Actor Peter Stormare arives at The World Premiere Of Lionsgate 'The Last Stand' held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on January 14, 2013 in Hollywood, California. AFP PHOTO / JOE KLAMARJOE KLAMAR/AFP / Getty Images
You know Peter Stormare, even if you don't recognize the name. The lumbering, oddball Swedish actor has popped up in everything from Fargo to Nacho Libre, and is a favourite of director Michael Bay (that's his slow, slightly threatening drawl uttering threats in Armageddon, Bad Boys II and Pain & Gain). As a welcome change of pace from playing drug dealers and hitmen, Stormare plays a single father in the new oddball Canadian musical-comedy Bang Bang Baby. The Globe and Mail caught the prolific Stormare for a quick Q&A over email.
You're often cast as villains, but here you play a more sympathetic character. What was the shift like?
Very nice, for a change. But as an actor, you always want to create a character that has some darkness within.
Do you consciously split your time between bigger blockbusters and more independent pictures? What are the two environments like?
Pretty much the same. It's still the same deal when you're near action – and then it doesn't matter if it's a big blockbuster or an indie. It's you, your colleagues and the camera. You try your very best. You don't think small or big. You think quality.
You seem to keep an exhausting schedule, with 10 projects slated for release this year alone. How do you balance the work-life divide?
My life is my art, my art is my life. I'm thankful for every moment.
Are there any filmmakers you have a strong desire to work with?
I would love to be directed by David Lynch, and I hope it's not just a dream. I'm praying he will see this last answer.
Barry Hertz