Each Olympiad has its heroes. In 1988, Edwards, Eddi, who took the last place in ski jumps from a springboard became such a thing in 1988. Despite the result, this name still remembers those who dream of sports achievements. In the new film "Eddie Eagle," whose premiere will take place on April 7, the role of coach Eddie performed Hugh Jackman.
- Hugh, what was your first reaction when you found out that the film about Eddie "Eagle" Edwards will be filmed?
- I know a lot about Eddie. As soon as Matthew, with whom we are already familiar with the film "X-Men: First Class," gave me a script, I immediately put the ears. Eddie "Eagle", despite the fact that he is a Briton, became a legend in my native Australia. He embodies all that we love, our "and let's try to look at life. Australians prefer those who even lose, but very tricks than boring and uninteresting winners. When I read the script, he seemed very kind, warm and fun. He reminded me of something of films "Billy Elliot" and "steep drives", which I love. In addition, I am a big fan of sports and immediately became interested in the project.
- History Eddie thundered in the news in 1988?
- Oh yeah! Honestly, the Winter Olympic Games are not very popular in Australia. It seems that we have only one Olympic champion, and his victory, probably one of the most incredible in the history of games. His name is Stephen Bradbury. He won the Gold in the short track in 2002. In the final, he walked the last of five participants, lagging behind them on the circle. But on the finish line, all four leaders collided and fell. Since Stephen was very far from them, he avoided the collision, slowly crossed the finish line and won the gold medal. This is one of the greatest moments of the Olympics. Yes, we are not very strong in winter sports. (Laughs.) But the history of Eddie "Eagle" then captured the whole country, people have imbued with it. When I was a boy, I also wanted to participate in the Olympics, but was not ready to go so far. And he went. And I remember that I was literally fascinated by him.
Hugh Jackman played the role of a coach who worries not the best stage in life
- What do you think people like Eddie remind us that the Olympic Games were based on the idea of amateur competitions?
- Certainly. It's just fantastic: some kind of guy decided that he wants to participate in the Olympics, first jumped from the springboard just two years before the games, found a loophole and got on the game. I do not remember not a single member of those Olympic Games, and Eddie "Eagle" remember. The authors of the film managed to catch a turning point when the sport began to become more professional. When large bosses began to argue: "We need to attract more sponsors; We need handsome for better marketing, we do not need people like Eddie. " But then Eddie became the only athlete who was invited to the insanely popular TV show to Johnny Carso. And everyone laughed to tears.
- In your opinion, Taron Ejerton, the performer of the role of Eddie Eagle, managed to catch his character?
- I was amazed by what Taron did. Play a real person is very difficult. But Taron did not go into direct imitation. He really imbued with the essence of Eddie, caught his optimism and his sense of humor, his position is never desirable, but also, of course, his vulnerability. Obviously, many actions of Eddie walked from a feeling of nervousness and discomfort. He was an outsider: at school among peers, in sports, in the Olympic movement. Taron managed to show it ridiculous, but at the same time cute and touching. And you empathize Eddie, you want him to beat, even if you know his story.
- Christopher Wacken played a small role in the picture. How did you work with him?
- To be on the same platform with Christopher Wacken is something incredible. He is icon. During the filming of Christopher scenes, I was located next to the director of the film Dexter Fletcher, and we continuously pinched each other: "This is not a dream? Do we really work next to Wacken? " (Laughs.) When you are on the same platform with Christopher, you can not play at all, everything will be fine. But I had to keep the jaw so that she did not fall on the floor. (Laughs.)
- Tell us about your hero, Coach Eddie Bronzona Piri.
- Bronson Peel - a fictional character. He is a former American jumper with a springboard, which was excluded from the Olympic team at the peak of his sports opportunities. He was very talented, but did not know how and did not want to obey, ignored the discipline. Now he is a big lover to drink and an avid smoker, his life is filled with pain and regret, he still misses jumping. And, having acquainted with Eddie, he takes him under his wing. The perseverance and the recklessness of this boy are forced by Bronson to change himself, turn his life in the other direction.
The image of Eddie "Eagle" embodied on the screen British actor Taron Edgerton
- During the filming of the film, did you have any desire to try to jump from the springboard yourself?
- The temptation, of course, was. But, I'm afraid, after that, I could not leave the site on my own, on my feet. (Laughs.) And this would mean to sum up the shooting group. No, I did not jump. But I had to go a little skiing, because in the plot my hero jumps, and we decided to remove how it is rolled out after landing. I walked up and thought I could move down the middle of the distance. But, rising only one eighth, already thought: "Wow, how high!" Nevertheless, I rose a little more and moved down. But it was not a jump, just throw out.
- But maybe one day you still decide?
- Jump from springboard skiing? I honestly thought about it. And I think I could try to make it meters from fifteen. Although even this height scares me. (Laughs.)
By the way ...
Michael Edwards, more famous as Eddie "Eagle", became the favorite of the media and the folk hero
The plot of the film is based on real events. Michael Edwards, who is better known as Eddie "Eagle", never was distinguished by good sporty data, but from an early age he sought to get to the Olympic Games. Having tried your strength in various disciplines, he eventually stopped on jumps from a springboard. But several problems have been discovered. The United Kingdom has never been represented in the Olympic program for this discipline. Eddie never tried to do this. He was heavier than other jumpers, needed money for preparation, and bad vision meant that he would have to wear glasses that are noticeable, because of what he would almost see anything during the jump. However, his imbibeble spirit won, and in 1988, Eddie performed on the Winter Olympics in Calgary. And although Edwards took the last place in both disciplines - jumping from 70 and 90-meter springboards, "Eddie became a favorite of the media and a folk hero, glorified by his unusual style, appearance and desire to fight.