Translation of article posted in pisture thread. As translation from English into Russia is horrible, hope that my second
translation won't make things even worse 
For the first time Atonement star James McAvoy and director of Night Watch Timur Bekmambetov entered the territory of blockbusters and are proud of creation of the most free comics version in the world - Wanted.
You must really wonder, if there is much in common between Mark Miller's comics and all these impetuous trailers with Angelina Jolie and chappie from Atonement. Actually, not much.To all appearances, the movie Wanted took from original comics as much as The Lion King from Hamlet. It's the most free version in the world. But maybe, it's even better.
Millar's hero - young and angry, who finds out from a beauty with guns that he is the offspring of powerful villain and in near future he will hack superheroes to pieces and bring destruction to the world filled with different supercreatures. Well, in the movie this plot is not so important.
"I don't think that it's direct version," says the lead actor James McAvoy. "For example, according to comics, Eminem should play my character and Halle Berry should be instead of Angelina." The plot had same big revision as the casting.
Superhero story was catapulted, youthful enthusiasm was smoothed. "We took only the very beginning of the comics: restless orphan above 20, who haven't heard any word of truth in his whole life. And he suddenly finds out that his father was the member of assasins group called Fraternity and now he can join them. It's not the movie about superheroes, though there is something about superpowers. I like the thing, that there is also somthing to think about. For example, about the government's role, about piece, mother and father, university, about everything, in fact. But in result it's just an excuse to film another cool and silly blockbuster."
After words "silly" and "blockbuster" it's difficult to understand why they needed McAvoy in this movie. Till that time kicking somebody's ass was not among talets
of 29-year ols Scott. On the list of British actors suitable for role in thrillers he is not much higher than Jim Broadbent. But he insists, that that's the point.
"I am not Schwarzenegger," says McAvoy "but I don't play a born superhero. Actually, after everybody liked me and I had three auditions, they didn't phone me
for half a year. I guess they wanted to keep to the beaten track, but then it dawned upon somebody that the movie just won't work if they cast somebody who has "superhero" written in his passport. I think I should thank Timur for that."
"Timur" is Timur Mekmambetov, another novice at american thriller genre. Director of Watches, telling about usual people suddenly discovering superpowers, was a perfet
choice for creation of Wanted hyper-reality. However, he is not going to abuse spectacle just for the show. "I am not interested in filming of just a thriller without any story," claims Mekmambetov. McAvoy says that Timur is "very eccentric, but in a good way". "To create an impressive action-scene, you have to understand how it fits to the plot and what new it will open in your characters. For example, people start to argue, when words are not enough they start to fight. In our movie, even the simple fight is not enough and for clearing up the situation they use superpowers. For me it's the secret of the good action-scene - it should be really dramatic."
To make everything more realistic Bekmambetov prefered his hero to look like an ordinary man. "If the character looks ordinary, it's easier for you to identify
with him and imagine that the same things has happened to you," he explains. "I've worked that way on Day Watch. I don't need an actor who looks like a hero.
Special effect will make a hero out of James."
No doubt, computer graphic will help. But choosing an average looking according to Hollywood standards guy, except credibility brings the serious problem. Ordinary guy can't evade from speeding up trains and cars, shoot from a couple of guns at one time or fight with knives. There is a high probability that after such tricks they will scrub him away from the walls of film studio.
[Next page in red.
In fact, feeble James McAvoy is not the first doubtful superhero in history of the movie.]
"You won't believe it," says McAvoy, "but the scene with the train we've been filming for two weeks and it was the real test of strength. Really cool, but the whole body ached in the end and ready for feats teenager inside of me calmed down a little bit."
But how he can complain if he worked with Jolie - "wonderful woman, not a bitch as many think of her, but really very experienced and so on."
Was it difficult for him to compete such a fearless partner? "Nope! Dude, I also did the coolest tricks. I did such things! In one scene I had to run alongside the car driving 50 km/hour, then jump on the bonnet shooting at the same time. After 100 meters of such a ride I had to jump off just one second before another car crashes into this one. That was coool!"
Bekmambetov obviously doesn't care about big budgets and control from the studio. The main difficulties for him are weather and schedule and he doesn't know how to answer the question about the most complicated scene in the movie. EMPIRE is not satisfied. Then he picks up the scene where McAvoy should kill 100 guys in 10 seconds shooting from the guns of already killed enemies.
