Very few actors find a project that connects so strongly with fans that it becomes an obsession.
Cary Elwes is among a smaller group thats done it twice.
In 2004, Elwes tapped into a very different fan base with the smash hitSaw.
It scared up more than $103 million worldwide.
Not bad for a film that barely cost $1 million to make.
Elwes filled Collider in on the film recently.
Image via MGM
It became the starting point for a conversation that became a good-natured game of cat and mouse.
Cary Elwes: I cant tell you anything about the plot.
Collider: Well, ok.
So, contractually, you cant say anything about it.
Ok, lets approach it this way, then.
So, it is definitely, definitely, definitely the last-
Elwes: Its the last one.
It is absolutely-
Elwes: Yeah.
-theres nothing-
Elwes: I cant see them doing any more.
Ive seen the film.
Image via MGM
Its the most graphically violent film Ive ever seen in my entire life.
I mean, Im surprised we got the rating (R) that we got.
Even the director told me he was surprised they gave it the rating that we got.
You know, Im sorry for Ryan (Gosling).
I hope they manage to get the rating they need.
You know, look, its not an easy job being on a ratings board, by any means.
Its almost a thankless job.
Now, your daughters 3 years old.
How old will she be when you say, Ok. Now you might watchSaw (3D)?
Elwes: (Laughs) Probably in her 40s?
Shell be collecting social security-
Elwes: Yes.
That might be an appropriate age for her.
And our fans are probably some of the most passionate fans ever.
That just gives you an idea of the level, the passion of the fans that we have.
And so Im eternally grateful to them.
I wouldnt be here without them.
Elwes: I dont think that way.
Im all of suspend disbelief.
I go into pure enjoyment.
This film is particularly violent.
I really, really, really dont want you to go and see it.
Maybe wait until the kid has a drivers license.
You know it should have a warning on it.
Its very, very, very graphic.
How didcereal shoppingplay into-
Elwes: Oh, you heard that story?
Its not like you dont have a resume coming in, though.
Elwes: I know, but you know what?
Can you imagine how many actors (just) bully him all the time?
Just accost him everywhere he goes?
The guy probably never gets a break.
So, I said sure.
Well, you first met him on the set of A-
Elwes:Christmas Carol.
Christmas Carol, with-
Elwes: Right.
And hes also directingThe Yellow Submarine(Elwes is playing the voice of The Beatles guitarist George Harrison).
Elwes: Well, its both.
Its a great honor and its a great weight.
Elwes: Its gonna be all CGI, much likeAvatar.
So, the look of it will-
Elwes: I cant tell you.
(Laughter) I cant tell you anything.
Id love to tell you.
Ive even told you too much.
I can get in trouble.
Ok. Well, can we talk about the research, though?
Did you talk to George Harrisons widow?
Did you talk to
Elwes: I, I did.
I went to The Beatles Museum.
You know, The Beatles Experience-
Yeah.
Elwes: -there in Liverpool?
And I thoroughly recommend it for any Beatles fan.
Just four lads from Liverpool taking over the world.
For 20 years, they were on the front cover of every single paper.
Just to study what he studied and to learn what he learned and to find how he found peace.
Its a beautiful thing.
I mean, he was my favorite Beatle anyway, so Im really blessed.
Some time has passed sinceThe Princess Bride(was released in September, 1987).
Can you walk down the street without hearing As You Wish everywhere?
Elwes: I am blessed in that, you know, the film has had incredible legs.
It has a real longevity to it.
I still get fan mail from kids.
You know, I have kids accosting me with swords in toy stores.
I try and avoid the fake sword departments if I can help it cause usually I get recognized there.
Well, youve said you love doing historical pieces.
It was your favorite subject at school.
Whats one historical subject that you would love to tackle?
Elwes: Id like to tackle the First World War, I think.
Any figure, particularly?
Just, Id like to explore that.
I, you know, its an area I have not explored yet.
I havent done Second World War, either.
Well, I guess, no.
But I havent played a British officer yet.
Id like to do that.
Thank you so much.
