The Rock

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by Roxanna Bina

The Rock takes a break from filming his next string of upcoming films. The Rock discusses his latest film Doom, staying in shape between films, his upcoming projects and romantic scenes with the opposite sex.
This multi-championship wrestler has made a successful transition from the WWF /WWE ring to the silver screen. 2006 will be his biggest year yet.

IFQ: Are you a big fan of the Doom game and do you consider yourself a gamer?

The Rock: For sure, I was a huge fan of the game and I played it many times. I thought it was a great game; it really puts you into the skin of the fighter with this cool point of view of the gun. It’s pure action and that’s what I’m about. I love to play games in general; I’m pretty good at them. It’s pure escapism and fun. Those guys who created Doom are genius; they did such a cool game.

IFQ: Are you surprised that they approached you? Are you glad to surprise your audience by the roles you choose?

The Rock: I was totally into it from the beginning. I was happy that they cast me in the role of someone who turns out to be an anti-hero, kind of a villain almost. Indeed, I love to surprise my audience, my fans. I want to show them that whether it’s me as a gay singer like in Be Cool or a warrior from Ancient Egypt or a soldier in a horror film, I can do it all and I can have fun at it. I think that having the possibility to always choose different characters is the best thing about acting. It allows you to grow as an actor and not be type-cast. It was a great opportunity to be an anti-hero who tries to end the world. It’s rated R, no bullshit and all straight!

IFQ: It looks like you had lots of fun playing with the guns in this film. What is your favorite weapon?

The Rock: [Looks in between his legs and smiles] Well, for sure that one.

IFQ: You mean that massive armed and dangerous machine gun?

The Rock: You got it right, my friend! [Laughs] No really, I had a blast with this film because I could let it go all the way. Whether it was a choreographed kick-ass action scene or holding guns, it was all good and pure entertainment for me.

IFQ: Isn’t it too hard to stay in shape as time passes by?

The Rock: Not really, I love to go to the gym, that’s where I’m alive. I don’t like to train at home all alone. I need to be surrounded by other people who are doing the same effort; it’s stimulating for me. I don’t feel that it’s too hard to maintain my health and shape. Of course, I’m careful about what I eat–no deep-fried foods and I try to exercise every day. It’s all about doing a little bit every day. Even just walking around the block is good for you. You need to stop watching TV and get your ass off of the couch. There is always hope for anybody to get in shape. It’s about eating the right things. Sometimes you need some medical attention if you have a hormone imbalance. But really, anybody can get into shape. It’s a question of will. Also, sometimes it’s hard for me to workout at the gym having said that because you have all kinds of people who think they have the next best project for me and they have a script in the car or a friend who knows a friend, those sorts of things. I’m always gracious because you have to remember where you came from and I give my agent’s number. We respond even though we pass most of the time on the projects submitted. You have to be nice in life. There is no reason to be mean. Still, I like to go to the gym. A personal trainer is not the thing for me. Plus, most trainers become the shrink of the people they train, or even their lovers. Who knows!

IFQ: Beyond its popcorn aspect, the movie is about genetic manipulation and governmental cover-ups; it’s so relevant with what’s going on today. Does this scare you?

The Rock: Totally! It’s really frightening what’s going on these days with the technologies in various domains so powerful and so potentially dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands. I didn’t think too much about that aspect while I was shooting Doom. I’m glad if people walk out of the theater with something to think and talk about.

IFQ: You have like seven movies coming up. You work insanely. Is it because you want to get out of the house or what?

The Rock: [Laughs] No. Well, the list trimmed down a little bit. I have three movies in the can right now and I’m trying to decide what I can do next. There is a great Disney project I may do, which would be great so my daughter, who is four, can finally see a movie with daddy in it. Also there is a great comedy Horrible Bosses to be directed by Frank Oz, that I might do with Philip Seymour Hoffman. Everyone who hates their boss can identify with it. I worked for a straight year since last October, so after this promotional tour for Doom I’m going to take it a little easy. I want a break to go home and fish. So far I have done three movies as I said. Gridiron Gang, based on a true story, is a sports drama where I play a probation officer, I’m in a prison for kids in Malibu where kids have lost faith, but it’s about this guy who believes in them. Southland Tales is a drama, or a light comedy, a dark comedy. It’s very neurotic and I can see the future in this film. All these films don’t have action. I try to do something different. Again, this is a change.

