Oscar-winning director Kevin Costner plays the role of a government assassin in 3 Days to Kill. He says actors are more relaxed than the filmmakers
As an Academy Award-winning director, how did you separate that part of you from actingIJ
It was easy for me. I didn’t have all of the worries that McG (director) did every morning. On the weekend when everyone is deciding what restaurant they’re going to go to in Paris or what they’re going to see, the director starts to hate everyone because he has to really think about what he has to do.
When it came to the script, we needed to be on the same page. We didn’t differ that much and one shouldn’t if they’re in sync. There are going to be times when you have a different approach on a scene, but it shouldn’t happen much and it didn’t with us. In fact I learned some things watching McG. I came prepared to do what I was supposed to do and I was prepared that if something got into a lull — you know people who play sports sometimes have bad days. When I direct I tell my actors there’s going to be a day where I’m not as good as others, and on those days I really need you to be good. You have to deal with your whole life when you’re making a movie — boyfriends, girlfriends — and some days you’re just not good. So for me my pledge will always be on that day when McG tells me, ‘I’m not really feeling that good.’ That’s when I get a little bit stronger. I’m kind of a coach’s coaching player. I like to be on the floor. If a coach tells me what to do on the floor I can get it done. So I’m really comfortable being directed.
In 3 Days to Kill, your character juggles between family and work. Were you able to relate to that situationIJ
He gets frustrated by women and my house is the same. There’s a level of humour that we tried to bring into the movie without winking at the camera.
Tell us about the script. Was there was any room for improvisationIJ
It was really well-scripted. That doesn’t mean we didn’t step into some windows of opportunity that were presented, and you should always do that. We had to write some scenes, but we didn’t write them on ‘the’ day. I don’t write them on ‘the’ day because the other actors have to get comfortable with it, so I can get comfortable with it, and McG might then know a little bit more about how he will direct it. I think we found some improvised things that made their way in because we felt them, but it was more disciplined
What were the physical challenges of playing this roleIJ
Well, you’re cold, and any time you’re cold, things are harder. I’ve been involved in several stunts in my career. My stunt guy and I would talk about it and about when it was time for him to take over. Now I know that I’m getting older because my stunt man looks at a thing and says, ‘You could make it.’ But I can tell he’s scared. So it was an evolving thing. Fortunately, I didn’t have that on this film because I had a new stunt guy, and a new stunt coordinator. You have to measure things. I wanted to ride with the buffalo (in Dances with Wolves). I wanted to do those things. I’ve done things where if I made a mistake, I could’ve died. That usually is mechanical. So I’ve gone from doing everything to listening and now saying, ‘Maybe I shouldn’t do this.’
In 2014, you have four films slated for release. Has acting changed your approach to the craftIJ
Well I’m worn out now. I’ve never changed my approach to acting. I’ve always felt like I’ve gotten better. I think that all of us can get better. It takes me a long time to grasp material in order to perform. Not to bore you, but I’m a slow study. But when I come to the set on the first day, I know the whole movie and that’s why I have to start so early.
I have learned my own patterns and watched other good actors. I’ve done what every good actor does…steal ideas. You see things and stand on the shoulders of people. But I did Hatfields&McCoys and then I lined up these movies. I wish they weren’t so packed. On the other hand, I’m glad I did them. I don’t re-energise. I’ve always loved the business. I’m romantic about it, but for me this business is always pushing.