Is there a reason this is not coming up for me??

Coll | June 02, 15:35 CET

Tis coming up alright on my PC, are you getting 'page not found'?

Simon | June 02, 15:42 CET

I'm not able to access the link, either. (Page Not Found)

Jangelus | June 02, 15:45 CET

It's working for me, so I'm not exactly sure what is happening.

Actually I think I do, the BBC seem to be pissing around with the URLS so I've changed the link, try it now.

Simon | June 02, 15:55 CET

“I pretty much have everything mapped out for me. Tom (David’s manager) has already done that, so I put my trust in him and let that formula unfold.”

How to be a Big Star 101. Now I know why David’s comments on the end of “Angel” seem so “have a nice summer”: he must appear mysterious, with a manly confidence that says he can take it or leave it, thus creating a demand for “Mr. Unattainable”. Yes, I am being sarcastic, but I wish he’s stop talking in clichés. He doesn’t have to burst into tears, but it would be nice to have more of a feeling that it wasn’t just a job that he’s glad to be rid of so he can go be a movie star. “Angel” put him on the star map. I get the whole thing about wanting to see what you can do after playing the same character for eight years, but good luck to him if he thinks there’s better writing and storytelling out there. Show me some emotion. Not hot, bitter tears for something as rare and special as “Angel”, but passion for what you do.

bloodflowers | June 02, 16:57 CET

He talks about how glad he was the way the character went out this season, he does care about the show creatively.

Remember when Angel's son thing came up, he wasn't sure about that, then the writers made him think otherwise.

Same with Spike, he's open to playing Angel in a big screen kind of way, interesting words, he'll like a bigger budget, maybe a direct to dvd feature films, if not released at the cinema, starship troopers 2 went to straight to dvd, got some good reviews, so interesting words.


Are you planning any more convention appearances in Europe?

James [Marsters] and I are putting an event together for Halloween weekend that we're really excited about. It's a good opportunity for almost, not a farewell tour, but to say thank you to all the people, especially over in Europe.



There's passion there, cares about the fans and angel creatively.
Postive man of the future, lets all be positive about 5 seasons of Angel, and 3 seasons of Angel on Buffy, we've got it better then some fans of other shows.





Any final thoughts about Angel?

I think I had fun with him. We had a good time, and I think we should all be very proud of what we've done.



Excellent, what does anyone want David to cry?
:D Jesus, some fans are never satisified. I've mourned the ending of the show enough, so embrace a positive view of Angel, great work, proud of the episodes they did, loads to watch on dvd, Angel lives forever, looking forward to Crow Wicked Prayer, go DB.

[ edited by SeanValen on 2004-06-02 15:46 ]

[ edited by SeanValen on 2004-06-02 15:48 ]

SeanValen | June 02, 17:43 CET

Damn it. Dudes, what about us mere mortals over here in the damn states. Can we like get some love too

*sigh*

David and James at the same convention. THat should be BIG if it actually happens. Actually, that scenario has a potential to get dirty in so many pleasant and unpleasant ways. By the by, David sounds like a splendid fella, so I don't get what the gripe about him is or the way he chooses to word his words. THat's how he feels. More power to his positive, look at the upside attitude.

nychick | June 02, 18:03 CET

I agree, Bloodflowers. But DB can't change how he feels. But apparently no one taught him how to do interviews still....take a lesson from James, David.

And I think it's great that he has confidence in his 'career', but really, he's not the type of actor who's going to go far. I think David Duchovny is a much better actor, and he hasn't done much(good) since X-Files(and has changed his tune dramatically about wanting to do anything X-Files related!) I know some of it is the luck of the draw, but there is a big talent component that I'm not sure DB has. He's a nice enough guy, a little less disappointed than we expected(no one wants him to cry, for pete's sake), but he doesn't really have the talent to make him a big screen star. I think James does, but I also don't think he'll go very far. Maybe it's just a curse of tv folk, with rare exceptions, it just doesn't usually happen.

Rogue Slayer | June 02, 18:17 CET

I never said I wanted David to cry (or gnash his teeth, rend his garments or shake his fist at the heavens, for that matter). I'm just commenting on how he comes across in print. I have nothing against DB, I just rarely find his interviews interesting or insightful.

Rogue Slayer-- I agree that DB seems to have optimistic best laid plans for a career, but I'm not sure how realistic they are either. He's not exactly an actor's actor. However, looking at some of the actors who make $20 million+ a film, talent seems to be a small part of the equation.
The talent question could also be a curse to James. He certainly has it, maybe too much to be appreciated in the current entertainment climate. I think he would do well to concentrate on character parts in more interesting or independent films. I would love to see him get back to the stage, since that's where his passion seems to be. See, there's that word again.

bloodflowers | June 02, 18:45 CET

Look there, he's thanking the fans! I know a lot of people were wanting that. David's not such a bad guy. He's just a very positive person.

