Not every actor can convincingly take out an enemy with a dinner plate, but British actor Jason Statham is a man of many talents. In his new film, “Safe,” he takes on the Russian Mafia and corrupt New York City cops. We talked to Statham about his life as an action hero.
Your movies are very physical. Do you have the same training routine for every film?
The fighting styles vary. They base it on what kind of skills the character has and how we can justify them. I suppose they always want to do something a bit different and it has to be a kind of spectacle in some way. This time it was picking up plates. I don’t design the fights but I have my own say, if it’s too ridiculous. Although, what is too ridiculous these days in action movies?
Would you ever challenge yourself by not playing an action hero?
That’s like asking Hugh Grant if he wants to do what I do. You’ve got to match man with material. I feel that I’m better at this than I would be at playing a lawyer. Everyone’s got a strength [and] maybe you should stick with that.
Do you still do your own stunts?
Yes, I’m still stupid. I’m still getting my money’s worth. I like doing it. Stallone’s still doing it, he’s tough as old nails. In “The Expendables” everyone was doing their own thing, there [are] no stunt doubles … sitting on the sidelines. Guys like it, it’s guys doing guys’ things. You want to be a part of that. You don’t want to give that job to someone else while you’re sipping tea on your high chair. I’m in good shape. I’m injury-free which is a good place for me.
You were once in the Great Britain diving squad. If you were to participate in the 2012 Olympics, which sport would you pick?
Darts! Is that an Olympic sport? Two Guinness and darts.
