hits.

Many thanks to Alexz for the following article from the December / January issue of One magazine. Also, thank you to my friend Kate for the translation!

What differences have you felt between the first and second film?

Filming Prince Caspian was a shattering experience, and it was almost too heavy for my shoulders. I had never acted in a big production before and I didn’t even know how to ride! In short, I was terrified by the idea of disappointing everyone. This time I’m more relaxed. I have filmed a lot in recent years and I feel more at ease as an actor. The Dawn Treader is also a much more fun film and less grim than the previous one.

.. I just saw the finished movie in a preview and it’s a success. Normally, I have to hide behind my fingers to watch a movie where I act so much – I hate to see myself on the screen. But, I could ignore my part and enjoy this great adventure film. I hope the public enjoys it as much as me.

Is Caspian different in this film?

Already, his accent has gone. The new director of the film preferred me to use my English accent and it’s obviously easier for me. Above all, Caspian is more mature today. Three years have gone by and he now runs the country, and he is king and so he should be seen to have authority. Unfortunately, he still lacks confidence and still has not accepted the fact of being an orphan. In short, he’s not yet fully convinced if he is the right person to lead a country…

It is said that The Dawn Treader is a real swashbuckler film, is that true?

Yes. I fight more often with my sword in this movie. And I lead maybe a little too much, but I think I do pretty well. I had more action scenes to act in this shoot, and that meant sometimes having to fight against five men at the same time while being shackled. It truly gives you the impression of being a medieval superhero, and there’s nothing like it to flatter your ego than beating up a hulk when you know that any of them could crush your skull! There are some sequences that are really fantastic. The battles were more fun than in the previous movie where things were more serious and where it was a bigger challenge.

Was it filmed on a real ship?

Yes. The Dawn Treader was built from scratch by the set-decorators and the result is impressive. I am always amazed by the sets and props built for the films, they are incredible and the know-how of the craftsmen is simply sensational. The first time I saw the ship complete, I was gobsmacked and my heart jumped in my chest. When you have the chance to film in such a setting, it’s obvious that this helps you in your work. It was a real pleasure to be there every day.

Did you film at sea with the ship?

No, but we could see it on the horizon of and we had water all around us. As a result, it really gave the impression of being on the open sea. It’s well known that filming at sea is dangerous and it causes constant delays. The vessel was then placed in a tank and it was fastened to a mechanical system that allowed it to pitch at will in every way. It was truly up and down and swung from port to starboard. The technicians could also rotate it almost 360 degrees so that the sun was always in the right place and the water was behind us, although we were shooting a scene from the other direction. We stayed on the bridge for about 3 weeks. We climbed up a ladder in the morning and went down for lunch, and it really seemed very real.

Did you suffer from sea sickness?

I think I was a bit less affected than others. [Laughs] Actually, I rather enjoyed filming in this tank. When it’s sweltering hot in the middle of Australia, the sun beats down and you’re wearing heavy leather boots and heavy clothing, it’s rather nice to jump into a tank of cold water and to splash about a bit. There are worse ways to earn a living! The Pevensie children had to have a fair complexion to look English, so they had to put sunscreen on and take shelter under umbrellas all the time, but to me, they said, ‘Well, you can go and sunbathe if you want ‘. So, I relaxed in the sun between takes. It’s good to be king! [Laughs]

FL said:

ooh interesting!!! :D thanks for the translation!!! :D

December 10th, 2010

Helaine said:

“The Pevensie children had to have a fair complexion to look English, so they had to put sunscreen on and take shelter under umbrellas all the time, but to me, they said, ‘Well, you can go and sunbathe if you want ‘. So, I relaxed in the sun between takes. It’s good to be king! [Laughs]”

It explains why he looks slightly sunburnt on the on-set interviews. ;)

December 10th, 2010

Galene said:

one more interview
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,2035871,00.html

December 10th, 2010

Geo said:

Nice interview. I love the way he’s so sweet, funny and smart. He’s lovely. Thanks for the translation and for the scans. :D

December 10th, 2010

The Cast and Crew Talk Dawn Treader – Again! | AslansCountry.com said:

[…] Magazine (France) interviews Ben Barnes [Thanks to BenBarnesFan.com for the scans and […]

December 10th, 2010

Nightshade said:

That’s a really nice interview! Thanks :-D

December 10th, 2010

Stephanie said:

lol Helaine .. I thought the same thing when I read that. :P

Galene: Thank you! Added it to the new post .. :)

December 10th, 2010

Pans said:

“they said, ‘Well, you can go and sunbathe if you want ‘. So, I relaxed in the sun between takes. It’s good to be king! [Laughs]”

Dang, I want a video of that man! Hahaha

December 27th, 2010