There's this idea that when one door closes another door opens. I believe life disappointments and tragedies are opportunities to learn and evolve as people, and David strikes me as the kind of guy who sees the positive in everything. He appreciates the fans but he also sees this as a turning experience in his life, which is always an exciting thing.

I do think he could act a little bit more humble, just so he doesn't come across as arrogant. But you know, I actually can understand that being the star of a long-running show that's always on the bubble could be a lot of pressure. Maybe he's just glad that pressure's off. I can totally understand that.

Well, that's just my 2 cents, for whatever that's worth.

[ edited by electricspacegirl on 2004-06-02 17:11 ]

electricspacegirl | June 02, 19:04 CET

I actually thought this was a good interview. He seemed to express more of his feelings that he was actually sad it was ending. He had his family there to watch the final filming which indicates to me how important it was.

He's also not completely ruling out revisiting the part again, just not for tv (the wb?). I'd much rather have a direct to DVD movie over a tv one any day.

Having seen him in interviews, he comes across as very laid back and I think without actually seeing him do the talking, translating it to paper may come out more arrogant than he is. I think he's just an optimist.

I think he's a good actor and with the right roles he could go far but it will be hard. Not many TV stars have successful movie careers. He may be better off going into directing.

Firefly Flanatic | June 02, 19:53 CET

This was a pretty good interview. The British always ask the most interesting questions; this is the first time I've seen anyone inquire how DB's knee injury affected him this past season. And not one mention of you-know-who and the other show. Just questions about Angel, discussed on its own merits. Amazing.

I agree that DB's personal life philosophy seems to be overwhelmingly positive. How he can maintain such a level of optimism is a mystery to me -- given the world we live in and the dubious future of most genre actors -- but rather than being irritated by it, I find it admirable. So many others might find themselves mired in depression after the end of a show such as Angel. He certainly could be more soberly measured about his chances at success, but I think he's likelier to continue finding work if he can hold onto his sunny disposition and keep reaching for the proverbial stars.

This desire for him to express more angst and pain over the cancellation, when angst and pain is at the core of the character he's been playing for the last eight years, appears to be coming from fans wanting him to behave a certain way in order for him to satisfy a need they're projecting onto him, and for him to identify himself with their own intense feelings about the show. As if an overt expression of grief (or whatever) on his part will somehow validate those (very valid, let me add) feelings.

Has anyone considered that perhaps his optimism is a type of reflexive reaction against the psychically draining sadness of Angel's sorrowful existence, and the energy DB has had to expend to faithfully portray that? We've only known him as this character, and it's been a dark five (plus three) years for Angel. Extreme darkness calls for extreme light to create a healthy balance. (Isn't it remarkable such a low-key, angst-free person is able to be as convincing as Angel? I'll never understand people who say he can't act. With JM, who's intense in RL, Spike's intensity is absolutely believable, but not nearly so profound a stretch.)

It's almost kind of hilarious that DB is eliciting criticism for being happy. Compared to many actors, it's a welcome change. I don't see him as arrogant. I see him as confident. JM is confident, too. He's just more articulate about his emotions, and more avid to express them, than DB apparently is comfortable doing. Nothing wrong with that. As long as they're both moving forward and continuing the pursuit of working in a profession they both love, why should it matter?

Looking back at the quote Simon chose to pull from the interview, that pretty much says it all. What more does he need to say?

Wiseblood | June 02, 21:04 CET

Okay, the more I think about it, DB's seeming lack of passion may be due to the big ol' cliche of "What I really want to do is direct". Isn't that what he went to college for? Maybe he decided to go with the acting for a while because it paid the bills and then he could do what he really wanted. It could only help him deal with actors by knowing what they were going through.

If he was chomping at the bit for a while, kudos to him for not really mentioning it until the show was over. I can't imagine the terrible stress he must have been under to play the lead character, and the long hours that entails, on a show that was always on the brink of cancellation. Especially if you might be questioning if it's really worth it and if acting is not where your heart truly lies. Any relief he feels is justified.

I'm not so sure about judging acting ability based on how much an actor is or isn't like the character they are playing. I simply want them to make me believe they are the character. If actors never gave interviews or went on talk shows, we'd have to accept the performanceon its own merit. William to Spike and pratfalls on coffee beans to Dark Wesley, JM and AD's ranges are pretty impressive. And believable. David is subtle and solid as Angel. Still believable, he just fits too easily into teh conventional leading man slot for my taste. Apples and oranges.

I don't criticize him for being happy. It is quite enviable to have such a positive attitude. Some of us could be projecting our heartbreak onto him and want just an inkling of that reflected back, but I understand if that's not in his character. For all I know, he could have gone home that weekend after they all got the news and bawled his eyes out, but that's none of my business. It's partly Joss's fault for creating characters that are so complex and invite such intense feelings. Darn him.
DB thanks us from the bottom of his heart. All I can say to that is You're Welcome. And thank you.

