Red Riding HoodAn Interview with Adrian Holmes
by Wilson Morales
March 13, 2011
Currently out in theaters is Catherine Hardwicke‘s latest film, ‘Red Riding Hood,’ which stars Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Billy Burke, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons, Virginia Madsen, Julie Christie and newcomer Adrian Holmes.
Set in a medieval village that is haunted by a werewolf, a young girl (played by Seyfried) falls for an orphaned woodcutter (played by Fernandez), much to her family’s displeasure.
For Holmes, this film represents a major step in his acting career.
Best known for his recurring role as ‘Basqat’ on the ninth season of the long-running, successful CW series ‘Smallville,’ the England native also stars opposite Academy Award-winning beauty Halle Berry, as her love interest Clifton in the film ‘Frankie and Alice’ and has several other projects lined up.
In speaking with Blackvoices.com, Holmes talked about his roles for both films, working with Gary Oldman and Halle Berry and his upcoming projects.
You have a breakout role in ‘Red Riding Hood.’ What’s it like to be in a major studio film that’s out right now?
Adrian Holmes: It’s very surreal, very overwhelming, but it feels very good; like something I’ve been waiting for for a long time and been looking forward to. I couldn’t be happier; I just hope we do big numbers and everybody’s happy with the film.
With the first of two big films coming out, how would you describe your character in ‘Red Riding Hood?’
AH: I play the captain in ‘Red Riding Hood.’ His name is Ikechi, which means “God’s strength.” It’s a name I came up with. He’s basically the brawn in the film, the muscle and the guy that gets the job done. I’m Gary Oldman’s right-hand man. Gary Oldman plays Father Solomon. I’m his go-to guy, and we’ve been hired to rid this village of a wolf that’s been terrorizing for hundreds of years. This village thinks they’ve captured the wolf, but it’s really only a common gray wolf. Their werewolf is very much still alive. It could be anyone in the village, which is what’s really cool about the film. It gives it a mysterious element.
This is a whole different take from what people grew up remembering about the story.
AH: Yeah. With the times you’ve got to change things to make it more appealing and more captivating, so it doesn’t lose the audience. We have a love triangle, some intense action scenes and some mystery elements. It’s a great recipe for an attractive film that’s going to keep the audience on the edge of their seats wanting more.
You’re not just playing a black soldier in a unit; you have a key scene. What’s it like working with Gary Oldman?
AH: It’s amazing. Gary Oldman has always been one of my favorite actors, from ‘Dracula’ to ‘State of Grace’ to ‘The Professional.’ The list goes on. He’s such a true class act and a professional and so focused. I was able to tap into that on set and take it to the next level. When you’re working with actors who are gold medalists in their craft, it can only up your game. Not only is he a very generous actor, but also has a great sense of humor. He’s a funny dude. We had a lot of times laughing on set. Considering how intense the scenes could be and the tone of the film, it was nice to have a good laugh in between takes and not be so serious all the time. I really appreciated that, and it was really refreshing. It’s been more than I can ever ask for. This film has done so much for me in so many ways as well, as maintaining great friendships.
Besides this film, there’s ‘Frankie and Alice,’ which should have been out by now but has been put somewhere in limbo land. You’re starring opposite Halle Berry; how would you describe your role in that film?
AH: I play a character named Clifton, who’s a DJ at a GoGo club in which Halle dances. It was a real fun character. It takes place in the early ’70s, so it’s a lot of fun to play that role ’cause I’ve always been fascinated by that era and would have loved to have gone back and lived a little bit in that time. A great aspect of what we do is go back to those periods and relive them. I did a lot of research on that period: the swagger, the flair, the language, the energy. I got to wear this crazy afro wig. I got to reinvent myself with a different look. I love playing characters who are a lot different from who I am. This character was definitely like that. He’s attracted to Halle’s character. They’ve worked together for years in this club and there’s an attraction. One thing leads to another in the film, and I get introduced to Alice, Halle’s racist alter ego, and she’s not too fond of me, to say the least.
How was working with Halle (Berry)?
AH: Ah man, again it was a highlight. It was so surreal to look across and see Halle Berry. I don’t know how many posters of her I had on my wall growing up, as well as every other male on the planet. She’s very generous as well, really hard working. She made everybody feel comfortable. She was almost too nice; it was kind of strange how comfortable she made me feel. Again, it was a great acting class to sit across from an Oscar winner and watch her turn it on and off like that and go between these different characters. She plays Frankie, Alice and another character named Genius. She seamlessly transitions between each character. She had her daughter on set with her, at the time, her boyfriend Gabriel and her family with her. She would be able to snap into character and not be affected by anything else that was going on. She would snap right out of it, and she wouldn’t carry that character home. She could separate herself from these characters, which is very difficult for some actors to do. Some actors are very method and take them home. She’s able to just turn it on and off and go home and take care of her baby. I learned a lot from her; it was quite a dream come true, for real. I’ve maintained a friendship with her, which is pretty awesome.
Now that you have these two films under your belt, and hopefully ‘Frankie’ will come out at some point, your time is now. Coming out of Vancouver, are you going to stay there or move to L.A. to get more roles to brighten your spotlight?
AH: I would love to come to L.A. I love it here. It’s a beautiful city. I’m just basically waiting on my green card, my paperwork, which shouldn’t be too much longer. Once that happens and the offers come along, I’ll go wherever the work is. I love Vancouver, it’s been so great and it’s helped my career in abundance. If I have to stay in Vancouver and the work is there for me, my family is there, my mom is there. Wherever mom is, that is home, but if L.A. is calling, I go where the work is. It’s all good.
Any other projects lined up?
AH: I just finished up a pilot called ‘Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome,’ which looks very good. I’m very proud of that. I think it’s going to get picked up. That’s being shot in Vancouver, along with all the other ‘Battlestars.’
Who’s your role in the series?
Adrian Holmes: I play a guy named Lt. Declan Elias. I’m a viper pilot on the Osirus. I’m basically out on this mission to get these Cylons, and we’re trying to take them out. It’s a real cool part, he’s a real firecracker, lot of energy, real spunky. He’s a good addition to the cast, very different from the rest of the cast, he’s got more edge. Fingers crossed that that’s a go. I’ve also have a project called ‘Hangar 14’ with Michael Jae White which should be coming out sometime this year on video, as well as ‘Wrecked’ with Adrian Brody. That should be out in the spring. It’s an independent film shot on Vancouver Island. It went to the film festivals last year and did well.
So you definitely have a lot of things going on.
AH: There’s a saying Quincy Jones had, that his father said to him: “Once a task has just begun, see it through until it’s done, be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all.” That’s something that really stuck in my head when I heard him say that. If I’m going to start something I do it to the best of my abilities. I try to live my life to its full potential. I’ve never felt more ready than I do right now to take the reins or to be handed the ball, ’cause I feel like I can score some touchdowns.
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