The Mechanic - Donald Sutherland interview

DONALD Sutherland talks about why he was blown away by Simon West’s remake of The Mechanic and why he thinks Jason Statham is turning into a wonderful actor. He also reflects on the father-son dynamic at the centre of the film and looks back on some of his own career highlights.

Q. What was the appeal of appearing in The Mechanic for you?
Donald Sutherland: I loved it. I just thought it was fantastic. I didn’t see it until last night, when they gave me a disc of it. I had seen the 1972 version with Charles Bronson about three days ago in Paris. But I think what Simon West did with this version was just fantastic. I mean, for people who want an action picture, they’ve got an action picture that’s just terrific. But for people who want a serious film about a relationship between a surrogate father and his surrogate son [Sutherland and Jason Statham], and a relationship between those two young men [Statham and Ben Foster]… Jason Statham has become a terrific actor.

Q. In what way?
Donald Sutherland: The way that he is able to express a delicacy… he’s able to express his love, his grief, his loss and guilt. I was thrilled with it… and Ben Foster, to be able to evoke the dilemma of love/hate, resentment, arrogance, smugness… He’s a wonderful actor, but he was just so excellent here. And what Simon West did, to put all of that narrative on a really cogent, psychological base! You must go and see it because it’s a terrific film. But don’t think of it as an action film; think of it as a picture that uses action to make a story really clear.

Q. So, what did you like about playing Harry? Was it the father-son aspect?
Donald Sutherland: I just liked him. I read the script and there was plenty to tap into. I did something similar with The Italian Job and liked the way it worked out with Mark Wahlberg. I like those relationships. I like sons… I have a lot of sons – four. It’s a painful relationship a father and a son. It’s loving and hopeful but it’s tortured. I had no idea this was going to be this good. I have to be truthful. But I really was blown away.

Q. Did it help that you already knew Jason from having worked with him on The Italian Job?
Donald Sutherland: No, I would say it hindered because on The Italian Job he was stoic and he was just coming into this business as a performer. And I say as a performer, not as an actor. But on this film, his relationship with me in those two scenes had to work. Take for instance, the scene where I’m downstairs in the garage – he was implacable. And that was how he was in The Italian Job. But what he did later in the film… he was sensational. I haven’t spoken with him… I will in Los Angeles, but I hope he’s very proud of his work.

Q. Looking back on your own career, which roles do you reflect fondest upon?
Donald Sutherland: [Smiles] Oh, that’s like asking me which of my children do I like the best! I can’t. Somebody asked me yesterday and I said I was quite proud of the work I did in JFK. It was just one day’s work but it was like a 20-page monologue and it took a long time to prepare and they use it in universities and schools, so that touches me.

Q. What about earlier films?
Donald Sutherland: Ordinary People was good, Klute was good, MASH was good and I like Kelly’s Heroes. People love Kelly’s Heroes.

Q. I do too…
Donald Sutherland: [Smiles and looks at the camera] Woof, woof!