Stephen Lang – The Gandhi Murder

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) The past year has been busy. Most of my time spent working on 2 sequels to James Cameron’s AVATAR. We have been shooting for a year and a half, and there is still much work to be done. When that work is complete, according to plan, we will go straightaway into filming the next two sequels, completing the saga that began with the original film in 2009. However, because of the length and scope of the project I am able to carve out time for other work as well, including touring my solo show, “BEYOND GLORY,” which I’ve performed many times over the years, and which keeps me connected to my roots on the stage. I’ve taken other film roles as well, although usually in a cameo or supporting performance because of my on-going commitment to AVATAR. The exception is the proposed sequel to DON’T BREATHE in which I play a leading role. Hopefully that film will shoot in the near future.

Q) Please tell us the premise for The Gandhi Murder.

A) The film tracks the political, personal and religious motivations of several people who were responsible for preserving the safety and security of Mahatma Gandhi during a time of violent upheaval in India. A number of attempts were made in the Mahatma’s life and one finally succeeded. Possessing intelligence concerning the perpetrator(s) did the police and state security service do as much as they could or should do to protect Mr. Gandhi? This has long been a subject of controversy in India.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the movie?

A) Learning and growing as an actor is a life-long endeavor, and as community of filmmakers, as the world of film itself, becomes increasingly international, and it can only be to my advantage, professionally, personally, and as a citizen of the world, to embrace the opportunity to work with colleagues from different cultures. It’s about expanding one’s horizons. Additionally, the fact that so after many years the death of Gandhi remains relevant and volatile is both intriguing and provocative to me. Plus, the opportunity to work Sri Lanka was very alluring. My favorite film, BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI, was filmed there in what had been Ceylon. I’ve always wanted to go there.

Q) How was your character D.I.G. Sunil Raina originally described to you?

A) The role was described to me as a blue-eyed Kashmiri Pandit man in early middle age. A policeman by profession. Extremely focused, intelligent, and highly principled. Trustworthy and with a great respect for orderly investigative procedures. Devoted to the future of India while retaining respect and affection for the departing British.

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on the movie?

A) I had done a few films with Vinnie Jones and it’s always a pleasure to work with him. Good actor and friend. I was honored to work with the great Om Puri in, regrettably, his final role. I had never worked with Luke Pasqualino before, and I found him to be a thorough professional and a wonderful man. It was also a joy to work with the superb Bobbie Philips, a beautiful human inside and out.

Q) What advice did directors Karim Traidia and Pankaj Sehgal offer that you took to heart while filming?

A) This was a personal passion project for both Karim and Pankaj and I listened carefully to them. I was aided greatly by their knowledge of the culture and subject. They were always very supportive of my efforts, and we maintained an open communicative relationship throughout the filming.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments on screen or off from shooting the movie?

A) Really the entire shoot was memorable: working in harmony with a wonderfully professional crew from India and Sri Lanka. Experiencing just how similar and compatibly we worked despite coming from different cultures. When we got into the green screen portion of the work, I was amazed – I don’t think I’ve ever spent time on a stage quite as green! Off screen, well, Sri Lanka is such a magnificent place. So lush and beautiful. The people are among the friendliest I’ve encountered anywhere on the planet. I know that Sri Lanka has experienced more than its share of pain and suffering, but the people display such fortitude and hope. I truly love the country. It was also a totally memorable experience for me to visit several locations used by David Lean for BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI. To be where the bridge was built and blown up was thrilling.

Q) You often take on dramatic, dark roles with an adventurous streak. What is it about the characters that you play that draws them to you?

A) Perhaps I am drawn to darker characters, I don’t know. With so many roles I play I feel it’s my job to advocate on their behalf. To defend them. To love them. I enjoy finding the heart in the darkness.

Q) You have quite an extensive career! What have been some of your favorite projects to be a part of?

A) I’ve enjoyed so many roles, so many projects: GETTYSBURG, DEATH OF A SALESMAN, LAST EXIT TO BROOKLYN, TOMBSTONE, PUBLIC ENEMIES, MORTAL ENGINES, DON’T BREATHE and, of course, AVATAR.

Q) We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the epic work you did in Avatar. Is there anything you can tease about Miles Quaritch and the upcoming sequels? 

A) I cannot say much about AVATAR at this time. A year and a half from now you won’t be able to shut me up about it. I will say that James Cameron’s vision is vast, and that the world of AVATAR unfolds in vistas of breathtaking beauty and danger. The story we are telling is both epic and extremely intimate and personal. He really is a master storyteller. As far as Quaritch is concerned, well, he will return and perhaps has learned a thing or two as a result of his last encounter with Mr. and Mrs. Sully. Perhaps.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work you do?

A) I’m grateful to so many who support and encourage my work as an actor. I do my job primarily to bring myself the satisfaction that results from discipline and effort. It is doubly satisfying when others derive satisfaction as well. I never take my work for granted and will try to continue to grow as an actor and surprise myself and my supporters. Thanks.