The biggest star of this year’s Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF), actor Robert de Niro, today talked about his career, politics and film industry in the crowded Sarajevo National Theatre.
Conversation, called “Coffee with…” was attended by the festival audience, participants of the program Talents Sarajevo, and media representatives. The discussion was moderated by Mike Goodridge, former editor of the prestigious magazine Screen International and current CEO of London-based company “Protagonist Pictures”.
At the very beginning of the interview De Niro commented on the presidential election in the United States.
“May God help us all,” said the famous actor about presidential candidate Donald Trump, while commenting on his statements.
They talked about actor’s film career, and Goodridge mentioned the actor’s incredible ability for transformations.
“I wanted to see how far I can go with that,” said De Niro about differences in the characters that he played.
The actor is also famous for his role in the second part of the cult film “The Godfather”, where he played Vito Corleone. He also stated that he went on audition for the first part of the film, for the role of Michael Corleone.
“Every actor in New York wanted that role,” said De Niro, and Al Pacino finally got it.
De Niro talked about his experience as a director of the films “A Bronx Tale” and “The Good Shepherd”. He said that the work of a director is very difficult, and that one must have a special will and commitment.
“It’s a lot of work to direct a film, especially if you want to do it right. It is a constant battle, at least for me it was,” said De Niro.
Famous actor spoke about the recent set of Hollywood actors, and he mentioned Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Ben Affleck. He spoke about the role of money in the film industry and said that it is very important in the work of director, and that it dictates what kind of roles actors will play.
“The big studios want their investments in the movie to be paid off,” he said, adding that the actors must accept commercial roles as well if they want to advance in their careers.
Although de Niro is a film actor, he is currently working on a television series, and he also commented on his short experience in the theater, for which he said that it is very difficult.
In the end, the actor talked about his status of one of the greatest living movie stars, and said that his children do not see him as an icon.
“The prophet is honored everywhere but in his own home,” said de Niro with a laugh.
(Source: M. S./Klix.ba)
