Latest Site Notices

masterofmystery · #1 (**permalink**) 07-29-2012, 05:49 PM

Rupert Grint spoke in depth about how he was chosen to be one of the torch bearers for the London Olympic games this summer with Metro this week, including the fact that he did end up purchasing and keeping the torch he carried through Middlesex University (seen below).

Rupert also opened up about a few of the negative aspects of working on a huge franchise like the Harry Potter series, and his upcoming films, CBGB and The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman. Highlights from the interview are below.

How did you end up being an Olympic torch-bearer?
Rupert Grint: It was through Lloyds. They nominated me. I’ve always loved the Olympics and it’s exciting it’s in London. It was a complete surprise but a great honour. I’ve kept the torch. I might put it on display. I’ll find a use for it. I’m not the most athletic person so it’s probably the only time I’m going to run this year. I’ve got tickets for the swimming and some athletics – I can’t remember what the events are.

What do you get up to in your forthcoming film CBGB?
Rupert: It’s about the New York club CBGB and the punk scene of the time. I play a guitarist called Cheetah Chrome who was in a band called The Dead Boys. I had to be a rock star. It was refreshing.

He’s a snotty-nosed punk rebelling against everything and quite morose – he’s the complete opposite of Ron. I’m still finding it strange breaking out of the whole Harry Potter thing because it was such a huge part of my life.

You’ve also recently worked with Shia LaBeouf – what was that like?
Rupert: That was the film before CBGB – The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman. That’s quite a strange one. Shia LaBeouf plays a character who travels around the world. It’s quite a drug-fuelled journey and he meets various crazy characters along the way.

I play a character he meets in a youth hostel. I can’t give away what he does but it was quite a transition for me.

Have you been actively looking for stuff that’s dissimilar to Ron?
Rupert: The roles have just come up but it’s always quite an attractive thing to move away from things connected to the wizard world.

They’re quite low-budget films, which I enjoy. It’s a very different process to the huge machines of the Potter films. They’re more rough and ready and I feel part of the team. They don’t have the same weird hierarchy, which I found uncomfortable.

What sort of hierarchy?
Rupert: Just getting a chair with your name on and having a trailer. Stuff like that. On smaller films, you’re all in it together. It’s weird how actors are put on a pedestal – we’re part of the crew like anyone else and everyone has their job to do on a film set.

What was playing a real person like for CBGB?
Rupert: Cheetah Chrome was actually on set. It’s the first time I’ve played a real person and there’s a pressure to get it right. I also have to play the guitar, which I can’t do – I was faking it. I learned the chords and rough shapes but you won’t see my hands too much in the film. It’s amazing he’s still alive, given the amount of drugs he did. He’s got a young son who was a big Harry Potter fan, so it was nice to meet him.

Do you miss Harry Potter or is it a relief its over?
Rupert: I go through different feelings. It was ten years of my life and it could get a bit suffocating – everything was Harry Potter. It’s nice to step away but part of me will always miss it because it was great fun and I miss working with the same crew.

Who have you learnt the most from working with?
Rupert: Harry Potter was like going to film school. We worked with a different director for each film so got to learn their different approaches. The cast was amazing, too – Alan Rickman, Gary Oldman, Julie Walters – they’re all great people. You learn just from watching them work.

Did they give you any specific advice?
Rupert: I had a problem with laughing during serious scenes. For some reason, I found Dumbledore’s death absolutely hilarious. Alan taught me if you completely relax your face, it’s difficult to laugh so that was good tip.

Obi-Wan K'Lari · 07-29-2012, 08:11 PM

Quote:

For some reason, I found Dumbledore’s death absolutely hilarious.

I did too

haha I really want to see Death of Charlie Countryman now though!

purebloodprincess87 · 07-29-2012, 08:19 PM

great interview

pundantic · 07-30-2012, 12:34 AM

He's amazing and beautiful.... Last part was for me

hpluvr037 · 07-30-2012, 01:24 AM

That's the first time I've heard Rup say negative things about the Potter films, I think! But of the three main stars, I can see his personality having the hardest problems with it. I'm glad he feels free to express his true thoughts rather than just falsely say everything was perfect.

DancingwithRainbows · 07-30-2012, 01:25 AM

Amazing interview, and he's just a great person!!!

ronhermioneroc12 · 07-30-2012, 01:49 AM

I dont see him personally as being negative about Potter films...just being the humble guy he is, he doesnt like to see special treatment given-sadly it will happen if the actor is the star, like he was/ is the star(s) of Potter.

ladycplum · 07-30-2012, 03:01 AM

Some girl posted on a FB picture that when Rupert received the torch, she yelled "INCENDIO!" She couldn't say for sure if he heard her, but she said he looked in the direction she was standing in and winked!

FearlessLeader19 · 07-30-2012, 04:52 AM

I love how he looks in that pic

LOL I know what he means when he says he had a problem with laughing during serious scenes. I have that problem only I do it in RL situations at times.

ronhermioneroc12 · 07-30-2012, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladycplum

Some girl posted on a FB picture that when Rupert received the torch, she yelled "INCENDIO!" She couldn't say for sure if he heard her, but she said he looked in the direction she was standing in and winked!

THIS. is all WIN!!!!!!!!!!