Keanu Reeves discussed his role in Little Buddha and some of his memories about working on the film with di Silvia Bizio for the Repubblica. The interview appeared to takeplacebefore he left for Rome. THe article is dated May 27 and says he will leave for Rome that evening. Article is in Italian. The google translation is below. No copyright infringement is intended.
“IT WAS one of the most extraordinary moments of my life, not only for the fact of working with Bernardo Bertolucci, whom I consider the greatest director I’ve ever worked with, but for playing Siddharta, a role that has changed my life “. Keanu Reeves remembers the processing of Little Buddha, leaving for Rome tomorrow evening where the film will be shown at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, the event “Bertolucci for Nepal”, an evening by the director wanted to raise funds ( with Emergency for Nepal and Children Village) in favor of the people affected by the devastating earthquake of 25 April.
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Reeves is the protagonist of the 1994 film, shot mostly in Bhutan and Nepal. Made famous by the Matrix saga, now director after its debut in 2013 with Man of taichi, Reeves has several upcoming films, the thriller Eli Roth Knock Knock the dramatic Jersey River and The Whole Truth, and has just finished shooting in Los Angeles the new film by Nicolas Winding Refn The neon demon.What do I remember of Little Buddha?
“It ‘was an unforgettable experience, both for the relationship that was established with the rest of the cast and crew, and for welcoming by the local people for the discovery of the land, where no longer was, since then, but I would return. A moment of magic and poetry and spiritual experience, having known so closely issues such as compassion, impermanence, have enriched my conscience and have taught me to live in a different way. I knew nothing of meditation but there I felt the energy of the Buddhist monks. “It born from there his interest in the East, for the martial arts?
“I had already developed but that occasion was a great school, I learned a lot about the concept of patience and discipline, how your life can have an influence on those around you.”E ‘was also in close contact with the inhabitants of those places.
“The crew were almost all Nepalese. And during the breaks I enjoyed wandering the streets of Katmandu, go in bars, restaurants, visit the temples. The Buddhist culture feels so strong, you sense the feeling of the circularity of life. .. I remember that time when I sat on the bank of the Ganges watching people praying. When someone dies, the ceremonies are held on the river and this gives more sense of the flow of life that is not the end, of death. “How did you feel before the images of the earthquake last April?
“It ‘was terrible, a disaster. Even if they are far away, I felt close to her heart. So when Bertolucci called me to participate in the evening, I had no hesitation. I’m not sure what I’ll do but what matters is be there, I will be happy to invite people to put their wallets for this cause. “Bertolucci has remained in contact with?
“We have seen over the years, for me it is an honor to know him, is a master storyteller, I love his intelligence and his sense of humor, curiosity, the desire tireless asking questions about everything. Pragmatic work, and thoughtful, simple, collaborative. It ‘nice to be lead by the hand by a master like him. “What do you think is the value, the relevance of a film like Little Buddha?
“Over the years I have met many people who have seen the movie and they were touched. It is impossible not to feel touched, the film exudes the spirit of the wonderful story of Siddhartha and has to do with the world we live in, it is a reflection on family relationships, the relationship between parents and children. And, therefore, our life. “The film will be visible stream of Republic. en. What do you think of the role of the web for such initiatives?
“It ‘obvious to say, but the technology can be a great tool for communication and contact global. The communication and sharing of thoughts are always good.”It is involved with other charities?
“I have a foundation with which we help children in need in Los Angeles to get an education, and we also take care of their health. Then I work in defense of the Amazon and to help indigenous communities who live in that area.”