Ben Kingsley
courtesy of Dreamworks Pictures
"This Good Guy Comes In First"

ATLANTA: Ben Kingsley is one of Hollywood's most respected actors. He won the Academy Award as Best Actor for his performance in "Gandhi" in 1982 and this was his first screen performance as a leading man. Since that time he has gone about perfecting his craft, quietly and unobtrusively, with roles in movie after movie. 

His latest film is "House of Sand and Fog" and once again he is being talked about as a possible Oscar contender. If it does occur then Kingsley will once more have proven that good guys do finish first.

Recently Kingsley was in Atlanta to publicize his film. Since he was knighted in 2001, I asked his publicist how he should be addressed. She answered that I could call him "Ben," or "Sir Ben," or "Sir Ben Kingsley"; but she added that I should not call him "Sir Kingsley" as the title is never used with the last name alone. Well, well, we live and learn.

Sir Ben insisted that his co-star in the movie, Shohreh Aghdashloo, be included I our interview. She plays his wife in the film and it was obvious that he wanted her to be able to meet and talk with the press. This is just another example of the generosity of the man.

Kingsley looks off screen just as he does on. He has perfect posture, speaks clearly and directly, and can hypnotize you with his words and hand actions. For example when I asked him about his co-star Jennifer Connelly's performance he took his index finger and thumb and pressed them together, making a downward motion with his hand. "She is totally pure," he said, while moving his hand. "Absolutely pure even though she is the angel of death in the film. Just totally pure in her performance."

He also raved about Aghdashloo's acting skills. "She was wonderful to work with, and so was Jonathan Ahdout who plays our son Esmail. I can't say enough about how truthful they were in their roles."

Shohreh joined in with her own praise, "Johnny was absolutely amazing in the part. He made everything ring true. And Sir Ben was so giving in every way."

Sir Ben revealed that he had been sent the book by the wife of author Andre Dubus. She included a note which said that her husband had had Kingsley in mind when he wrote the character of Behrani. "I was very flattered but at that time there was no talk of making the book into a movie. Later when they did plan the film, how could I say no?"

Kingsley has four more movies in the works and likes staying this busy. "It is wonderful," he said. "I love the company of actors."

He seems to be a happy man, full of enthusiasm and a desire to make more and more movies. His role in "House of Sand and Fog" should garner him a wealth of awards and help make sure he stays in demand. And it certainly is true that it couldn't happen to a nicer guy...... I mean Lord, I mean Knight, oh whatever.

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

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