Orlando Bloom
Interview By: Dan Portnoy
DanielPortnoy@TheCinemaSource.com
*Click Here For Another Interview with Orlando Bloom
*Click Here For Another Interview with Orlando Bloom
Not many actors have come so quickly into the public spotlight as Orlando Bloom. With his breakout performance as Legolas, the fearless battle savvy warrior elf in Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Bloom has since become one of Hollywood's most desirable young acting talents. In his new movie, Elizabethtown, Orlando takes a break from sword wielding and bow and arrows and takes a stab at dramatic comedy. For this young actor it's a chance to diversify and detach himself from the roles audiences are used to seeing him take on.
Elizabethtown takes place in the heart of Middle America. Bloom plays Drew Baylor, a failed Oregon businessman on the brink of suicide after losing his girlfriend and his job. Just when Drew has finally had it with his life he receives news about the sudden death of his father. As he flies home to his small white bread place of birth in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, he meets a flight attendant named Claire (Kirsten Dunst). While at home, Drew is able to gain a new perspective on life that leads him on a path he never would have dreamed, overflowing with self realization and an unexpected romance.
For Bloom, the experience of playing a character in an unfamiliar genre was not the only thing that was new to him. 'This was my first contemporary leading role. That was a new responsibility, a new bridge to cross.' Not only did he have the pressure of being the film's leading protagonist, he had to do away with his charming British accent and slip into one a little more American. 'I think it's a right of passage for any British actor to do an American role at some point if they're going to be able to go the distance and have a real career in America.' I know what you're thinking, those of you who have not yet seen the film, and that is, was the accent good' Yes, Bloom was able to rise to the occasion.
The film takes on many different forms. It deals with many issues, creating a very layered, very real kind of story. 'It deals with life, it deals with death, it deals with success, it deals with failure and I think the only way you can experience life and truly enjoy it is if you really address death' and that's a lot of the themes that run through this movie. It's huge, cause it's also got that great romantic love story between Drew Baylor and Claire Colburn.' And let's not forget the film's lighthearted and at times dark comedic element which rears its head often and opportunely.
Much of the comedy in this film is shown through Drew as he tries to find purpose in his life. Elizabethtown is portrayed as welcoming and warm, just what Drew needs, but feels uncomfortable receiving. 'The backdrop of this movie, the America that you see is that heartland, is that sense of community, family and friendship,' which happens to be just what his hometown has to offer.
Bloom was really able to embrace the warmth of America's heartland and take that with him into his role. 'As a Brit I've experienced New York, L.A., Miami, the big cities of America and I love them. They're vibrant, they're crazy, but you know they're an eclectic group of people and it's an amazing place and there's another world of America as well out there which is fascinating too and which is that heartland.' It is those people and their outlook that truly inspired the film and helped it grow into something that everyone can relate to.
And grow it did. Not only did the film bring about changes in Bloom's character Drew, but it also gave him a chance to take a step back and gaze at his developing career. 'For the most part, for my career up to date until probably this movie I've been living my boyhood dreams.' As a child, Bloom knew he wanted to become an actor; however he wasn't quite sure how far it would get him. 'I never thought of reaching for the stars or anything like that. When I was young I wanted to be an actor because once I realized that the characters I saw on T.V. or in the movies or in plays at the theater or even street performers, once I realized that those were characters played by actors, if I was an actor I could be any of those characters. That was really exciting to me.' Sure playing a pirate, prince, and an elf is all fun and games to Bloom, but now it's time for him to broaden his horizons. If you ask him why, and I know you're curious, 'I never thought of myself as being an action adventure guy.'
So it goes for Bloom and Elizabethtown. Bloom is able to successfully take the reigns as the film's leading man in a story that everyone can relate to on some level. 'I was reminded of so much. It is so easy to forget what's important in life. And what's truly important in life is humanity, is family, is friendship. And Drew has forgotten what's important in life at the beginning of this movie and his journey is to learn to appreciate that. And he does that by taking this road trip through America.' If I can say I've been inspired to do one thing after talking to Orlando Bloom, it's pack my bags and set out across the country just to take it all in. All I am left with is a single question: Who's commin' with me'
