20 July 2012 (released)
20 July 2012
It’s been 24 years since 80s boy band, Bros shot to the top of the charts with ‘I owe you nothing’. Proving that they were more than one hit wonders or pretty boys of pop, the British trio went on to secure a platinum selling debut album and numerous teen pop awards before finally disbanding just five years later.
All eyes were naturally on front man, Matt Goss to continue the band’s fame. But it was their shy, much admired drummer, and older twin Luke who seized the opportunity for his big break in acting.
Having tread the boards in London’s West End starring in shows such as Grease and What a Feeling, Luke landed his first role on the big screen as Jared Nomak in Blade 2.
He received a CAMIE for his part in One Night with the King and a Star of Tomorrow Award for his role as Prince Nuada, in Hellboy 2. And to date has worked with film greats such as Omar Sharif, Steven Seagal and Samuel L. Jackson.
Luke now lives in LA with his wife and former backing singer, Shirley Lewis.
Film-news caught up with Luke, while in London promoting his new film – Interview with a Hitman – in which he plays Romanian assassin, Victor.
Film-News: How did your role as Victor in Interview with a Hitman come about?
Luke: I was offered the part of Victor and given the script. I read it and loved it. Perry Bhandal and I had a three hour phone conversation about the story and Victor as a character. It was a very intense conversation. Perry is really passionate about his work and I really wanted to get the part right.
FN: It’s not the first time you’ve played the criminal in a film. How did this role in particular stretch you, if at all, as an actor?
Luke: I think every single role stretches you, as every role is different. The cinematography in the film is amazing. And when you get a role that is light in dialogue it puts a lot more pressure on you as an actor to really know your part. The more you can internalise the more honestly you can portray a character’s true persona, which is what I worked hard to do on set.
FN: What is your take on Victor as a character?
Luke: Victor never wanted to be the person he became. I think he was a victim, like many people are, of the situation he was in and he fell into the life of a violence, crime and bloodshed. Let down by the people he thought he could trust, I think he got so deep he couldn’t get out. Victor, above all else, is a survivor. He spent his childhood being pushed around, and has seen too many others pushed around. He’s determined to take back control of his life. There’s humanity in him and I think the audience gets somewhere close to seeing that towards the end.
FN: What’s it like working on a film where the writer also chooses to direct?
Luke: When someone’s written a film, they’re very close to it. They have very clear idea of how things should be, who the characters are and as an actor you have to be very respectful of that. You have to take a step back and think about what’s right for the character in any given scene. I knew Perry would be very passionate to work with, which is great. And having spent a lot of time talking to him and reading the script, I too had some very strong opinions about how certain scenes should be shot. I just wanted to make sure every scene was as true to the story and Victor as it could be.
FN: It’s a dark and intense film. Are there any particular scenes that challenged you and why?
Luke: I think the last scene in the film is intense, but I also felt a bit of relief for Victor as a character. I think Victor, like everyone, is aware of his actions and just like any wrong doing, be it terrorism or any other act of evil, he knows there will come a time when he has to pay for it. And he does, in the saddest way possible, and just as you start to see him as human.
FN: What do you think people will take from the film after watching it?
Luke: I think people won’t feel they should like him, but they will start to during the film, regardless of his wrong doing. And I think people will also get the message that love can in a funny kind of way conquer all, even the darkest of characters.
FN: What’s next for Luke Goss?
Luke: Well, I start filming a new movie called Dead Drop Sugar Cane. It’s an action movie about an undercover drug operation. Then later this year we’ll begin filming Inside, which is a supernatural thriller. It’s like nothing else I’ve done and will be a lot of fun to film. It’s very dark and spooky, and more of a ghost story than an alien revenge type thing as you never actually see what it is that’s doing it. And my TV show Red Widow, is being shot in Vancouver in August. It should be out before the end of the year.
FN: You seem pretty busy with filming. Will we ever see you and your brother Matt reform for a Bros reunion?
Luke: Funny enough it’s a question I get asked a lot. I’ve not yet seen an offer enticing enough to make me want to do it. It would have to be pretty spectacular. A Bros reform? No, never but a one-off reunion, maybe. But only if the offer is good enough.
The film, Interview with a Hitman is now showing at cinemas nationwide.