And how about gossips that there were a lot of problems during filming and that nobody could understand what was "crazy Russian" Bekmambetov doing?
Director hears about it for the first time. "I liked everything very much," he says and obvoiusly not by order of the studio. "In Russia we usually film in art-house way, when the process is more important than the result. I thought that in Hollywood it will be different, but everything was the same. We worked over the movie for 2 years and every month it changed thanks to writers, actors, computer graphic specialists. It's the same as bringing up a child. Studio was very patient and supported us in everything. Bringing up a child is difficult, it's a piece of work. But if you work hard, it will be a good person."
Hollywood is always in search of new meat for thrillers, pleople who will smash everything so hard, that teenagers will spend all money for movie tickets. On each forum about the movie you will find that audience expect a lot from it. And these expectations are warmed up by rare comments like "everything was stolen from Matrix!!!!1!11 LOL." (Bekmambetov says that the trailer similarity to Vachkovski's fully lies on marketing department conscience and the movie is completely different.) So, the director and the actor could fit in blockbuster if they were really interested in it. Bekmambetov says that he doesn't have some exact plans, but he would like to film a comedy. McAvoy dreams that the wave of success could finally bring him closer to sofa and TV. He plans to take short vacations after filming the movie about Leo Tolstoy. Really? "It's very difficult to refuse great offers, but I need a rest." Well, he already has good muscules and he is realy for come back at any second. "Yeah, right! I didn't move a finger after filming was over. To idle about - that what I'm good at!"
[Inerview]
- You didn't become a star at once, right?
- I've been working on it for 10 years. Not too quick, I'm even more happy as I had enough time to learn everything.
I played a huge amount of typical roles. I didn't have leading characters for a long time. Atonement is actually the first one. And I am sorry for all
who had the same destiny as Orlando Bloom. I mean, I am not sorry for Orlando himself, because he really likes it, but poor guy became a start immediately and even
didn't have a chance to play little unnoticeable roles.
- Do you think that you're about to become a superstar?
- Oh, no. That's not about me. If the person with camera has a choice who to follow - me, Angelina or Keira, of course, he will choose one of them. Thanks God, I should say. Because I remember, once me and my wife were in the bus and landed in a gossip article: "McAvoy and Duff were seen in the bus when they were coming back home. They were arguing."
- And now you have a leading role in blockbuster...
- This is crazy! This Russian, Bekmambetov, is really out of his mind. As if his head is somewhere in another galaxy. Well, the movie is insane.
- First there was Knightley and now Jolie...
- I'm confused. They are concidered the most beautiful ladies on the planet, and what about me? I look fine, but not like the handsome guy from the magazine's cover.
- Tell us, were there any bed-scenes this time?
- There is epic moment where we kiss wildly.
- What is she like this Mrs. Pitt?
- She is very down-to-earth. Her life is crazy as everybody is hunting her. But she manages to stay absolutely normal, even friendly. We had tough scenes where she had to beat me up. But it was fine, we both laughted.
- And how was it with Knightley in Atonement?
- She amazed me. There is so much self-control, elegance and tact in her.
- A lot of people think that she has nutrition problems.
- She doesn't have any anorexia. In Atonement there were enough scenes when I touched her everywhere where it's only possible and I tell you for sure, she's OK. There are not only bones, but also meat, this I can promise.
- Are you really such a good kisser as she said?
- I don't want to say that she's telling lies, but I am not a rival to Orlando Bloom and Depp. But still... Very nice of her.
- Do you like to be in erotic scenes?
- Actually, no. It's difficult and uncomfortable. I always have the paranoia, that girl may think that I somehow use the situation. That's what I'm afraid of the most. And before filming I even have nightmares. What excitement can we talk about? Plus the crowd of people around and all of them are watching you.
- What movies did you like as a child?
- I think that most favourite was "St. Elmo's Fire". I loved American movies for teenagers. Now they don't make such movies: now they mainly joke about arses.
- You're from proletariat, right?
- I'm from working class. But I don't belong to it now. I had a tough upbringing, though it seemed normal. Mom, grandma and grandpa were very good to me. When you don't have money you pay more attention to surrounding world much earlier. Very useful quality for an actor.
