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The Lead - Call Him Bruce

Cult Classic Film Hero Bruce Campbell on Everything from Filmmaking to Old Spice

By Jeff Freeman

Leading man, set builder, western lawman, security guard, Navy SEAL, cab driver, King of Thieves, Jack of all Trades, Elvis impersonator, usher, maître d’, writer, director, Old Spice pitchman, star of arguably some of the greatest cult classic films of all time, “The Evil Dead,” “Army of Darkness” and “Bubba Ho-Tep” among them.

One would be hard-pressed to think of a role Bruce Campbell hasn’t tackled, whether as an actor or in the working world. After all, Campbell is from the old school where actors paid their dues, and loving ones’ craft sometimes meant not being paid. The self-professed “B-movie” actor with the rugged looks of a ’40s matinee idol is one of the most recognized names in film — independent or otherwise. Fans will line up, hundreds deep, for hours just for an autograph and a chance to shake his hand.

Floating around the Internet is more evidence: dozens of fan clubs, Bruce Campbell action figures, mock Campbell’s Soup label images (“Cream of Darkness” flavor, of course), and a production of “Evil Dead, The Musical.”

Still, Campbell entertains crowds not only with his films but via public speaking where he demonstrates a good-natured wit, poking fun at his fans, friends and career. Bruce took a moment out from his busy schedule playing “Sam Ash” on the USA Network hit series “Burn Notice” to answer a few questions from The Lead.

Your biography, ‘If Chins Could Kill’ gave an extensive history regarding the first ‘Evil Dead’ film. Involved in so many aspects of the production, how did that experience shape you as an actor and filmmaker?

BC: It changed everything, because being involved in front of and behind the camera became the norm. It made me very sensitive to the needs of the crew around me — the wall between cast and crew dissolved, and it makes for a better filmmaking experience.

Now that you’re also writing, directing and producing films, how difficult is it to be both in front of and behind the camera during a production?

BC: It’s more liberating from a creative standpoint, in that I can do anything I want on any given day, but it’s more homework. I can do without the sleep, so it’s worth it. The video age has made it possible for pretty much anyone with a camcorder to make a movie. What advice would you give the prospective filmmaker on getting their work noticed? Just make a good flick and you’ll get noticed. There is no point trying to do the ‘P.T. Barnum thing’ if you don’t have the film to back it up. Spend more time making the film than selling it and you’re way ahead of the game.

Following up on that, what particular challenges do you see for the low budget filmmaker these days?

BC: The internet is a help, but it’s not the answer. You need to focus on making a story that is compelling enough — and original enough — to capture the attention of a distracted audience. Also, filmmakers need to know that it takes a while for their film to seep into the consciousness of America, let alone the world. Patience is a virtue.

Read the full interview here.