Q: How about ageism as a political theme in Red?
BW: Ageism, yeah! Well that’s political, there ya go. Ageism is very subtle in this world because people are staying alive longer and staying sharp longer. You do your job much farther past 65. There’s a disconnect between having to stop working and that you have to retire, even when you’re not prepared to retire. So there is that theme in this film. Thank you!
Q: Do you see yourself ever retiring?
BW: I never thought of acting as work and I don’t look at what I do as work. There are a lot of people who do work hard and have really difficult jobs. Whether it’s digging holes in the ground or carrying cinder blocks up a hundred-foot ladder up to a roof, that is something that feels like work to me. I think actors catch a break,because it’s a really novel thing to be able to see someone like Eli Wallach still work in films and show up. I’m still as fascinated by him as when I watched him 40 years ago. And Ernest Borgnine, let’s talk about him. We worked with Ernest Borgnine on Red and it was a blast. He’s incredible and sharp. He’s awesome. I was so excited to work with him. Thank god we didn’t have any fight scenes with him, because he would’ve kicked our asses!
Q: And he’s 93 years old.
BW: Ninety-three is great. I’ll take 93 right now.
Q: Do you know anything about how he stays in shape?
BW: I’ve heard stories about it. But I don’t know if I can share it with the press!
Q: Your secret is safe!
BW: Oh yeah…
Q: How did you end up in Stallone’s The Expendables? He said it was your idea to have Arnie in there too?
BW: Just by giving Sly a hard time. I was like, “Why can’t I be in the film too? Why didn’t you ask me to do it?” And then he mentioned having The Governor in the film. But if he wants to give me credit, yes it was my idea! Sly really got himself beat up in the movie; it’s on the DVD. He told me, “This is what you have in store for you. Some day you’re not gonna bounce so high off the ground.”
Q: Did you get hurt at all in Red?
BW: There was just one thing. There was a plant that kept getting dirt in my eyes snd I would have to stop. I started crying. So that’s not in there!
Q: Bruce, do you know how to fight? You know, in the real world, and not just in movies. Not that the press is up to challenging you!
BW: I think I know how to fight. I would like to think that if I had to, I could take all of you on right now! But I might have to use this chair as a weapon. I don’t know…But it’s a good question. I don’t get asked that very often!
Q: Have you ever gotten into a real fight?
BW: Yes, I have.
Q: Who won?
BW: Ha! OK, last chance. Anything? Because I do have a couple of other secrets that I haven’t shared with you!
