Michael Douglas gives one of his strongest screen performances in his latest movie The King of California. He portrays the character of Charlie, an eccentric, charismatic and rebellious dreamer, who, after being discharged from an institution in southern California, undertakes the quest, Don Quixote-like, for an imaginary buried treasure.
The 63-year-old superstar, who's worth an estimated $230 million (Dh844 million) and has two Oscars under his belt - one for the leading role in Wall Street and the other for Best Producer for One Who Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, rose to fame under the wings of his father, movie legend Kirk Douglas.
Reputation
His father's prestigious reputation opened many doors that would otherwise have been closed to him. Yet, he didn't start out as an actor. After majoring in theatre, he "worked as an assistant film editor and an assistant director on my dad's films. Then I acted on Broadway and did some TV shows. The series The Streets of San Francisco was my breakthrough role. It ran from 1972 to 1976 and taught me a lot," he says.
Hubby of the actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, who is 25 years his junior, and father of two young children, Douglas seems very concerned about the ravages of time. He admits that age is finally catching up with him and he's slowing down career-wise. He has turned down the recent sequel Basic Instinct 2 because he feels he's too old to play the lead. "I'm not about to fall apart, but I think you've got to be pretty honest about where you are... ambition has sort of died and it's about having a chance to enjoy life," he says.
On the role of a villain
Villains entitle you to do anything, and that's a great freedom. I usually think the bad guy is the most interesting character in a story. And so do movies audiences. They tend to love bad guys. Niceness isn't rewarded as much as drama. We all try to be civil in real life, but there's a part of us that admires unequivocal evil tendencies.
On his favourite actor
My favourite actor is Albert Finney. They kept it secret from me that he was going to play the part of the chief of the staff in Traffic because they know what a big fan I am. I came in one day and there he was. I was in awe. It's so much fun to watch him.
On Brittany Murphy
Brittany Murphy was a treat to work with from start to finish. She is a very talented actress and played what was a difficult role exceptionally well. I follow her career with great interest.
On catherine zeta-jones
I had vowed not to get involved with an actress but all went by the boards the moment I met Catherine. I want her to be my leading lady in all aspects of my life... Catherine and I cherish and nurture our relationship rather than take it for granted. She's positive and healthy and joyous.
On priorities
My priorities and my ambitions have changed. I never anticipated having a new family. I got married and had some time to think about marriage and balance and family. Early on in life, you're ambitious, so I was very much involved in my career for a long time. My family came second. Now the roles are reversed: my family comes before my career. I think it has to do with age and life cycles.
On politics
I'm not interested in politics, but I focus on the areas of disarmament, weapons of mass destruction and small arms. I do a lot of travelling for the UN. I've been to Albania and Sierra Leone in West Africa where I filmed a documentary about child soldiers. I enjoy the opportunity to talk to the press about issues of disarmament.
On Kirk Douglas
I think I am looking more like my father. I am probably his biggest fan. He has an amazing presence. His inner strength, you can feel it along with this tenacity and his concentration levels.
