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Modesto's Vampire

By ROGER W. HOSKINS
BEE STAFF WRITER
(Published: Sunday, May 14, 2000)
(C) The Modesto Bee No Copyright Infringement Intended.

Can an actor from Modesto break into Hollywood's circle of fame?

Davis High School graduate James Marsters is making the grade by playing the dark side with a light, comic touch through a vampire named Spike.

Marsters is a regular on "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer," a remarkable weekly show from WB. It's a ratings hit -- second only to "Dawson's Creek" in WB's lineup -- and it takes viewers on a guided tour of good versus evil while exploring and questioning society's virtues and painting evil with humanity.

Fresh one-liners transform the show into a mixture of "Dracula," "Romeo and Juliet," and "Cheers."

This year Spike has been transformed as well -- into a toothless vampire. His bloodlust has been neutralized by an inserted bio-computer chip that makes his bark worse than his bite.

In his first season on screen, Spike loomed larger than life as Buffy's arch-enemy.

When he relaxes between scenes Marsters explains his relationship to his alter ego. "This year Spike is confused. But if they hadn't changed him, they would have had to kill him off. Spike wants to kick ass and kiss girls and suck blood but he can't."

The plot lines have turned Spike into a not-so-trustworthy aide-de-vamp to Buffy. But Buffy and friends keep expecting Spike to turn over an old leaf. During an early episode they kept him tied up while they ate Thanksgiving dinner.

"Buffy" means security and contentment to Marsters: "It's amazing how much better you feel, when you know the rent is paid."

It is still opening doors. Marsters now has appeared on the new "Hollywood Squares."

And he has film ambitions. He would like to act in a "Star Wars" movie.

"I would love to play Anakin after he goes over to the dark side," says Marsters. He recently read for a part in the next installment, but Vanity reports the role of Anakin will be played by Hayden Christensen.

Still, Marsters has a valuable rooting section. In his trailer, on his mantle is a homemade candle. It was a gift from George Lucas' daughters who are big fans of Spike.

Marsters says he took the road to Hollywood on the advice of a friend and mentor.

"Michael Winters is the best actor I've ever seen," says Marsters. "I used to watch him on field trips from good old Davis (High) to ACT (American Conservatory Theater) plays in San Francisco."

But acting ability doesn't always translate into paydays. Marsters learned how cruel the theater can be when met his old idol while reading for a part in Seattle. "I could work my whole life and not be as good an actor as Michael is and he was starving. He suggested I try Hollywood if I didn't want to starve, too. I did and it worked. Now Michael is down here looking for work."

Time to work

Marsters physically and emotionally prepares himself to play Spike in the fifteen minutes before his first call to the set. He picks up a piece of padding for his back that will cushion a blow in an upcoming scene. Marsters recites the formula for injury. "It's not the first time that gets you. It's the fourth or fifth time. And then it really hurts."

He pulls on a full-length black duster as he leaves the trailer early. "I have one rule: Never make the camera wait for the actor."

Today's scene looks like a TV station's master control room. The set is about 10 feet by 16 feet.

Three actors are outnumbered by the 15 people (give or take another five) on the set. They include the lighting technicians and doubles, make-up people (hidden from view, but at the director's beck and call).

A voice of authority calls for quiet and announces filming. Asked who that was, a crew member answers "God." And then he corrects the mistaken notion that it's the director. "That's the assistant director. The director is more powerful than God."

Director Jim Continer shows up in the wings for the rehearsal walk through. He wears a T-shirt befitting his no-nonsense attitude about distractions and disruptions on the set. It says: "If nobody moves, nobody gets spiked."

This scene features Spike (Marsters' character) betraying Buffy by setting a trap for her at Adam's behest. Adam is the man-made arch-villain who is offering to restore the toothless Spike's ability to whet his bloodlust appetites.

Adam has a slimy assistant with major claws called Forrest. The scene is part of a climax to the season's next-to-last episode.

In the end, Spike can't betray Buffy.

At the call of "ACTION," Marsters transforms himself into Spike. His nonchalant stance gives way to a coiled snake ready to pounce.

"The bait's been taken," Spike says. "The trap is set; the slayer has landed."

Spike tries hard to get Adam's attention, even getting just under his nose. "Calling Dr. Owe-me-one," says Spike.

Adam finally responds. "She's not alone ... You've failed me again."

Spike answers, "Well, that's one way of looking at it."

Adam responds with menace: "What's another?"

At which point Spike tries to flee the scene. Forrest throttles him before he reaches the door and throws him violently into the console.

Spike escapes a death grip by putting a cigarette in Forrest's eye.

When he flees, Adam says, "Let him go. There's nowhere left to run."

Constant tinkering

The director and cinematographer never coach the actors about their lines from the first take to the last. But they constantly tinker with the combat camera angles and timing.

The one-minute scene will be shot from 10 positions. The padding comes in handy. Marsters will be slammed into the console more than 20 times. He doesn't get a stunt man.

It takes three hours on the set to produce one minute of film.

Does such tedium ever get to Marsters?

"I don't let it. I can't. ... I can't be impatient with people who are working so hard to make me look good," says Marsters.

Several crew members have noticed that about Marsters. When asked about him, they have the same reply: "James? He's terrific. He always treats people nice."

Marsters says he has borrowed from some hometown experiences to play Spike. "I knew early on that Modesto and I weren't going to last. I was too different. I was the freak. I used to (mess) with people's minds." Marsters says he would even kiss boys full on the lips or say outrageous things just for pure shock value.

There's still one last question. Does James Marsters have any regrets -- personal or professional?

"None. Never. Not a one. You can't live with regrets," declares Marsters. And Marsters, the consummate actor, looks out of the corner of his eye to gauge his audience's reaction.

It is something Spike would never do. Spike wouldn't care. Marsters cares about everyone. Even Spike's persona can't hide that.

"Buffy, the Vampire Slayer" airs Tuesdays on WB (Channel 58, KQCA). The episode in this story was filmed in late March and scheduled to air May 16.

Just putting it up for the fans. Dont Sue.