Live Chat - June 12, 2000

Moderator
Hello everybody! Rutger just entered the room! Welcome Rutger!

Rutger
Welcome***Welcome***Sit down/Take it easy/Sorry we can't have everybody. If a question has been answered before, I'll refer to the other chats. OK! Have fun! No nosepicking. Go ahead. Shoot some!

Question
Is there a fav book you'd like to translate to film?

Rutger
Yeah, it's a real thinker, that question. One that comes to my mind is the "Letters to Theo". I had wished so hard. Even worked on a script, but the director turned out to be much more insane than Vincent. Bummer.

Question
How is the filming going?

Rutger
The filming is done and was one of the best experiences I've had. It was so organic, relaxed, exciting. We'll start editing in a couple of days. We think it will be a gentle bullet. We'll see.

Question
What are the key things that excite you about directing?

Rutger
If I say the wingspan I hope that makes sense.

Question
Have you seen "Sixth Sense"? If yes, did you like it?

Rutger
I think I saw it but I felt there was some sense missing. Not to take pleasure away from anyone. A lot of things I do don't make sense either.

Question
Rutger, do you have more films in the pipeline to direct?

Rutger
To direct, there are some stories which I feel close to, some I optioned for that purpose.

Question
At what point in your life have you written most of your poetry? Is there a theme and what language do you use?

Rutger
Most poetry comes&goes. The fact that I write less is more about the lack of time as it is about a mindset.

Question
How/where did you find the poem "Look God"?

Rutger
The poem "Look God" was passed on to me by someone from the Dutch Embassy in Boston and I was asked to read it at a cemetery where they had a service.

Question
Did a strong joy ever make you cry?

Rutger
I don't remember crying for joy.

Question
What was the last cd/record that you bought?

Rutger
Bobby McFerrin/Mozart.

Question
I know you don't like Guinness - what is your favourite tripple?

Rutger
Malts

Question
Rutger, which movie did you enjoy making the most?

Rutger
About 30% of the ones I did. SSScccuuuzzeeee me but this question just can't be answered honestly&adequately in a short time. You'll find some more info in the other chats. OK.

Question
Which is the hugest fear you ever felt?

Rutger
I was shooting a film called "Call of the Wild" and I had to fall in a river. With proper care and a wetsuit I didn't see big problems. During the day, the river had grown bigger and stronger. Lots of white water. I jumped in as we rehearsed and was swept away so fast nobody could grab me fast enough. I went over the edge and was hanging on a security rope with my face in the middle of white water falling. I thought I would drown. I fought like a weasel. Very scary that.

Question
Where in England is your favourite place to visit?

Rutger
Does Scotland count still or is that a different country now?

Question
Who's the monster of Loch Ness, who lives incognito?

Rutger
Loch Ness was my wild guess. I could see its face but it had a mighty long tail. Just like the paintings.

Question
Do you still own a horse, what breed and what is its name?

Rutger
I had a Frisian that was given me by a Frisian breeder who lived outside L.A. He gave it to me after "Ladyhawke" and I flew it back to its last home&owner, it spent a year there and then I got it closer to the house I still own there but I hardly saw the horse because of the work I do, so I ended up selling him. This trip I'll say "Hi".

Question
Do you ever indulge in marijuana?

Rutger
I've been afraid of its splendor and I'm very spicy without it so I never really got the hang of it but I know it does good things for a lot of people.

Question
What do you consider to be the worst movie you were in?

Rutger
"The Prince of the Desert" was pretty rough. A couple of German movies in the beginning. Just to name some.

Question
Is it very tiring to direct and star in a movie at the same time? And which is the hardest thing of all?

Rutger
I've been acting for some time. It's not that difficult. It's a gift and I've some practice. Directing is not about me or my talent. It's pretty much about everybody else and a bit of leadership. It's a very different profession and a different language.

Question
I'd like to know something about your method of work. How do you prepare characters and what do you do on set?

Rutger
The "homework" varies for each film but it is all done away from the set. It's gathering possibilities. On the set I figure out fast what will work within its limits. OK. Action.

Question
Do you ever like to draw or paint? Are you good at it?

Rutger
Words. Words. Words. I can't paint nor draw.

Question
What you think about all the other Internet sites about you.

Rutger
I haven't been there much. Got lost or sidetracked surfing.

Question
Are you restless?

Rutger
My energy is hard to put to bed unless I smell a good pillow.

Question
What is it like to be you?

Rutger
It's not as bad as you might think. How about yourself? Geez, do you know the answer.

Question
You mentioned surfing the net. What sort of sites do you enjoy visiting?

Rutger
This was one of my first attempts surfing. I haven't found a niche or cave and it'll probably take some time. I admit that I went to the America's Cup because it was going on at that time. That's where I went for quite some time.

Question
How do you hope people will remember you?

Rutger
Briefly.

Question
What do you wish you could do better?

Rutger
Make a better salad. Do better things. Believe in a better god, a better car, a better Internet connection. Be better sounds like butter to me&Greek all the same. Now is better than ever and it keeps going&going&going!!!

Question
Is there anything about this site you don't like, or would you like to change?

Rutger
The site pleases me. It feels like popping popcorn. We're experimenting with what will move 3D and it's a constant source of change and developments.

