Gene Hackman
Under Suspicion
 
Interviewed by James Mottram
 
 
Is "Under Suspicion" a special film for you?
 
It's very special for us. We've been trying to remake this film
for a number of years, ever since I first saw the original when
it was released in Los Angeles. I had a cassette of Claude Miller's
film "Garde à Vue" made and sent to a number of people, and it
only took 18 years for Morgan to finally find the money to do it!
 
Where did you first seen "Garde à Vue"?
 
I saw it at the Beverly Center. I had gone to see another film with
my daughter, which I walked out of, and we snuck into it. So I didn't
pay! We loved it, and I went back to see it again the next day. I've
seen it about a dozen times since; it's really been a labour of love
for us. I loved all the tension and the drama of the piece. I love things
that are theatrical.
 
Did you think of William Randolph Hearst when considering
your character?
 
Yes, the connection there occurred to me. I don't know it was ever
talked about. It's a subliminal connection writers make that they enjoy,
and that maybe one or two reporters might pick up!
 
What attracted you to the role itself, and did your ideas change over
the time it took to get the movie made?
 
Over the course of 18 years, I think my ideas about the film changed.
At one point, I went through a period that, if we'd had the money to do
it, I'd have been frightened to do it. In terms of bearing one's soul, that's
the kind of part that actors beg to do. That's what attracted me to do it.
It really digs into you soul.

Original Source:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2001/01/11/gene_hackman_under_suspicion_090101_interview.shtml


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