THE LAST HORROR MOVIE INTERVIEW WITH KEVIN HOWARTH
'It's always been a mystery to me
why people make such heavy weather of disposing a body'
Q: So what made you want to get into acting?KH: Well, I think since my school days, and spending quite a few years in the working wilderness, acting was a path that I was destined to get on. It's always been in me and walked with me so to speak, it just took a little while for the reality to dawn and for me to do something about it. In a strange way acting kind of called me, and I truly believe at the right time in my life too!
Q: How would you characterize the roles you've had so far in your career? Have they been similar to Max the psychopathic serial killer from Last Horror Movie?
KH: I do seem to get cast as the guys who are out on the edge somewhere. There's always something not quite right about them, something that doesn't quite fit in with the norm...either mentally or physically!! I don't wanna get pigeon-holed as the 'bad guy', but I don't mind playing them as long as there is something I can get my teeth into, something different to latch onto with each role. I get a kick out of finding and unlocking the finite details of a character.
'If I don't think it's wrong, why shouldn't I do it?'
Q: So how did you get hooked up with Julian Richards and The Last Horror Movie?
KH: I auditioned for him and screen tested like everyone else. He also saw my showreel.
Q: Did you have any reservations about the film after reading the script?
KH: Oh no, I was into it immediately.....the idea and the script was really good! I felt it had a great balance between the macabre and the darkly funny. I can't stress enough how important it is to start from a really strong base like that....a good idea, good story, good dialogue...etc!! Then at least you've got something to play with even if you've only got a small budget and a small train set to make it with! I think too many films get made without all of these elements in place (believe me I've been in some!!!) and then you're always on a hiding to nothing.
Q: So has your family seen it? Are they afraid to talk to you?
KH: Some of my family and friends have seen it at certain screenings and festivals. I have to say, it is a great thrill when you can still disturb the people who know you best and then have a drink with them! They still talk to me anyway!!
'Not your lucky day, is it?'
Q: Your character was very intense, I'm wondering if you had to do any preparation for the more intense scenes in the film? What was your motivation?
KH: No more preparation than I would for any other role. For me, film acting is a lot to do with energy - when you use it and when you don't use it as that character.....and of course incredible focus!!! As for motivation; I believe the motivation should always be in the moment of your playing, and in the ultimate knowledge of where you have just come from and where you are going as your character. You hear an awful lot as an actor about 'method acting' & 'method actors'. I believe that any actor worth their salt has a method of working that helps them get to their character, and as long as it doesn't start becoming obstructive or selfish or objectionable, then it shouldn't be up for question. Unfortunately there are some who use the words 'method' or 'motivation' or 'dynamics' as bullshit by-words for actual talent! At the end of the day there has to be a conclusion to all these methods & motivations, and that's 'get it right!!'
Q: Do you think Max is insane?
KH: Well, insane is a clinical term so I'm not sure about that. He's seriously disturbed that's for sure!, but there's always a reason for where that comes from. I have my own theories, but others will have to come to their own conclusions........Go see the film!!
'I wonder how long it will take before they find that one?'
Q: I noticed in some of the film it's made to look like you were operating the camera. How much did you do the camera work, and was that a challenge to you?
KH: There were quite a number of times when that was the case, and it was great fun, but the real cameraman/DP was a guy called Chris StJohn-Smith who's not only brilliant but has now become a great friend.
When it was my turn to run with it he was always on hand to guide me through any little problems, so it wasn't too taxing....he was a good teacher.
'Why did you watch that film through to the end?'
Q: There are several scenes that require you to simulate very realistic violence without the luxury of switching camera angles, was that a challenge for you?
KH: Naaaaaaa.......it was a challange for the victims!!!
Q: Are you a fan of horror films? Any favorites?
KH: I am when they're intelligent. My favourite of all time is still The Exorcist, especially if you remember when it first came out and how ground breaking it was. It's not just an intelligent movie, but beautifully shot and with a fantastic performance from Ellen Burstyn as the mother. A truly great film! I liked the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, When A Stranger Calls, and the original Japanese version of The Ring as well, that was quite chilling. I also love Hitchcock. I suppose it depends on ones take of horror.
I can't say I'm a fan of these so called "teen slashers"....although I liked the beginning of Jeepers Creepers and it looked promising until it got really silly!!! On the whole I think I prefer the more psychological horror film than your blood and gore. I believe it's more frightening what you don't see, where it's left to your own imagination.
'I could be looking at you, right now'
Q: After watching The Last Horror Movie I remember thinking that this thing may have the potential to cause some controversy. Have you thought at all about that?
KH: No. I couldn't give a 'hoot' about controversy, and I think when it comes to film; people are only offended by what's going on in their own mind. It's easy to avoid a film - you just don't go and see it....it's quite simple! But most people go to a film because they've heard something about it or read a review..... and if they're offended after that, then I think it says more about themselves than the film itself!
Q: What have you been doing acting-wise since the Last Horror Movie. Anything we can look out for you in?
KH: I was filming out in Morocco for the BBC on a TV thing called First Olympian, but I've just finished playing the lead with Luke Goss in a feature called Cold & Dark. I play a character called Mortimer Shade. It's a cop thriller/sci-fi/horror.....if you can get your head around that!!!