Question
I heard Erik Lieshout is a documentary director. Is it different to work with such a person rather than with a long film director?

Rutger
In my (little) book there are good and bad people, filmmakers, drivers, rockbands, icecreamparlors. In the end everybody that I work with is different from anyone I worked with before. There is no need to compare or categorize. No hard feelings either.

Question
Do you like to teach acting to young people? If yes, why?

Rutger
Teaching feels like a somewhat more refined skill. It's definitely complex to pass something on. Very fulfilling and very direct. I like teaching but prefer to teach people who are slightly connaisseurs already.

Question
If you could play any historical figure, who would it be?

Rutger
One of the Karamazov Brothers or Kafka's brother. Or Camus. I don't know if they had one. I don't know the answer.

Question
Hi Rutger! This is Judi from Puerto Vallarta Mexico. Have you read any of my postings? I was wondering if you've ever been to Puerto Vallarta ­ seeing as "Blind Side", in part, was filmed there?

Rutger
Yes,so far I'm pretty up to par with reading the entries in the guestbook. - We shot in your town for two days during "BLIND SIDE".

Question
While preparing for "Inside the Third Reich" did you have a chance to meet Albert Speer before he died?

Rutger
I'm pretty sure he died right after I signed my contract. So,not much choice. I studied his book,of course. And even then, he lied, of course.

Question
There are many fan sites on the web that are labors of love. What do you think about these sites?

Rutger
Don't know. Haven't seen them yet.

Question
What are the things that excite you most in life?

Rutger
Most, biggest, best, funniest, sweetest, hardest, greatest, quietest, nicest, prettiest, sexiest, I'm sorry. These are the words that kill all detail. I fail to respond.

Question
Read any good screenplays recently?

Rutger
Yeah.

Question
Wingspan - have you ever been soaring?

Rutger
A long time ago I did a bit of parachuting and sky-diving. A bit of shitting in my pants. Now I soar on a mental wind.

Question
How did you get along with Michelle Pfeiffer when you did Ladyhawke?

Rutger
Got along well. By day. By night. But mostly sweet but briefly. Get up at 5.30 am. You know. All that. Hardly ever what you or anyone else may imagine.

Question
Do you ever get depressed?

Rutger
Not long enough to enjoy it.

Question
What type of art do you like?

Rutger
DADA

Question
If you could have been born in a different era, when would you have chosen?

Rutger
That once upon a time where the clock&the dollar had even less meaning.

Question
Did you ever go through a real bad depression?

Rutger
UHUH.

Question
What kind of things piss you off?

Rutger
Injustice. Animals&children. Especially. In pain that is.

Question
Have you ever tried windsurfing?

Rutger
Long enough to love it.

Question
What do you consider your greatest role?

Rutger
It's closer than you think.

Question
Will you ever be in Boston?

Rutger
Fat chance. Slim too.

Question
Is there anything you want to ask us?

Rutger
Could we burst into song. 1.2.3.

Question
What's Malts?

Rutger
Malts are grown in smelly old barrels and in the end most malts will be lowered in fartsy old men. It's the purest whisky on the face of this globe. I was taught to appreciate its bite while touring Scotland on the motorcycle. (twice) Smelly and drunks too sometimes. But what culture?

Question
Are any others in your family, apart from your parents, into acting or associated work?

Rutger
My sisters and further relatives have buried themselves somewhere along this craft. It seems to be hard to avoid.

Question
Why did you choose not to have any more children?

Rutger
It's a sad story but none of your bizz.

Question
Do you ever regret this decision?

Rutger
UHUH.

Question
Have you ever read any Tolkien?

Rutger
Uhmm. Yes.

Question
Rutger, have you ever been to midwest?

Rutger
YES MA'AM.

Question
What award would you like to receive?

Rutger
I'll take it. Have preference where audience decides more.

Question
Were you a hyper-active child?

Rutger
You don't have to tell me. I know that.

Question
Are you a hyper-active adult?

Rutger
It depends. What was the first question again?

Question
I really enjoy the humour that shows up in your movies. What makes you laugh out loud?

Rutger
This may sound strange. When I think it's funny.

Question
What was your favorite toy as a child?

Rutger
Poor family. Very few toys. Feel sorry. 1.2.3.

Question
Did you have any pets as a child?

Rutger
NO MA'AM.

Question
Did you enjoy the poem I sent you a couple of days ago?

Rutger
I enjoy those flighty attempts but have no idea what you are talking about.

Question
Scotland's beautiful so it counts. Which area of Scotland do you like?

Rutger
Oddly. I like the East Coast more. The moors. The border.

Question
Who are your favourite comedians?

Rutger
Woody, Whoopi, Billy, Bram Vermeulen. There are more. Three minutes for the last round.

Question
Do you like Monty Python humour?

Rutger
A Fish Called Wanda&all other fish.

Question
Do you have a favourite item of clothing and what is it?

Rutger
Sorry, no favorites. Lots of love to you all. Thank you for coming by. I do appreciate it. It helps me. Big fanz in the room today. I recognize some names. Bye!

Moderator
Thanks everybody for being here. Let's meet again next time, same place. All the very best!

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