Damián Alcázar
"The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian"
Interview by Kiko Martinez
Actor
Damián Alcázar never had to use his imagination as much in his
23-year film and TV career as he did in the new fantasy, “The
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.” The movie is the sequel
to 2005’s “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”
Alcázar, the
founding member of the Veracruzano Theatre Forum at Veracruzana
University and the Center for Experimental Theatre, has starred
in a number of Spanish-language films including “Dos Crímenes,”
“Un Mundo Maravilloso,” and “El Crimen del Padre Amaro.”
In “Prince Caspian”
– which once again follows the adventures of the Pevensie
children – the world of Narnia is threatened by the evil King
Miraz (Italian actor Sergio Castellitto). Alcázar, who is
originally from Jiquilpan, Michoacán, México, plays Lord
Sopespian, a high-ranking soldier in Miraz’s army.
During a phone
interview, Alcázar, 55, talked about his new role in the fantasy
genre.
Tell me about
your character Lord Sopespian.
He is a lord in the
kingdom of Narnia. He is a cavalier. He is a good guy at the
beginning but then, little by little, he changes because the
power changes him. He falls to the dark side of the human
beings.
Were you familiar
with the series of books by C.S. Lewis before you auditioned for
the role?
No, I just watched
the first [film](“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch
and the Wardrobe.”) When I knew that they were going to film
“Prince Caspian,” then I read that book.
What did you
think about the first film?
I really enjoyed the
scenes with the faun and the little girl. I loved the
performance of [actress] Georgie Henley.
Was the role of
Lord Sopespian specifically written for a Latino actor?
No, anybody could
play him. I think the director [Andrew Adamson] wanted to have a
mixed cast from all areas. I think in his adaptation for the
movie, he tried to play with the human’s accents and their
features.
What are the
biggest differences working in Mexican films and American films?
It’s different
because of the budget. The budget, of course, is bigger [in the
United States.] I’ve done movies in Argentina and Colombia, too.
What was the best
part about making a fantasy movie like “Prince Caspian”?
It was very
interesting and strange for me to work with things that are
imaginary. I really liked the fauns and the centaurs and the
little mice. There were scenes where I only could work with my
imagination and the imagination of the director. It was very
exciting for me.
What do you look
for when you audition for a role?
I love to work with
very good stories. It doesn’t matter if it’s in America or Spain
or México. I just want a good story.
