One on One With Isaach De Bankolé, Star of “The Limits of Control”
Posted by Jonathan Monina on March 17, 2009 under Coming Soon, Interview, People | 
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I recently had a chance to sit down with film star Isaach De Bankolé (Casino Royale, Coffee and Cigarettes, 24) to discuss his latest project, “The Limits of Control,” which was written and directed by Jim Jarmusch (Broken Flowers, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, Coffee and Cigarettes).
JM: So tell me a little bit about the film and your character. What is it about?
IDB: It is the story of a mysterious loner, a stranger in the process of completing a criminal job. His activities remain meticulously outside the law. He trusts no one, and his objectives are not initially divulged.
JM: Do you prefer to play good guys or bad guys? Why?
IDB: I really don’t have a preference. I’m just looking for a good and exciting story with a multi-dimensional character to portray, have something to chew on, whether it’s a good guy or a bad guy doesn’t matter. Although, like a comedian who has fun imitating people, it can be more interesting to try immersing yourself into the soul and mind of a character who, at a first glance, seems distance away from who you think you really are; and it could be somehow more gratifying when you succeed.
JM: I know you’ve worked with Jim Jarmusch before on “Coffee and Cigarettes,” “Ghost Dog,” and “Night on Earth.” Did he have you in mind for this part when he wrote the script?
IDB: Jim, most of the time, has actors in mind when he writes. The only difference with this one is that he had in mind both me and a location- the tower in Madrid.
JM: What is he like as a director?
IDB: He is a very detailed person, like a designer of “Haute Couture”, can be a kind of a control-freak, but is also well aware of his own limitation. He is the sweetest director I ever worked with, funny, smart, sensitive. He makes you feel good, important, and unique. As a human being, you learn tremendously by his side. He is an angel.
JM: Before you came to the States, you were starring in lots of films in France. Can you describe the transition of going from playing the lead role of a film in one country, to playing side characters in a whole new environment?
IDB: The transition from France to the United States has never been easy, but almost nothing in life is. During the last 8 years (1990-1998) that I was living in Paris before moving to New York, though I was active, I didn’t work in any French movies, or with a French director. I was working mostly with foreign directors. I was full of energy and ambition, and in France I wasn’t getting any exciting film projects. I felt like I was dying slowly, which was unbearable, so I started to do some writing. And like a plant which needs water and sunlight to grow, I had no other choice but to leave France if I had to keep my dreams, and stay alive. Being in love with a woman who was living in New York then helped me smooth things a bit… I always feel grateful to be asked to play any part, as long as it is in a good story. There may be side actors, but I don’t think there are side characters per say. I think a great performance has nothing to do with the length, but the presence of the performer, his ability to captivate the audience, the power of his imagination; that is, I believe, what matters.
JM: Your recent success in “Miami Vice,” “Casino Royale,” and “24″ is helping you really make a name for yourself in the States. Do you think this new role will put you on the map with mainstream American audiences?
IDB: I think with “The Limits of Control” we did the movie we wanted to do. Beyond the tremendous amount of work it took, at different levels, every person involved did put a certain dose of his soul in the making of it. My hope is that each of them will be proud of the result, and gain from it. So, if this role puts me on the map with mainstream American audiences as you say, it’s fine; and if not, life goes on…
“The Limits of Control” is being distributed by Focus Features and will hit select theaters May 22nd. Written and directed by Jim Jarmusch, the film stars Isaach De Bankolé, and features Tilda Swinton, Bill Murray, John Hurt, and Gael García Bernal.
Special thanks to Isaach De Bankolé for taking to the time to interview with Vimooz.
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