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Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson Interview
THE 70S ARE BACK!
If Owen Wilson were any more laid back he would fall onto the plush carpet of the central London hotel where he and Starsky & Hutch co-star Ben Stiller are ensconced to promote their remake of the classic 70s cop show. His laconic drawl and casual manner which we are becoming more and more familiar with from his onscreen appearances seem to reflect the real Wilson, as much as any of the characters he has played. A perfect foil then to Stiller's more intense persona, which has seen the two of them co-star in no less than six films together.
As the relaxed Hutch to Stiller's by-the-book Starsky, Wilson plays the joker when it comes to being interviewed. Director Todd Phillips' movie pays homage to the series while gently poking fun at it, and while Stiller was first on board in terms of casting, it's Wilson who takes away the comic spoils, much like he did in the pair's last outing, the ill-fated Zoolander. For example, while Stiller recalls how he spent time in his trailer watching repeats of the show so that he could become Paul Michael Glaser, Wilson admits that his favourite scene in the film was his threesome with Carmen Electra and Amy Smart. "That was a very challenging scene", he jokes. "I had to make sure we shot it several times so that we got it just right."
One of the many comedic highlights of the film sees Wilson playing guitar and crooning Don't Give Up On Us Baby, the song made famous by David Soul in 1978. But Wilson admits that he has no plans to start a singing career of his own. "I can't play guitar or sing, so they had to film it from the chest up and put my voice through a special tuning machine".
It's readily apparent however that the two stars feed off each other personally and creatively. Wilson admits that he relies on his partner in comedy for creative inspiration, while Stiller jokes about Wilson's desire to leave early every day. "He's always suggesting ways in which he can leave a scene as soon as possible, or even just sit down half way through so that he can take the load off his feet."
Both actors are hugely aware that they are taking something of a risk by bringing such a sacred cow back to life. They admit that having the blessing of original stars Paul Michael Glaser and David Soul was integral to the project. "We always wanted them to be involved," says Stiller. "Paul is Starsky and I met him before shooting. He was very kind and encouraged us to go with what we wanted to do." But both confess to suffering nerves when the two turned up to film a short cameo for the end of the film. "It was strange and intimidating when they turned up on set," adds Stiller, "but it was very sweet to see them back with the car after twenty five years."
With the aforementioned Ford Gran Torino parked outside the hotel, both actors are keen to make a splash at the London premiere. While Stiller says that he loved driving the car, it was the 70s fashion that rubbed off on Wilson. "I found myself wearing the shirts out to dinner." And as for any suggestion that there is a homo-erotic subtext to the film, Wilson as the last laugh: "It's not that much of a subtext!"
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