Salut, France, February 2001
Interview by Thierry
Translation from French to English by P. Letellier and M. Köhler
Since you discovered him in "The
Crow" series, playing Eric Draven, this former
kung fu champion makes you turn your head. A movie actor very active since "Crying Freeman"
(1995), he is now in the most awaited movie of the year
: "Le
Pacte des Loups". On the personal side, he
just became a father for the first time. Exclusive confessions for Salut
| Question: | Can you talk about Mani, your character in "Pacte des Loups" ? |
| MD: | Christophe Gans, the director, would not like it if I was telling a single secret on the movie ! Let's say he is an Indian from North America who has a pure soul… If he had a religion, it would be the one of the heart and of the nature. He loves animals, understand them and talk to them. He helps his friend Gregoire de Fronsac (Samuel Le Bihan) to try and clear up the mystery of the beast of Gevaudan. |
| Question: | Are you really speaking French in the movie ? |
| MD: | Yes, but I have not seen the result yet so I rely on you to tell me if I speak correctly ! |
| Question: | OK ! It is said that the shooting was particularly long… |
| MD: | In fact, it's the longest shooting I have ever taken part in. I arrived in France at the end of January 2000 and I left mid July. I had some 20 weeks of work. |
| Question: | Have you become friends with the French actors ? |
| MD: | Yes, particularly with Samuel Le Bihan and Jeremie Renier. I must say there was a good chemistry between cast and crew. Human relationships were really good. |
| Question: | In France, people know you because of "The Crow". How many episodes were shot ? |
| MD: | There was only one season, that is to say 22 episodes |
| Question: | Will there be other ones ? |
| MD: | In fact, I do not know if the producer wants the series to go on. Personally, I have nothing against it ! |
| Question: | Do you get many letters because of this show? What do your fans ask you? |
| MD: | Actually I receive many letters, especially emails. Besides, French people write a lot to me ! I am often asked if I believe in life after death, what is my religion, if my hair is real hair… or if I believe in the big love ! |
| Question: | Have you ever met some fans ? |
| MD: | Yes, often. When I was in Paris, I still had long hair and I was often wearing a cape and glasses. I was hiding my hair in the hood, but people still recognized me. Everyone was very friendly ! |
| Question: | Have you received many love letters ? |
| MD: | Yes, but my wife read them too ! (smile) |
| Question: | Is she jealous ? |
| MD: | Only if I would answer ! |
| Question: | In "The Crow", you play a hero with a good heart. Are you like this in the real life ? |
| MD: | It is said… So I hope so ! |
| Question: | Generally speaking, do you like watching series ? |
| MD: | I do not like television so much ! Most of the time, I watch the news, but I prefer reading, playing the guitar or drums… |
| Question: | Would you like to be in a series like "Buffy, the vampire slayer" ? |
| MD: | I've heard a lot about this series, but I have to say I never watched it. Sincerely, I prefer working for cinema than for television. |
| Question: | Let's talk about your childhood ? What kind of teenager were you ? |
| MD: | I grew up in Hamburg, Germany. During all my teenage years, I spent my time between school and Kung Fu classes. That's all I did. I really had a particular training, which prevented me for doing all the stupid things one can do at that age. My father was my Kung Fu teacher, and my best friend was my partner. All my weekends were dedicated to competition. I really liked that. It was fantastic for me and it made me very happy. And when sometimes I was going out, it was to go to the cinema watching Kung Fu movies ! |
| Question: | Did you have time to listen to music ? |
| MD: | Of course ! At the age of 15, I learnt to play drums. I loved blues and soul music. |
| Question: | And were you a good pupil ? |
| MD: | I was good in all classes, except in maths ! I never had a good mark in that subject ! |
| Question: | Did you have success with girls ? |
| MD: | To be honest, I was not a real lady killer... My first fiancé was 2 years older than me and the next was older than me too ! |
| Question: | How old were you when you had your first love ? |
| M: | (He thinks about it and laughs) Hmmmm .... 15! |
| Question: | You are a father for the first time… How do you react ? |
| MD: | Makoa was born on Dec 31. He is a little boy who makes me feel very happy. I am very proud of him. Julie, my wife, is delighted too ! |
| Question: | I went to your webpage (www.dacascos.com) and I must say it is very complete. What does this represent for you ? |
| MD: | It's somehow like my voice. I can talk to my fans and show them what I want to. I do this very conscientiously. |
| Question: | What are your projects ? |
| MD: | I made 2 movies since "Pacte des Loups". The first one, "China Strike Force", was shot in China. The second one, "Perfect Husband" is for American Television. After ? I do no know yet. I want above all to spend some time with my wife and son at home, in Hawaii. |