From Blackfilm.com
How did Steve McQueen want you to portray the character?
Michael Fassbender: I dont think he wanted me to do anything different as such. Its just a different character and a different time in history. I just gave it the same attention that I have given to all of the other parts because what we were dealing with was so important and it goes beyond me or anyone else. Solomon North was an extraordinary man and all the slaves that were part of that time in history. There was a reverence that I was bringing to work because of these people and I owed them in telling their stories. That really kept me on the straight and narrow and really kept the discipline in check. Ive got a good discipline anyway when it comes to work and the fact that we were filming in a real plantation, you could feel the ghosts around you. It was powerful stuff.
Had you read the book prior to starting production?
MF: No. I didnt even know anything about it. I read the script and was amazed on how this was a true story and how this guy was incredible. I read the book and its so eloquently written. Its not just stating the facts of the time. Its so eloquent and beautifully told. So that was the first I had first heard of it and shame to say.
Although youre playing a role, how did you feel knowing you have to convey this level of evil on screen?
MF: I just felt great privilege to take Epps on and when I got the script, I didnt know what part Steve was going to offer. I remember I just called him up at the end of reading the script and I was so moved by it, I said, Whatever you can give me in this. If its one day of work, I just want to be part of this story. Epps is the part that I wanted and when he offered it to me, I just felt really privileged that I would have an influential character to play in this story and so I welcomed it. Obviously, there are upsetting moments in scenes that we are doing but we all were as close as a family. Lupita and I gave each other a hug at the end of the take and everyone was really respectful and supportive of one another; and at the same time very challenging in scenes and very provocative and always trying to surprise each other and work with one another.
Then, at night time, when its time to go home, maybe we would have dinner together or maybe not. I would have to do homework for the next day because the way Steve shoots, its so concentrated. He shot this movie in 35 days, which was incredible. I was there for 2 ½ weeks; and each day there was an important scene that needed to be tackled. When one scene was done, it was put to the side, and hopefully everything was left on the floor that day because the next scene was now important. It was making sure that the level is always kept. Thats always the way on Steves films, scene by scene. We try to keep that same level of discovery and focus.
Did you shoot some of the darker scenes early in production and if so, did you think about it so much before the shoot?
MF: Absolutely. With the scene where the whipping takes place, there were a lot of elements there that needed care and tension, and there were a lot of technical aspects to that scene. There are a lot of actors in that scene and characters, and each of them have their own role to play. The cameraman, Sean Bobbitt, is there and we have to keep that same dance rhythm with him. I had to hit a certain mark so that I didnt make contact with Lupita. Those technical things were evident and they actually get you through it, especially when its in one take like that. Each day I knew what scene was coming up and where the areas are that were difficult and what are the things that I needed to look out for. From the scene of the sermon reading to one where Im chasing Chiwetel around the pen, things were discovered on the day. When Solomon comes back from Judge Turners plantation, I arrived on set that day, and Steve says to me, What do you think about not wearing pants? We see the abnormality of slavery as the norm in the film. Its the every day occurrence of it and when it comes to the Epps plantation, its that added bit of madness; the unpredictability of Epps, his wife, and it makes them terrifying at times. With no pants on and just a shirt, I thought he should have something in his hand, and we thought about the wonderful little girl in that scene. I dont remember her name but she is such a sweetheart. It was like Epps was prepping her to be the next Patsy.
Are there any redeeming qualities to Epps? Is he pure evil?
MF: I dont know what that is. I cant use the word when Im trying to find the character. It stops at that word. Whereas if Im looking at a character thats in love with one of his own slaves, he doesnt have the equipment or intellect with himself to allow that to happen or express it like Shaw is doing. Thats a very interesting conflict within him. Hes not very intelligent. Thats another trait characteristic. Theres the fact that he adding a lot of alcohol and that his marriage has disintegrated. They dont have any children. Those are things that I could work with. The fact that Solomon makes him feel inadequate and he feels threatened by him. Solomon is his slave. Why is that? Theres the fact that he goes to the slaves quarters on a Sunday and he draws them into his house because he needs them emotionally. Not only does he need them financially to benefit, theres an emotionally need that he has. Even on the day of, he needs the slaves around him, which I thought was another piece of information. So, hopefully, when the audience is watching and even if its a glimpse or seconds, they might recognize something in Epps in themselves. Epps does not become the character that they can keep at a safe distance from themselves. Look at the evil plantation owner. Thats not me. Its something that draws them closer to him hopefully. Its more of a profound effect. I also, at times, to make him comical; that you would laugh at him, sort of buffoonish. If you laugh as an audience member, then it allows you to drop your guard and you open up. So when something happens that more violent or horrific in his nature, you havent closed yourself off and become too numb to him.
Was there a back-story to Epps and his wifes marriage that you created in your mind or discussed with Steve?