- How did you manage to get the money for education in Scottish Academy of Music and Drama?
- For two years I've been working in Sainsbury's bakery.
- Is there somebody in Hollywood who really impresses you?
- I was absolutely speechless when I was introduced to Tom Hanks. It was in 2000 and he was producing Band of Brothers. I couln't say a word in his presence. He asked me if I liked my job. And I answered: "You were so great in Joe Versus the Volcano!" This was one of my favourite movies since school. And I started enthusiastic explanations, but he interrupted me "Stop it, fellow, you're a brick [a good guy]"
- Have you presumed that you'll become famous?
- No way. First I thought about navy, then - about being a priest. Both are a good way to escape. When I was finishing theatre school I was even ready to do something else. I had no idea that some day I'd be able to buy a flat, especially in London. Really huge achievement.
- What is your life like?
- A lot a daily routine, but I like it. I'm a football maniac. Whatever happens, on Sunday morning I must be on the match. I am so impatient, that I dress the uniform before dawn. Our team even doesn't have a name - just a small group of actors, kicking the ball and yelling "Just don't hit me!"
- Why aren't you telling anything about your wife, you've met during filming of Shameless?
- If you yell about your secrets on every corner, they lose their value. I keep vigilant watch on my private life: you live only once, you know? When you meet the preson who really means something to you, you give her a piece of yourself. But if you start to give these pieces to everyone, what will stay from your soul?
- Does filming in different parts of the world have influence on your family life?
- We are really lucky. We're both actors, so we understand each other. It's the positive side of life with the person of the same occupation. In addition, my wife is fighting with my Scottish whineing and reminds, that life is wonderful.
- Are your friends also from show-business?
- I don't communicate with guys from the studio very often. I have my own life. I try not to talk about it and to care too much. Just to cook curry with my wife and to be with friends.
- What next?
- A break. Now, when I have more offers, I don't want to make hasty decisions. I need to talk to my friends, wife, family. I really really like my job. But everything can disappear as fast as it appeared. It's better not to predict, but just to thank destiny for it.
For the first time Atonement star James McAvoy and director of Night Watch Timur Bekmambetov entered the territory of blockbusters and are proud of creation of the most free comics version in the world - Wanted.
You must really wonder, if there is much in common between Mark Miller's comics and all these impetuous trailers with Angelina Jolie and chappie from Atonement. Actually, not much.To all appearances, the movie Wanted took from original comics as much as The Lion King from Hamlet. It's the most free version in the world. But maybe, it's even better.
Millar's hero - young and angry, who finds out from a beauty with guns that he is the offspring of powerful villain and in near future he will hack superheroes to pieces and bring destruction to the world filled with different supercreatures. Well, in the movie this plot is not so important.
"I don't think that it's direct version," says the lead actor James McAvoy. "For example, according to comics, Eminem should play my character and Halle Berry should be instead of Angelina." The plot had same big revision as the casting.
Superhero story was catapulted, youthful enthusiasm was smoothed. "We took only the very beginning of the comics: restless orphan above 20, who haven't heard any word of truth in his whole life. And he suddenly finds out that his father was the member of assasins group called Fraternity and now he can join them. It's not the movie about superheroes, though there is something about superpowers. I like the thing, that there is also somthing to think about. For example, about the government's role, about piece, mother and father, university, about everything, in fact. But in result it's just an excuse to film another cool and silly blockbuster."
After words "silly" and "blockbuster" it's difficult to understand why they needed McAvoy in this movie. Till that time kicking somebody's ass was not among talets
of 29-year ols Scott. On the list of British actors suitable for role in thrillers he is not much higher than Jim Broadbent. But he insists, that that's the point.
"I am not Schwarzenegger," says McAvoy "but I don't play a born superhero. Actually, after everybody liked me and I had three auditions, they didn't phone me
for half a year. I guess they wanted to keep to the beaten track, but then it dawned upon somebody that the movie just won't work if they cast somebody who has "superhero" written in his passport. I think I should thank Timur for that."
