Mads Mikkelsen on Indiana Jones
That’s why Harrison Ford is a legend for him
Known from Hollywood and European art house cinema: the Dane Mads Mikkelsen.
© Disney/Hanna Boussouar
At the start of “Indiana Jones 5” the Dane Mads Mikkelsen talks about the seductive power of villain and cinema icon Harrison Ford.
In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the mime, who has also become known through films such as the Oscar winner “Der Rausch” (2020), talks about his impression of screen legend Harrison Ford (80), the psychology of the character he plays and his favorite Indiana Jones villains.
How did it feel for you to get this role? You’ve been in some huge Hollywood franchises: Marvel, Star Wars, James Bond and Harry Potter. Was it still something special?
Mads Mikkelsen: It was quite special for a number of reasons. A week before I got the call, I was sitting with a friend. He listed – as you say – the various franchises in which I’ve played the villain. Oh, and occasionally the good guys too. He laughed and was like, ‘It’s crazy how much you played.’ As a Dane, that’s hard to understand, you know?
Then he wrote down another movie – ‘Indiana Jones’ – and he was like, ‘But you haven’t done that one yet.’ A week later I got the call. To be honest, I had a hard time concentrating on the call. I just wanted to message my friend.
You just mentioned that you’ve only played villains in Hollywood productions – with the exception of ‘Rogue One’…
Mikkelsen: Exactly. Oh, and Hannibal. Is he a villain? I’m not sure.
Are you tired of that sometimes?
Mikelsen: No. I have many opportunities to do something different in Europe, Denmark or other places. It would be nice if they gave me something different, but in Denmark, Sweden and Germany I play a whole range of different characters. Then I’ll go over there and be the bad guy. I can handle that.
A question about digital rejuvenation at the beginning of the film. Were you on set for these scenes, or was a double used?
Mikkelsen: No, in all those scenes it’s me and Harrison. We played all these scenes, it’s completely based on us. In Harrison’s case, they only found pictures where he was 35 or 40 years old. Then they turn it into him. But that’s his choice as an actor – every single shot.
How does Voller manage to pull his henchmen into his orbit? Is it just because of the military hierarchy?
Mikelsen: No. I think there are always people who are a little lost. Then when they meet someone who has all the answers to their problems… we’ve seen that throughout history. It’s not as complicated as you might think.
You play a villain in this iconic film series that has spawned so many great villain characters. Did you look at these before production? And do you have a favorite?
Mikkelsen: I didn’t look at the films specifically for inspiration. My favorite, of course, is the crazy guy who burns his own hand (laughs). He’s very iconic. Some performers pull this off because it’s a real character trait. I don’t copy it. We’re just trying to set the scene for an Indiana Jones movie. There are certain limits and certain freedoms for it to fit into this type of film.
Did you also have to do a lot of stunts for the film? Were some particularly challenging?
Mikkelsen: I didn’t do that many stunts, which was a shame. Because I love doing my stunts and I’m pretty good at it. I think Harrison knocked me out a few times, that was it. Otherwise, Voller has henchmen for the dirty work.
What was your impression of Harrison Ford on the set? How was working with this legend?
Mikkelsen: Yes, a legend. That’s what he is. Because of his talent and the things he’s already done, but mostly because he doesn’t act like a legend. He is a very down to earth person who makes the job and life and what we do very easy. So we all forget who he is and that’s something you have to do first.