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When approaching a role based on a well defined literary figure or historical personage, do you find that there is ever a time where fidelity to the original text or personality should be shifted to accomodate simply the spirit of the character, the goals of the theme, director or target audience? For example, Scaramanga bore little resemblance to the Fleming character of the novel, and as such, do you feel that the film version was a justifiable improvement? I for one, much prefer the urbane screen version of Scaramanga to the vile street-hoodlum of the novel. Just curious if there is ever a time where faithfulness to originals can reasonably be chucked out the window? Regards, Charles
Dear Charles,
One should always try to be as faithful as possible in every way to a Historical figure. Sometimes this can be difficult, for a variety of reasons. My performance as "Jinnah" is entirely faithful to the man and his life - and is the best thing I have ever done. And the film Scaramanga was definitely and improvement on the book.
Warm regards,
Christopher Lee