"Timur" is Timur Mekmambetov, another novice at american thriller genre. Director of Watches, telling about usual people suddenly discovering superpowers, was a perfet
choice for creation of Wanted hyper-reality. However, he is not going to abuse spectacle just for the show. "I am not interested in filming of just a thriller without any story," claims Mekmambetov. McAvoy says that Timur is "very eccentric, but in a good way". "To create an impressive action-scene, you have to understand how it fits to the plot and what new it will open in your characters. For example, people start to argue, when words are not enough they start to fight. In our movie, even the simple fight is not enough and for clearing up the situation they use superpowers. For me it's the secret of the good action-scene - it should be really dramatic."
To make everything more realistic Bekmambetov prefered his hero to look like an ordinary man. "If the character looks ordinary, it's easier for you to identify
with him and imagine that the same things has happened to you," he explains. "I've worked that way on Day Watch. I don't need an actor who looks like a hero.
Special effect will make a hero out of James."
No doubt, computer graphic will help. But choosing an average looking according to Hollywood standards guy, except credibility brings the serious problem. Ordinary guy can't evade from speeding up trains and cars, shoot from a couple of guns at one time or fight with knives. There is a high probability that after such tricks they will scrub him away from the walls of film studio.
[Next page in red.
In fact, feeble James McAvoy is not the first doubtful superhero in history of the movie.]
"You won't believe it," says McAvoy, "but the scene with the train we've been filming for two weeks and it was the real test of strength. Really cool, but the whole body ached in the end and ready for feats teenager inside of me calmed down a little bit."
But how he can complain if he worked with Jolie - "wonderful woman, not a bitch as many think of her, but really very experienced and so on."
Was it difficult for him to compete such a fearless partner? "Nope! Dude, I also did the coolest tricks. I did such things! In one scene I had to run alongside the car driving 50 km/hour, then jump on the bonnet shooting at the same time. After 100 meters of such a ride I had to jump off just one second before another car crashes into this one. That was coool!"
Bekmambetov obviously doesn't care about big budgets and control from the studio. The main difficulties for him are weather and schedule and he doesn't know how to answer the question about the most complicated scene in the movie. EMPIRE is not satisfied. Then he picks up the scene where McAvoy should kill 100 guys in 10 seconds shooting from the guns of already killed enemies.
And how about gossips that there were a lot of problems during filming and that nobody could understand what was "crazy Russian" Bekmambetov doing?
Director hears about it for the first time. "I liked everything very much," he says and obvoiusly not by order of the studio. "In Russia we usually film in art-house way, when the process is more important than the result. I thought that in Hollywood it will be different, but everything was the same. We worked over the movie for 2 years and every month it changed thanks to writers, actors, computer graphic specialists. It's the same as bringing up a child. Studio was very patient and supported us in everything. Bringing up a child is difficult, it's a piece of work. But if you work hard, it will be a good person."
Hollywood is always in search of new meat for thrillers, pleople who will smash everything so hard, that teenagers will spend all money for movie tickets. On each forum about the movie you will find that audience expect a lot from it. And these expectations are warmed up by rare comments like "everything was stolen from Matrix!!!!1!11 LOL." (Bekmambetov says that the trailer similarity to Vachkovski's fully lies on marketing department conscience and the movie is completely different.) So, the director and the actor could fit in blockbuster if they were really interested in it. Bekmambetov says that he doesn't have some exact plans, but he would like to film a comedy. McAvoy dreams that the wave of success could finally bring him closer to sofa and TV. He plans to take short vacations after filming the movie about Leo Tolstoy. Really? "It's very difficult to refuse great offers, but I need a rest." Well, he already has good muscules and he is realy for come back at any second. "Yeah, right! I didn't move a finger after filming was over. To idle about - that what I'm good at!"
[Inerview]
- You didn't become a star at once, right?
- I've been working on it for 10 years. Not too quick, I'm even more happy as I had enough time to learn everything.
I played a huge amount of typical roles. I didn't have leading characters for a long time. Atonement is actually the first one. And I am sorry for all
who had the same destiny as Orlando Bloom. I mean, I am not sorry for Orlando himself, because he really likes it, but poor guy became a start immediately and even
didn't have a chance to play little unnoticeable roles.
- Do you think that you're about to become a superstar?
- Oh, no. That's not about me. If the person with camera has a choice who to follow - me, Angelina or Keira, of course, he will choose one of them. Thanks God, I should say. Because I remember, once me and my wife were in the bus and landed in a gossip article: "McAvoy and Duff were seen in the bus when they were coming back home. They were arguing."
