Why I don’t like Nigerian movies – Idris Elba
Weekend Magazine: You recently took a swipe at Nigerian films. What is it you don’t like about them? Idris Elba: The ones that stand out are the mistakes in continuity, music playing over dialogue all the time and the women are always screaming or shouting. But I watch them, even if it takes my parents […]
Weekend Magazine: You recently took a swipe at Nigerian films. What is it you don’t like about them?
Idris Elba: The ones that stand out are the mistakes in continuity, music playing over dialogue all the time and the women are always screaming or shouting. But I watch them, even if it takes my parents to more or less force me to do so. My parents love them, they relate to them, but truth is, I don’t.
WM: How was it, growing up an only child?
Elba: I always had my imagination to keep me company. In my head, I had droves of siblings. It got me in trouble a lot, but now it gets me awards and large pay checks.
WM: You most recently were in Thor, based on the Marvel comic. Your character, Heimdall, is supposed to be a Norse deity and you courted controversy because you’re Black, playing a White character. How was filming like?
Elba: Well, the director, Kenneth [Branagh] is a dedicated, generous auteur. His style is one that’s very descriptive and it’s a plus that he’s an actor as well. He understands the actor’s point of view. As far as the controversy is concerned, I really don’t care. I mean, it’s a movie about a being who can fly and has amazing god-like powers, but some people have problems with seeing a black man playing a Norse god? Please.
It’s probably every actor’s dream to be a in a superhero movie. I loved doing Thor even if I’m there, not so much as a superhero, but part of a superhero’s posse (laughter).
WM: You have tons of work going on, and many movies coming up. Which are the ones that have you excited the most?
Elba: I play a character in yet another Marvel Comics movie, Ghost Rider 2. I’m also in the Aliens prequel, Prometheus. They are many, true, and they all excite me. I’m a workaholic, I guess. Just being alive and able to go to work every day excites me. I just don’t read what journalists write about me and go ‘Oh, how fantastic I am!’ I keep my feet on the ground.
I also have other interests besides making movies, which helps in keeping a clear head. The other day I deejayed on a London radio station. I loved doing that.
WM: It’s heavily rumoured that at a time you were in contention to be the next James Bond. True or false?
Elba: It’s just a wacky rumour, which actually says I implied that myself. It’s not true. James Bond as a role is one of those on the wish-list of a lot of actors, irrespective of race. There are a few other roles that I’d like to play, like the part of basketball legend Michael Jordan. I’d love to tell his story.