IFQ: Do you think you still have to prove something or do you not feel like I’m the big gun trying to save the world anymore?

The Rock: That’s a good question. I don’t feel like I have to prove anything anymore right now. I feel good now. I wanted to get over that hump of being the action guy. I knew that with time and patience I would get there. Now I just want to continue to have a wide range of choices and continue to do different parts and have fun in the process. We’re not saving the world by doing movies, so it’s a great job to have and I love it all.

IFQ: What about doing a romantic comedy?

The Rock: Yes, why not? We have a couple of them, but right now the scripts need work. They suck! I’m waiting for the right one. I’d love to do it that.

IFQ: Are you amazed by the faith that the fans have in you and they still love you no matter what roles you choose?

The Rock: Of course, I love that with my audience. What helps me is that I have always been very honest and upfront with my approach to movies and doing movies. I try to entertain; I want to make sure you’re fully entertained whether I’m playing gay or kicking ass or being an anti-hero. I just want to make sure that your money is well spent. I’m very grateful to my fans.

IFQ: Do you think that you’re the new Arnold Schwarzenegger?

The Rock: Well, it’s a good compliment. He has been so successful. Even now, he is the governor of California–President next, maybe. It’s very flattering to be compared to him. I always have been a fan of his, especially in Predator and The Terminator. But I have no wish to do politics or run for governor, right now. But politics, like for everyone else, is interesting to me. I’m happy to make movies for now. Maybe, one day. You never know.

IFQ: What type of father are you?

The Rock: Well, my wife is phenomenal. I try to be strict, but I’m kind of a softy. My wife is a great mom. She has a great bond with our kid. I’m away a lot so she knows that when I’m home she can get away with pretty much anything. She is four and she’s at the age when she starts to manipulate.

IFQ: What do you think is the key to a good relationship?

The Rock: The ability, no matter what, to learn and be able to say, “Yes, honey, you’re right!” I’m no Dr. Phil, but what helps me is to always make a point to see each other and make that commitment and not allow too much time in between the moments we see each other, and not to forget about the small things, the details. I notice little things. I’m talking about like “you look nice” or “I like your hair,” or “This looks great on you.” I think I’m fairly romantic. I like romantic dinners and I make breakfast and eat outside in the morning. Also, [I enjoy] simple things like spending time with my wife, going for a walk, watching a movie and hanging out. People forget about the simple things in life that make you happy. The most romantic thing that I have done for my wife, if you ask her, was when I was shooting The Mummy Returns in Morocco. We were shooting in the desert and where the sand was untouched, I wrote “I love you” and I had a picture shot of it from above.

IFQ: Does your wife get jealous when you have a romantic scene?

The Rock: I imagine that it can be tough for someone to see her spouse kiss another person. But you know, it’s all about acting. Still it’s about telling up-front to your wife that you have such a scene and it’s ok. Recently however, I remember that in a film I did with Sarah Michelle Gellar, I forgot to tell my wife I had a “romantic” moment with her. Then one day, in a tabloid, we see a picture of me holding Sarah. Of course, at that moment it all came back to me and I apologized for not having told her about it. But overall, my wife is fine with me. I never had to do a full nude scene, so it’s ok.

IFQ: Still your wife wouldn’t approve of a sex scene with Angelina Jolie?

The Rock: [Laughs] No! I know!

IFQ: Are you going to do Spy Hunter with John Woo?

The Rock: I don’t know. I love John Woo, but we don’t know for sure if John is going to direct it. We are waiting on a new draft of the script and to see if John can and wants to do it. I met with him. It was a strange experience because he is so quiet and doesn’t speak much. Most of the talking was done by his partner, Terence Chang. Because I felt it was going bad and I needed John to like me, I spoke about how I loved his movies and I gestured how I could see myself with two guns shooting in every direction in slow motion with doves flying all around. At that moment, he smiled and approved of it and I knew we have something going on. So, I really hope we can do it together. Spy Hunter is a great project and I’d love to work with John Woo.