AUSXIP Interviews Manu Bennett
by MaryD

  10 June 2010

 

Manu Bennett is Crixus, champion gladiator on Spartacus Blood and Sand. I am delighted to interview Manu who is a fan favourite. This interview is slightly longer than normal as it has two sections. The first section is the AUSXIP Interview where we get to know more about Manu, the man, father and actor and the second section is where Manu answers questions submitted by fans. Learn more about Manu Bennett, how interests in ballet, music and rugby were channelled into his love for acting, what it means to be a father, his acting role models, working on Spartacus and what it's like working on the set.

During high school, you played representative rugby, studied classical ballet & piano before attending university to study Drama. What made you decide that you wanted to act and not pursue a ballet or rugby career?

The thing is, I did pursue ballet, music & rugby, then channelled those expressions into acting. It was very organic & perhaps makes a point of difference in my acting style in comparison to other actors who haven't had those sorts of experiences.    

 
What have you learned about yourself after having become a father?

That become a father I have had to lose the single man mentality. It's all about family now.   

Who is your acting role model and why?

I respect the Russian director Stanislavski for bringing the true expressions & struggles of humanity to bare upon the stage for without this truth, acting would have remained a facade. 

Are there any actors dead or alive that you would love to work with and, If so, why?

This may not answer the question directly but I visited the ruins of Caesarea, in Israel & sat for an hour in the amphitheatre upon a stone bench made for King Herod. I imagined the performances of the time & given the chance would love to go back such period & perform with the artists of the time.   

If you were given a dream project to work on what would it be?

Given my Maori heritage, I'd love to be part of a New Zealand project depicting the Maori Battalion's involvement in World War 2. Back-story: following WW2, the German's attempted to have the Maori Battalion charged with war crimes because the Maori soldiers were so vicious in battle. There is an element of ancient/modern warrior that I'd like to explore in such a story.   

Do you watch Dailies? If so…how do you use them? If not…why?

I don't watch dailies, but when filming often watch playback (instant) as it can be useful to know the shot size, for that frame is your stage & sometimes you can make things to big or small depending on the frame.  

What’s your favourite TV show that you would love to have a part on?

I'd like to play Tonto on The Lone Ranger just to remind the Ranger that he's not alone.

What was the audition process like for Spartacus?

The audition process was very difficult as along the way I was told everything from, I was too old to too short. In the end I find great satisfaction in knowing I wasn't anything I supposedly was.   

What was it about Crixus that attracted you to the role?

The producer told me the emotional journey arc would be huge & as an actor that's what I find most challenging. 

Do you find that your daily preparation is different for a period piece vs. a modern day piece?

There are common emotions we all share, amplified only by circumstance. I don't prepare for period, but for circumstance. The only differing factor in Spartacus was dialect, because languages have become modern.

Did you do any research on the time period or history you're portraying? If so how has that help you with your role?

I rented every gladiator/prison/slave video from Spartacus to Prison Break. it was interesting to see how the ensemble of cast function together in a group struggle & what goals are most common. 

Have you found anything to be rather challenging?

I find everything to be rather challenging. Sometimes I wish I was a cruiser, but within the mix I just don't sit on a lily pad.


What is it like working with Andy Whitfield?
Andy is a classic example of type casting - He is Spartacus! 

How was your experience working with Lesley-Ann?

She's quite the comedian, so every time I see us doing the subtle romance on screen all I can think about is the way she was behaving on set moments before hand. Her true talents have yet to be discovered.

What does Naevia mean to Crixus?

Hope. Meaning. Someone to embrace. 


How has Crixus been changed by falling in love with Naevia?

I believe Naevia gives Crixus a reason to live, highlighted when he turns to Spartacus before fighting Theokoles & asks "Your woman. Is she the reason you refuse to die."

Has Crixus' love for Naevia changed how he views Spartacus' obsession with his wife?

Crixus constantly challenges Spartacus over his selfish obsession with his wife & how the dream of escape only serves to damage gladiator moral. Crixus respects the brotherhood above all else, those who share the cells & ultimately the arena are what he represents & defends. However, as Season 1 progressed, Spartacus & Crixus both learnt from each other, their causes not united until the final episode (13) when it became clear that only a joint effort will save each & every slave from the corruption & damnation of Batiatus.      

You have been working with some very talented actors, producers and directors on Spartacus, what have you learned from them?

The entire cast & crew on Spartacus work as one. There is never a day I've gone to work feeling someone else was not going to bring their best. That sort of commitment & confidence has allowed for us all to learn & grow together.   

We've heard allot about the nudity and the violence of Spartacus but, in your opinion, what do most interviewers / reviewers overlook about the series?

I have seen so many reviewers damning the show after the first episode but then completely about-face after seeing the series progress. It is a an avalanche effect which has proven to turn the most negative viewpoints around. Anybody who wishes to love this show must be patient enough to get through the first 4 episodes. Then have come reviews such as "Better than 300 & Gladiator".     

I also think reviewers jump on the "offensive nudity" band wagon but overlook how suitable & appropriate the nudity is for this period. The plot is pre-Christian, about humans forming the fundamentals from which civilization sprouted. I for one am glad it is not convoluted by censorship & PC prudeness & expect only people with such an open opinion will watch & enjoy the show. People who are offended can choose another channel. It's in their hands. 


Do you have any stories to share from the Spartacus set?

What happens in Spartavegas stays in Spartavegas. 

What's next for Manu Bennett?

I don't have any big projections or expectations. I'm happy where I'm at & that it feels good.
 

Continued...Manu Bennett Answers Fan Questions

Photo Credits:

Photos of Manu as Crixus courtesy of Starz Entertainment

Interesting Links

Official Spartacus Blood and Sand Site
AUSXIP Spartacus Blood and Sand
 

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