MF: I think there are various things in their marriage that Sarah (Paulson) and I discussed. We thought it would be interesting if she had the money and he married into it and before that he would have been a driver in a plantation or something like that. We dont know if that was historically accurate. We just thought it was a nice dynamic. Somewhere along the way the marriage just broke down and Patsy used to be working in the house with Mrs. Epps. She was her household favorite. They were as close as they could be. She looked very fondly at Patsy; but then, of course, Epps started his feelings towards her and taken action in that direction and Mrs. Epps was being usurped in her own house. You see the complexity of Mrs. Epps character there. Again, this is the great thing that Steve has done in showing the complexity of that time. Its not about the master and the slave. We see the economics of it. We see Solomon go from a logging farm to a cotton farm to a sugar cane farm. You see how intrinsic slavery was to the industry and the economics to the South at the time.
How was working with Brad Pitt for a third time?
MF: The thing about Brad and I feel indebted to him and we all do for him getting this film made with Plan B. We wouldnt be here without those guys. Brad is a real champion of talent. He saw Hunger and recognize that Steve is a serious filmmaker and one that needs to be encouraged and said, Lets do something together and this came about. When we were working together in Inglourious Basterds, and I was nervous, it was a big deal to get beyond that set, he was very encouraging and generous and didnt need to be. Just the way he comes to work, he comes in and rolls up his sleeve and gets on with it. Hes definitely a team player. To work opposite him in scenes is great and its a generous style of acting. Hes given plenty for me to take and work with and hopefully Im bouncing back something in his direction.
As you are currently in numerous projects coming up, what do you look for in roles?
MF: I look for a challenge and interesting story and an interesting filmmaker and the cast as well; and if its something I havent done before.
Is The Counselor a fun film?
MF: I havent seen it yet. It was fun to film with a really experienced cast and a hugely experienced director. So, Im looking forward to seeing it.
I see you will be doing Macbeth. If you had your pick of Shakespeare characters to play, which would it be?
MF: I like Iago from Othello. It was the part that got me into drama school and I hold that role pretty close to the heart, but Macbeth is my favorite.
How do you sell 12 Years a Slave?
MF: Its part of our history. Its something that happened. Rather than trying to forget our history, if we want to learn from it, we should keep it close to us and examine it and explore it. So many people say the film is difficult to watch and there are times where some scenes are tough, but its a credit to Steve, because as a audience member, you are participating in the film. You are not just sitting there and just watch. After seeing the film in Telluride, I felt a sense of togetherness in that theater. People were feeling connected towards one another and the realization that we need each other and that we can do something positive for each other; and hopefully that is a call-to-arms for that and people go out and do something for their neighbor, friend, or stranger.
How did Steve McQueen want you to portray the character?
Michael Fassbender: I dont think he wanted me to do anything different as such. Its just a different character and a different time in history. I just gave it the same attention that I have given to all of the other parts because what we were dealing with was so important and it goes beyond me or anyone else. Solomon North was an extraordinary man and all the slaves that were part of that time in history. There was a reverence that I was bringing to work because of these people and I owed them in telling their stories. That really kept me on the straight and narrow and really kept the discipline in check. Ive got a good discipline anyway when it comes to work and the fact that we were filming in a real plantation, you could feel the ghosts around you. It was powerful stuff.
Had you read the book prior to starting production?
MF: No. I didnt even know anything about it. I read the script and was amazed on how this was a true story and how this guy was incredible. I read the book and its so eloquently written. Its not just stating the facts of the time. Its so eloquent and beautifully told. So that was the first I had first heard of it and shame to say.
Although youre playing a role, how did you feel knowing you have to convey this level of evil on screen?
MF: I just felt great privilege to take Epps on and when I got the script, I didnt know what part Steve was going to offer. I remember I just called him up at the end of reading the script and I was so moved by it, I said, Whatever you can give me in this. If its one day of work, I just want to be part of this story. Epps is the part that I wanted and when he offered it to me, I just felt really privileged that I would have an influential character to play in this story and so I welcomed it. Obviously, there are upsetting moments in scenes that we are doing but we all were as close as a family. Lupita and I gave each other a hug at the end of the take and everyone was really respectful and supportive of one another; and at the same time very challenging in scenes and very provocative and always trying to surprise each other and work with one another.
Then, at night time, when its time to go home, maybe we would have dinner together or maybe not. I would have to do homework for the next day because the way Steve shoots, its so concentrated. He shot this movie in 35 days, which was incredible. I was there for 2 ½ weeks; and each day there was an important scene that needed to be tackled. When one scene was done, it was put to the side, and hopefully everything was left on the floor that day because the next scene was now important. It was making sure that the level is always kept. Thats always the way on Steves films, scene by scene. We try to keep that same level of discovery and focus.
Did you shoot some of the darker scenes early in production and if so, did you think about it so much before the shoot?
