Simply Abu Dhabi XXXV

8 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Q: This has been called a direct sequel to Terminator 2. What do you think of that? AS: Everyone identifies it their own way. (Director James) Cameron calls it a direct sequel. To me, it’s a Terminator film that reminds me of the old days. James Cameron is involved, Linda Hamilton, myself. We came together and try to do a movie, like old times, and it was Cameron’s vision for the storyline. Q: Who got you involved? AS: It was James Cameron who called me. He said he wanted me to play the Terminator again, and he also told me that he wanted Linda to come back. I loved the idea. I was delighted to bring the old team back together. It was also great to have Chinese investors for this movie. It all ended up fantastic for everyone as we had a lot of money for this film. It was a huge production. Q: You shot the film in Hungary – that’s right next to Austria. Did you get a chance to go “home” for a while? AS: I go back to Austria all the time. The two countries, Austria and Hungary, used to be just one, as you might know. And they look very much alike today still. If you are in Budapest, it feels like you are in Vienna. And when you are in Vienna, it feels like you are in Budapest. They are both beautiful cities. And the Hungarians are doing a lot to attract a lot of productions. I can only give them a big “ten”. Q: What is it about James Cameron that makes this franchise so great? AS: It’s not just this franchise! I did “True Lies” with him as well. He just has a very clear vision of where he wants to go with the story, and his writing is very good. He is very convincing. He comes up with great ideas. If you have questions about the character, he helps you with that as well. He’s just a great collaborator. Q: What’s different about this Terminator? AS: You connect with the character on a very emotional level. That’s how I felt when I played him this time. And that was new and thrilling for me as well. You can feel, rather than just watch, the action. Q: What about the Terminator films where Cameron was not involved? Any regrets? AS: The ones I was involved in, I thought they were terrific, but they didn’t have the Cameron touch. This movie has his touch. People will see it right away. Q: Are you still the same guy/machine in this movie? AS: I am still the same model, except I have been around for a lot longer. There are other things the Terminator has this time. Other than that, it’s the same. Q: How was it working with Linda Hamilton again? AS: It was great. She is a sweetheart of a girl. It was almost as if we had never stopped working together. She has this ability of being an animal once she gets into this character. She becomes this vicious wild cat. But then you say “Cut”, and she gives you a big kiss on the cheek. How she does that, I have no idea. She can turn it on and play that madness. She trains like crazy and the way she handles herself is incredible.