The Pink Panther - Steve Martin interview
Compiled by Jack Foley
Q. How challenging was it to step in to the shoes of Peter Sellers?
A. I realised almost immediately that I couldn’t think that way. When I first heard about the part, I thought: “Oh no, I’m going to be playing a legend.” I had to take that out of the equation and burrow down to work out what I could bring to the role.
Q. How did you build on the character of Jacques Clouseau?*
A. The first thing I did was get an accent coach. I had never done one before and I was really worried about it. If I ever have to do an accent in a movie I just make it up, but I couldn’t do that this time. I spent ages practising around the house, talking to myself or the dog. When we started shooting it just came naturally. Then I started to think about his outfit. I wanted a smart, tailored look with trousers that are a little too short. It was dignified, but goofy.
Q. What is your opinion on remakes?
A. Every one I have done has been a hit. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) was a remake of Bedtime Story, then Father of the Bride (1991) and Cheaper by the Dozen (2003). Movies have been remade since the 1920’s – look at King Kong. No-one says: “Oh, I can’t do Hamlet, because Richard Burton did it.” To me, The Pink Panther is Hamlet for comedians.
Q. Which is harder to act – comedy or drama?
A. Kevin Kline, who is in this movie with me, says that if you’re doing a drama you can miss – and no one says: “That wasn’t dramatic enough.” But if you’re doing comedy and it isn’t funny, then everyone will say: “It’s not funny enough.” You have a responsibility to make people laugh when you’re doing comedy. It can be really tough.
Q. Have you ever looked back at your work and cringed?
A. Plenty of times. When I watch my performance in The Lonely Guy I look completely lost. That’s how I felt at the time. I find it difficult to watch some of my old stand-up as well. It’s not that bad, it just reminds me of a time in my life that I wouldn’t want to go through again.
Q. What is your secret to staying at the top?
A. There’s no secret – only luck. I never dared to imagine my career would have gone this way. I’m 60 years old and able to be in a movie I really love. It has been like swimming, I’m in a successful film, then I tread water for a while, then another success.
Q. Are comedians tortured souls?
A. I think there’s a difference between having a darker side and being crazy. Peter Sellers was a little crazy – or that is the assumption I have come to from what I read about him. There are high and low days in the arts because you’re so vulnerable to the slightest criticism. It can come from the anatomy to your ideas. I have found most performers can’t differentiate between valid criticism and insane internet gossip. I try to be realistic while staying open to professional criticism.
Q. How have you managed to retain your private life?
A. Many celebrities give their private life away and I don’t – it’s as simple as that. When someone looks at something, it changes through their eyes and I don’t think you can conduct a private life under those circumstances. I have a lot of close friends who are not interested in celebrity, which is good for me. I have no reason to publicise a romance.
Q. What do you treasure most in a relationship?
A. I love wit. I enjoy dinner with friends and talking a lot. I like to kid around and be with people that I joke with. It’s very important to be self-deprecating in humour. If I do have a big ego I try very hard to hide it.