Interview: Bruce Campbell

Living-Dead's own Ryan chats with Evil Dead 1, 2 and Army of Darkness star Bruce Campbell.

Living-Dead.com: When someone mentions the name Bruce Campbell, one automatically thinks of 'Ash'. Many people intertwine 'Ash' as your 'debut' role in the film industry, but this is not true however. Can you give us a little info on some of your previous projects in which you have acted 'pre' Evil Dead'?

Bruce Campbell: Wow. No, I'm not gonna do that. There's too much stuff that went after and around the Evil Dead flicks. It's all to be found here: Bruce Campbell Online

Living-Dead.com: Back in the 'finer' days of horror the director had to settle for buckets of M3 blood and tons of latex and the poor starving actors would spend hours trying to get the concoction off. You gotta respect both parties (directors/actors) and their will to bring the audience frills and chills and the hard work and dedication put forth into the making. Nowadays, it seems as if every horror fan's nightmare 'CGI' has wove its way into the grips of Hollywood. Personally, it seems as if 'Hollywood' has became lazy and taken the easy way out with the 'CGI' craze. What are your thoughts on this new breed of F/x and why?

Bruce Campbell: I tend to agree. It's great that technology allows folks to make a movie in Buttcrack, Kansas, but it doesn't mean that they should. The one thing that never changes is that newcomers need to learn their craft before they back up the truck for the cash.

Living-Dead.com: Many movie actors start out in one certain type role and later on are ultimately typecast into a 'rut' so to speak. You on the other hand have managed to capture roles of all different types and have slipped the grips of the dreaded label. What 'B' movie actor or actress in your own personal opinion deserves a higher ranking on the totem pole of 'Actor Status'? And why?

Bruce Campbell: That's tough to answer because I would need a thick guide of actors. I have respect for any actor who simply does their thing and goes home. I'm a fan of Buscemi, Depp, guys like that. They like what they do and avoid the hoopla for the most part.

Living-Dead.com: It is quiet evident that the world is quickly going to hell in a hand basket as the old saying goes. Many years have spawned this and many beliefs and thought systems have paved the road to where we are now. Which decade in your opinion from the 20th century had the most negative influence on the United States?

Bruce Campbell: I think the cold war sucked pretty hard. Here we were, in the "good old fifties," but the world could have ended. The build up of so many nuclear devices is just insane on anyone's scale.

Living-Dead.com: If you are like most people Mr. Campbell, you have your complaints. I personally am one to dwell on pop culture today and all the reasons why I loathe it. Not only this, but other walks of life who subject themselves to it in their assanine attempts to be cool or what have you. Whether it be Bob Dole exploiting his impudence problem in ads for Viagra or Britney Spears with all her war paint and glory, what person, if you had the chance, would you love to 'lecture' if you had the chance?

Bruce Campbell: I would lecture the mentality rather than the person, because there are so many folks that you could lump into this, and last time I checked, nobody is quite perfect. I hate laziness, greed, ignorance, quick fixes, tunnel vision - all the usual stuff.

Living-Dead.com: It's quiet obvious that you have a very busy schedule. I understand that you attend up to nine or ten conventions a year. I have to say that to a fan, this is the nicest thing an actor could possibly do. I know that sometimes it can get a bit overwhelming when one tries to live their private life. Has there been times in your life and especially your career, for the sake of your family, that you have thought about giving up the acting profession and go forth to lead a less high profile lifestyle?

Bruce Campbell: I tend to regulate what I do. When there is something to promote, I get out the walking shoes and hit the road, but when I'm done with a project, I crawl back home to recharge and blend into society.

Living-Dead.com: I understand that one of your newest projects 'Bubba Ho-Tep' is based on a short story by John Lansdale. I have to be totally honest, the storyline is completely off the wall and I love it! I love the phrase 'Hail to the King' but this takes the cake! Ha! I must also say that Don Coscarelli directed one of my favorite films of all time, which is 'Phantasm'. He has proved more than a few times that he is a master at developing outlandish storylines in great and original films. As your role of a 70 year old Elvis in 'Bubba Ho-Tep', what 'rituals' if any did you do to get yourself in shape for the role of our geriatric Elvis?

Bruce Campbell: Lots of peanut butter and banana sandwiches and little yellow pills. Other than that, I learned my lines and put on the fat suit.

Living-Dead.com: I understand that another Evil Dead game called 'Fistfull of Boomstick' is due out in the near future where you step back into your role as Ash. Can you maybe give us a little info on why 'Fistfull of Boomstick' is "A Whole new bucket O' Blood"?

Bruce Campbell: Ash is gonna go ballistic in Dearborn, Michigan. I played the demo and I have to say, I think folks will get their $ worth. There were some complaints about the first game, but this one is night and day better.

Living-Dead.com: The film industry today can be very misleading. The way that stereotypes are flying around like flies over a dead carcass is quiet evident. What I admire about you Mr. Campbell is the simple fact that you don't try to be someone your not. Originality in my book is tops, but sometimes,especially in the film business this can be a bad thing. For all budding actors or directors out there trying to cash in on success, what advice would you give them to help them on their way?

Bruce Campbell: Well, like in life, don't act when you're not getting paid. Separate the fact from the fiction, reality from the tinsel. The arts in Hollywood are an unholy blend of art and commerce. If you want art, stay home and do flicks with your own $. If you want Hollywood to help, it'll come with a price.

Living-Dead.com: When you first read a script, what main factor are you looking for that will influence your decision on whether to take the part or to turn it down? What plays the biggest role in your decision?

Bruce Campbell: It's a combo of the following: How is the role? Who is the director? How is the script? Where is it shot? How many weeks? What's the billing? How much $? You get the idea ... I understand that a lot of actors have their certain little 'quirks' on the set.

Living-Dead.com: What are some of Mr. Campbell's quirks during the process of filmmaking? Let me guess, you have to have a punchbowl full of only 'Red' M&M's in your dressing room...Ha!.... J/k

Bruce Campbell: No, the superstition thing is a load of crap. In my youth, I did push-ups before shots, or held my breath, but now I just act.

Living-Dead.com: If some hot shot producer with millions to spend came up to you one day and told you that he would fund the money for any past or present film to be remade,if YOU would be director, which film from the past or present would you love to remake? And why?

Bruce Campbell: None, for the simple reason that they have already been made - end of story. But thanks for asking...

Living-Dead.com: Well, Mr. Campbell, I guess that will do it. I wanna say what an extreme pleasure it was for everyone to have you share some of your thoughts with us.

Bruce Campbell: (as Elvis) Thankuuuuu...Thankuverymuuuuuch! Bruce