pastore, most famous for his notorious role as Sal "Big Pussy" Bonpansiero, in the HBO hit "The Sopranos."
Both Pastore and Stratham had quite a lot to say on their latest release.
"Revolver's not as accessible as Guy's other movies," Statham was, with his thick Cockney accent, quick to point out. "I thought the last two films that we did together definitely had a broader appeal, because everyone likes a comedy. Obviously, people don't want to think about their weaknesses and their addictions."
The actor, who stars as conman protagonist Jake, is referring to the central theme of gambling found throughout the film. Indeed, as a Vegas-style casino serves as "Revolver"'s primary backdrop, most of the characters are obsessed with scoring their hands on money while gaining the upper hand over their enemies.
"I was well in tune with Guy and his ideas about the movie way before the script came in," Statham added. After three films together within the span of a decade, Ritchie and this actor have gained a fraternal bond while working and spending so much time with each other both off and on the set.
"It's just a great rapport that we have. It's a very sarcastic, kind of abusive relationship…We play chess and we fight a lot, in a sporty way, physically," he said of their relationship.
Pastore, who plays an ethereal bodyguard for Statham's character, also spoke about his close connections with his British costar and their director.
"There's something about myself, and Jason, and Guy…we're all on the same level. I say it's like the Van Morrison song, 'Wavelength.' We think the same and we understand each other. And we've become friends," he revealed.
Both he and Statham are confident in "Revolver" and its ability to captivate American audiences. While European viewers were confused by Ritchie's complex plotting and psychological overtones, the two actors say, Americans will be able to fully recognize and contemplate what they see onscreen.
"What I'm proud of with this project is…the fact that the movie is causing people to question," Pastore said.
"[Guy] wanted to make a movie for us to see and think and talk about. It's like the theater…there's an audience for that kind of stuff. And there's an audience for 'Revolver.'"