“Heleno” was nominated as Best Film in the Cartagena Film Festival and is brilliantly directed by José Henrique Fonseca. The director captured the style and flash of Rio de Janeiro in the 1940s through artistic choices and a perfect soundtrack. Santoro, already a star in Brazilian cinema, depicts a complicated, emotionally fierce and fragile man in a stellar Oscar-worthy performance. “Heleno” will stay with you long after you’ve left this long-gone world.
Examiner Dorri Olds sat down for a one-on-one interview yesterday with the rising star, Rodrigo Santoro.
Dorri Olds: Did filming a dark character stay with you?
Rodrigo Santoro: Yeah, it was a very long process. It took five years to develop. Then we shot it in three months. We had to break two months so I could lose 12 pounds for filming Heleno’s last days. It was intense every day. I was very into it. There was no other way to do it. I attempt to have what I call “recycle” moments. That’s when I try to take my mind away from shooting but it doesn’t really work. [Smiles]
Did you experience depression?
No, not really. It’s important for artists not to confuse themself with the character. It’s important to know what you’re doing. It’s like if you’re painting and don’t know what you’re doing it can look blurry. Each actor has his own process. I don’t believe in formula. Whatever works for you I respect. I like to be very concentrated and put all my energy in. Even when I’m not on set, I’m working, thinking, exploring, but it’s important to have a boundary to remember you’re the actor, not the character.
What are your upcoming projects?
I have a movie called “The Last Stand.” It’s an action film with Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s his first starring role in a long time. I’m really excited because I recently watched a cut of the film and I really enjoyed it. The South Korean director [Jee-woon Kim] is very interesting. That’s coming out Jan. 18, 2013. Then there’s “300: Rise of the Empire.” We’re not calling it a sequel or a prequel. That is out in August.
Heleno had an out of control ego; have you struggled with that?
The ego can be a problem for anyone. You constantly have to be alert and aware. It’s dangerous. The tricky thing for famous people is the ego gets fed with the bright lights and compliments and you have to learn how to deal with it. The danger is when you believe it. Throughout history we’ve seen fame is not easy. I try to be very aware. I do yoga, surfing and meditation; all the things that help me stay focused and balanced.
Did you ever go through a hedonistic time of drinking, drugging and sex?
I’m very different from Heleno. That’s one of the reasons I was attracted to this role. I found him very interesting and complex with many different colors. He was really tense in different ways and I’m not like that. Heleno was coming from a noble place but the way he handled his situation is where he got lost. He lost control and things ended in a very tragic way. He was trying to be the best, trying to overcome his own limits. That’s a healthy thing. It’s important not to just stay comfortable in the same place. Though I do like to be comfortable on Sundays [grins] but the rest of the week I like to work. It’s important to take risks, to challenge yourself; put yourself in situations where you’ll learn about life, people, and keep exploring. Actors study human behavior and try to reflect that. Life is constantly changing and you have to follow it. Heleno believed in pushing himself. Nietzsche talked about that, the “superman.” Every person on this planet has incredible potential but it takes hard work to develop it. I’m not trying to be all Zen, though I would like to be [laughs].
Have you had embarrassing moments at auditions?
[Laughs] Many, many — auditions are tricky. I still do them sometimes and they’re uncomfortable. But I don’t think embarrassing is the right word. If you’re testing with a lot of other actors for the same part and it’s cold and you don’t have the right atmosphere it’s maybe uncomfortable but what would be embarrassing is not to try.
Click here to see my brand new VIDEOS of Rodrigo Santoro
Drama. Rated R. 107 minutes. “Heleno” opens today in New York City at Regal Union Square Stadium 14, 850 Broadway.