- And now you have a leading role in blockbuster...
- This is crazy! This Russian, Bekmambetov, is really out of his mind. As if his head is somewhere in another galaxy. Well, the movie is insane.
- First there was Knightley and now Jolie...
- I'm confused. They are concidered the most beautiful ladies on the planet, and what about me? I look fine, but not like the handsome guy from the magazine's cover.
- Tell us, were there any bed-scenes this time?
- There is epic moment where we kiss wildly.
- What is she like this Mrs. Pitt?
- She is very down-to-earth. Her life is crazy as everybody is hunting her. But she manages to stay absolutely normal, even friendly. We had tough scenes where she had to beat me up. But it was fine, we both laughted.
- And how was it with Knightley in Atonement?
- She amazed me. There is so much self-control, elegance and tact in her.
- A lot of people think that she has nutrition problems.
- She doesn't have any anorexia. In Atonement there were enough scenes when I touched her everywhere where it's only possible and I tell you for sure, she's OK. There are not only bones, but also meat, this I can promise.
- Are you really such a good kisser as she said?
- I don't want to say that she's telling lies, but I am not a rival to Orlando Bloom and Depp. But still... Very nice of her.
- Do you like to be in erotic scenes?
- Actually, no. It's difficult and uncomfortable. I always have the paranoia, that girl may think that I somehow use the situation. That's what I'm afraid of the most. And before filming I even have nightmares. What excitement can we talk about? Plus the crowd of people around and all of them are watching you.
- What movies did you like as a child?
- I think that most favourite was "St. Elmo's Fire". I loved American movies for teenagers. Now they don't make such movies: now they mainly joke about arses.
- You're from proletariat, right?
- I'm from working class. But I don't belong to it now. I had a tough upbringing, though it seemed normal. Mom, grandma and grandpa were very good to me. When you don't have money you pay more attention to surrounding world much earlier. Very useful quality for an actor.
- How did you manage to get the money for education in Scottish Academy of Music and Drama?
- For two years I've been working in Sainsbury's bakery.
- Is there somebody in Hollywood who really impresses you?
- I was absolutely speechless when I was introduced to Tom Hanks. It was in 2000 and he was producing Band of Brothers. I couln't say a word in his presence. He asked me if I liked my job. And I answered: "You were so great in Joe Versus the Volcano!" This was one of my favourite movies since school. And I started enthusiastic explanations, but he interrupted me "Stop it, fellow, you're a brick [a good guy]"
- Have you presumed that you'll become famous?
- No way. First I thought about navy, then - about being a priest. Both are a good way to escape. When I was finishing theatre school I was even ready to do something else. I had no idea that some day I'd be able to buy a flat, especially in London. Really huge achievement.
- What is your life like?
- A lot a daily routine, but I like it. I'm a football maniac. Whatever happens, on Sunday morning I must be on the match. I am so impatient, that I dress the uniform before dawn. Our team even doesn't have a name - just a small group of actors, kicking the ball and yelling "Just don't hit me!"
- Why aren't you telling anything about your wife, you've met during filming of Shameless?
- If you yell about your secrets on every corner, they lose their value. I keep vigilant watch on my private life: you live only once, you know? When you meet the preson who really means something to you, you give her a piece of yourself. But if you start to give these pieces to everyone, what will stay from your soul?
- Does filming in different parts of the world have influence on your family life?
- We are really lucky. We're both actors, so we understand each other. It's the positive side of life with the person of the same occupation. In addition, my wife is fighting with my Scottish whineing and reminds, that life is wonderful.
- Are your friends also from show-business?
- I don't communicate with guys from the studio very often. I have my own life. I try not to talk about it and to care too much. Just to cook curry with my wife and to be with friends.
- What next?
- A break. Now, when I have more offers, I don't want to make hasty decisions. I need to talk to my friends, wife, family. I really really like my job. But everything can disappear as fast as it appeared. It's better not to predict, but just to thank destiny for it.
but I love the element of surprise in a film. I've got a day off today so I'm trying to catch up on some of the convos. Single
parent of a teenager takes up a LOT of time!
I'm guessing you haven't seen the Russian trailer?? If you want to see James... that's the one to see.
Lets just say... 
