To the world, he is Patrik Jane, in the high-octane American series The Mentalist. Of course, he enjoys his moments playing Patrik, but then, as someone who has spent so much of time riding the waves in Australia as a surfer, telling the story which is close to his heart was more important. So, he channelised his dream and made a movie on surfing – Breath. “Once you are in the water, you are in that moment. It’s almost like meditation,” said Simon Baker who also starred in The Devil Wears Prada. Excerpts from a chat:
You are passionate about surfing since childhood. So, it must have been a conscious decision to make a film on surfing.
When I was 15-years-old, I began surfing because I grew up in that kind of an environment in Australia. Some years ago, I had the opportunity to work with Martin Scorsese. We worked on a commercial together and he said to me, “When you make your first film, make it about something that you know better than anyone else.” Surfing is the world I know and that’s why I took this job. When I read the book (Breath is based on Tim Winton’s novel). I knew all these characters.
So, it’s a personal film.
Yes, it was a very personal journey making the film. I grew up like this. Culturally in Australia, we grow up around the ocean. The ocean is a large part of our lives. My sons surf, my daughter doesn’t.
You could have cast anybody else as the once-upon-a-time famous surfer Sando in ‘Breath’. Why did you cast yourself in your debut film?
(Cuts in) This is because I knew the character and it helped to get the film made as well. Also, being an actor has definitely helped me in directing the film. As an actor, I have been part of 25 movies and have played different characters on television shows. I understand the process and respect the craft. A lot of the time, a first-time director is the least experienced person on the set. But I have spent a number of years on a set and that gave me confidence to make Breath.
Even in a brief role, you made a lasting impression in the Meryl Streep-starrer ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. Why didn’t you do more films in Hollywood?
I am from Australia and I have stories in my heart that I need to tell. That is more important to me. I think I would like to make my stories. Indians have a healthy film culture and you would understand that.
Are you more comfortable in working in Australian movies than Hollywood?
It’s not about feeling more comfortable but my success as an actor is from Hollywood, but as a director I feel closer to my land. As a director, I need to speak from my heart.
Now that you have turned a director, does that mean we will see you less as an actor?
(Laughs) May be. Now, I have two jobs to handle.
How much of Patrik Jane from The Mentalist is Simon Baker?
A large part… every part I play, there are some similarities between the character and me. But then, when I play some characters I magnify certain aspects of my personality. Patrik Jane is more of a performer than I am.
Breath is a coming-of-age film. What is your favourite coming-of-age film?
François Truffaut’s The 400 Blows is a wonderful movie. Swedish film My Life as a Dog is also a favourite. I really like Satyajit Ray’s Apu Trilogy.
And what about Indian films?
I have watched Ray’s films because he made very important social comments through his movies. I also enjoy the works of Mira Nair and Shekhar Kapur.
Your debut directorial, Breath is based on surfing and being a surfer yourself, how do you feel when you are riding the waves?
I love it. It’s a release for me. The most beautiful thing being in the water at any given time is that you are completely in the moment. It’s like a complete meditation. You can’t control it or manipulate it. You have to surrender to it.
Your film also talks about overcoming fear.
Fear is a necessary thing. It’s a good companion. Fear is a great motivator.
(The writer works with Eastern Chronicle, Kolkata)
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