MF: Absolutely. With the scene where the whipping takes place, there were a lot of elements there that needed care and tension, and there were a lot of technical aspects to that scene. There are a lot of actors in that scene and characters, and each of them have their own role to play. The cameraman, Sean Bobbitt, is there and we have to keep that same dance rhythm with him. I had to hit a certain mark so that I didnt make contact with Lupita. Those technical things were evident and they actually get you through it, especially when its in one take like that. Each day I knew what scene was coming up and where the areas are that were difficult and what are the things that I needed to look out for. From the scene of the sermon reading to one where Im chasing Chiwetel around the pen, things were discovered on the day. When Solomon comes back from Judge Turners plantation, I arrived on set that day, and Steve says to me, What do you think about not wearing pants? We see the abnormality of slavery as the norm in the film. Its the every day occurrence of it and when it comes to the Epps plantation, its that added bit of madness; the unpredictability of Epps, his wife, and it makes them terrifying at times. With no pants on and just a shirt, I thought he should have something in his hand, and we thought about the wonderful little girl in that scene. I dont remember her name but she is such a sweetheart. It was like Epps was prepping her to be the next Patsy.
Are there any redeeming qualities to Epps? Is he pure evil?
MF: I dont know what that is. I cant use the word when Im trying to find the character. It stops at that word. Whereas if Im looking at a character thats in love with one of his own slaves, he doesnt have the equipment or intellect with himself to allow that to happen or express it like Shaw is doing. Thats a very interesting conflict within him. Hes not very intelligent. Thats another trait characteristic. Theres the fact that he adding a lot of alcohol and that his marriage has disintegrated. They dont have any children. Those are things that I could work with. The fact that Solomon makes him feel inadequate and he feels threatened by him. Solomon is his slave. Why is that? Theres the fact that he goes to the slaves quarters on a Sunday and he draws them into his house because he needs them emotionally. Not only does he need them financially to benefit, theres an emotionally need that he has. Even on the day of, he needs the slaves around him, which I thought was another piece of information. So, hopefully, when the audience is watching and even if its a glimpse or seconds, they might recognize something in Epps in themselves. Epps does not become the character that they can keep at a safe distance from themselves. Look at the evil plantation owner. Thats not me. Its something that draws them closer to him hopefully. Its more of a profound effect. I also, at times, to make him comical; that you would laugh at him, sort of buffoonish. If you laugh as an audience member, then it allows you to drop your guard and you open up. So when something happens that more violent or horrific in his nature, you havent closed yourself off and become too numb to him.
Was there a back-story to Epps and his wifes marriage that you created in your mind or discussed with Steve?
MF: I think there are various things in their marriage that Sarah (Paulson) and I discussed. We thought it would be interesting if she had the money and he married into it and before that he would have been a driver in a plantation or something like that. We dont know if that was historically accurate. We just thought it was a nice dynamic. Somewhere along the way the marriage just broke down and Patsy used to be working in the house with Mrs. Epps. She was her household favorite. They were as close as they could be. She looked very fondly at Patsy; but then, of course, Epps started his feelings towards her and taken action in that direction and Mrs. Epps was being usurped in her own house. You see the complexity of Mrs. Epps character there. Again, this is the great thing that Steve has done in showing the complexity of that time. Its not about the master and the slave. We see the economics of it. We see Solomon go from a logging farm to a cotton farm to a sugar cane farm. You see how intrinsic slavery was to the industry and the economics to the South at the time.
How was working with Brad Pitt for a third time?
MF: The thing about Brad and I feel indebted to him and we all do for him getting this film made with Plan B. We wouldnt be here without those guys. Brad is a real champion of talent. He saw Hunger and recognize that Steve is a serious filmmaker and one that needs to be encouraged and said, Lets do something together and this came about. When we were working together in Inglourious Basterds, and I was nervous, it was a big deal to get beyond that set, he was very encouraging and generous and didnt need to be. Just the way he comes to work, he comes in and rolls up his sleeve and gets on with it. Hes definitely a team player. To work opposite him in scenes is great and its a generous style of acting. Hes given plenty for me to take and work with and hopefully Im bouncing back something in his direction.
As you are currently in numerous projects coming up, what do you look for in roles?
MF: I look for a challenge and interesting story and an interesting filmmaker and the cast as well; and if its something I havent done before.
Is The Counselor a fun film?
MF: I havent seen it yet. It was fun to film with a really experienced cast and a hugely experienced director. So, Im looking forward to seeing it.
I see you will be doing Macbeth. If you had your pick of Shakespeare characters to play, which would it be?
MF: I like Iago from Othello. It was the part that got me into drama school and I hold that role pretty close to the heart, but Macbeth is my favorite.
How do you sell 12 Years a Slave?
MF: Its part of our history. Its something that happened. Rather than trying to forget our history, if we want to learn from it, we should keep it close to us and examine it and explore it. So many people say the film is difficult to watch and there are times where some scenes are tough, but its a credit to Steve, because as a audience member, you are participating in the film. You are not just sitting there and just watch. After seeing the film in Telluride, I felt a sense of togetherness in that theater. People were feeling connected towards one another and the realization that we need each other and that we can do something positive for each other; and hopefully that is a call-to-arms for that and people go out and do something for their neighbor, friend, or stranger.
Then I went to one of the screenings and saw the cast and Steve.
