Vinnie Jones - AskMen.com Interview

Q:Vinnie, you played in Lock, Stock, and 2 Smoking Barrels; congratulations on the success. My question is: Is Snatch the sequel to that movie or is it really a new movie? VJ:Well, I wasn't against calling it a sequel, but it turned out different, more humorous. And I think that Guy wanted to take it in a different direction. Q:How much of a stretch is it for Vinnie Jones to play a role in a gangster movie? VJ:Not much (laughs). I enjoy it a lot, I like to entertain, it's fun. Q:The cast is definitely eclectic: Brits, Yanks, you even have a dog on, there must have been some communication breakdown at some point? VJ:Not really, especially when you're having fun. Q:Even with a star like Brad Pitt, you really get the impression that there is no lead actor. Is this the case? Who is the real star? The storyline or the dog? VJ:No, the cast gelled well. If anything, Jason Statham pulled the cast down (laughs). Yeah, I guess the dog stood out the most. Q:Rumor has it that one guy showed up to be a security guard but Guy insisted that he take on a role. Any truth to this? VJ:Yes. Ade plays "Tyrone" and this was his first movie... Q:Speaking of movies, what is your favorite movie? VJ:Braveheart, I also really like Westerns, so I would say The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. I also like mafia movies; so anything with De Niro and Pacino. I liked the original Get Carter. Q:Who is your favorite actor? VJ:Mel Gibson, I really enjoyed watching Braveheart. Daniel Day Lewis is very good too. Q:Which actor would you love to work with most and why? VJ:Robert De Niro; a class guy. Always great. Q:Moving on to the ladies, if you could have any leading lady in a love scene, living or dead, who would she be? VJ:Ooh... don't know. Must say Marilyn Monroe. Q:Very original with your Brits (laughs)... Tell us about your days with Wimbledon FC -- what's the biggest football (soccer) game you've been in? VJ:The FA Cup with over 100,000 fans in the stadium. Bought'em all tickets (laughs). Q:How has that experience prepared you for movies? VJ:Believe it or not, mostly the fame aspect and how to handle it. Also, you gotta be lucky, both in sports and showbiz. Q:Why the change in career? VJ:Was searching for something different, just fell into it. Q:What's the highlight of your career? VJ:On the movie side, I really like making them; so going to the premieres is always a highlight, there is so much energy. Q:Do you ever want to direct? VJ:Yes, definitely. Actually, I will be co-directing a project. Q:You once said that "you're on your own with acting, nobody can hide if you're rubbish and stuff your lines, whereas in football, you're covered by a team." Q:This is interesting, very deep in fact... but my question is: Would it not be the opposite, since in movies, you are acting whereas in football, you are not. VJ:Well, no. Because if you know and understand your character, it is pretty easy to get into it. But if you suck, any viewer will see through it. In football, you have a supporting cast and the end result is the work of everyone. Q:By the way, how was your experience working with Nicolas Cage in Gone In 60 Seconds? VJ:Loved it, he's a great guy. Q:Yeah, one of our favorite actors too. Who is the most interesting person you've met over the years? VJ:So many, but I would have to say Robert Duvall. Also, I enjoy meeting directors; I learn a lot from them. On this movie, Dennis Farina was interesting. Q:Loved him in Get Shorty! Were you intimidated by Robert Duvall, Nicolas Cage or Brad Pitt? VJ:Not really, especially with Robert Duvall, he is a football fan so he came up to me, very nice. Brad and Nicolas are pretty down to earth too. Q:Tell us more about your next project: Mean Machine? VJ:It's a remake of a Burt Reynolds flick. It will also be my first lead. Q:Not bad... It should only help the love life (laughs)... VJ:Actually, I've been married for 7 years. Q:Congrats, any kids? VJ:Yes, a 14-year-old girl a 10-year-old boy. Q:Not bad, must be proud of their pop. Well Vinnie, thanks for the interview and all the best in 2001! VJ:Thank you and Thanks for your time.