[ edited by bloodflowers on 2004-06-02 20:42 ]

bloodflowers | June 02, 21:58 CET

Has anyone considered that perhaps his optimism is a type of reflexive reaction against the psychically draining sadness of Angel's sorrowful existence, and the energy DB has had to expend to faithfully portray that? We've only known him as this character, and it's been a dark five (plus three) years for Angel. Extreme darkness calls for extreme light to create a healthy balance. (Isn't it remarkable such a low-key, angst-free person is able to be as convincing as Angel? I'll never understand people who say he can't act. With JM, who's intense in RL, Spike's intensity is absolutely believable, but not nearly so profound a stretch.)

It's almost kind of hilarious that DB is eliciting criticism for being happy. Compared to many actors, it's a welcome change. I don't see him as arrogant. I see him as confident. JM is confident, too. He's just more articulate about his emotions, and more avid to express them, than DB apparently is comfortable doing. Nothing wrong with that. As long as they're both moving forward and continuing the pursuit of working in a profession they both love, why should it matter?

Excellent point, Wiseblood. I completely agree. I am thankful to DB for giving playing such a great character for 8 years. That's a really long time in the TV biz. He could have walked a long time ago but he stayed. As a matter of fact I read that he had signed another contract to continue once he learned what Joss had planned for a sixth season.

I am grateful to DB for his work on Buffy and Angel. I'm glad he has a positive view of the experience of being fired. I'm a bit jealous of that.

electricspacegirl | June 03, 01:34 CET

I'll never understand people who say he can't act.

Well, to be honest, DB hasn't had quite the opportunity to show his range, but he still appears to be a bit wooden in the acting area when you compare him to a JM or an AD, who can make you cry with just a facial expression. I've only seen DB as Angel, and in Married with Children. I just don't think he's that great. He does well enough with what he's given, and I'll be happy to eat my words if I see something else that proves me wrong, but I just don't see him as a great talent. He's a good Angel, but would he be a good Hamlet? Mulder? Spike? Indiana Jones? Keiser Soze?

JM on the other hand is a total spaz, and the fact that he can stand still to be Spike amazes me!! :)

Rogue Slayer | June 03, 04:02 CET

JM on the other hand is a total spaz, and the fact that he can stand still to be Spike amazes me!! :)

Or sit up straight in a chair!

JM certainly has a Peter Pan-like never-growing-up physical quality in RL, which may work to his disadvantage as he ages, but he has amazing presence on the screen. DB has had his moments, but I have to agree that his acting is sometimes a little wooden. On the other hand, I would like to see all the actors involved have successful careers. I think luck, looks, and youth -- and a good agent -- probably have more to do with success than talent, but being involved with a series with global popularity should help them all.

palehorse | June 03, 05:37 CET

DB has had his moments, but I have to agree that his acting is sometimes a little wooden.

I will admit there are a few instances I have wished DB had given more to a particular scene. I hesitate to characterize those instances as 'bad acting', however, even if I'm slightly dissatisfied with his approach. (I can say the same is true of every actor on the show, if I want to get especially nit-picky.)

Having said that, it might just as well be direction from whoever's orchestrating the scene, and not necessarily his own artistic decision. (DB has stated in at least one interview I recall reading a few years ago that there were occasional differences of opinion between himself and directors concerning the way Angel was to be played in certain episodes.) Or other things behind the scenes we can't be aware of. Overall, I think he's acquitted the demands of the role well, and better than might have been imagined for someone with as little television experience as he had.

The demeanor and mannerisms Angel has evolved, beginning on Buffy. Angel's emotional reactions are often so constrained and internalized that DB comes across as physically static, compared to his castmates who are generally more highly regarded for their skill (and who are allowed a showier range of expression). In some ways, I think Angel's air of melancholy functions as a kind of built-in constitutional handicap that limits his expressiveness to some degree; DB is basically interpreting the character through a localized fog of remorse and self-loathing, after all.

Yet, too much expressiveness, and Angel could very easily become a melodramatic caricature. I mean, all creatures of the night are gloomy, but how many of them have Angel's morbid, dry sense of humor and self-aware narcissism? It's a delicate balance he's being asked to render. DB does tend to underplay rather than overplay. In some cases I've found that I can go back to some of those scenes I first disliked and appreciate the subtlety of some of those choices.

I've also wondered what it would be like to see one of the other boys stepping into Angel's boots. Both AD and JM are brilliant, but somehow I can't see either one of them being quite able to pull it off with DB's degree of comfort. AD is simply too emotive; the telegraphic gaze of his eyes would give away too much, nor does he have the advantage (in this case ;) of DB's hooded brow. And JM doesn't have the stature to convey a massively imposing menace, though he can communicate cunning, quick-witted viciousness and explosive menace to a fault. Both he and AD share a kind of fineness, a delicacy of form as well as comportment that doesn't fit with the necessity for Angel's brute force and blunt, physically overwhelming power.

They're both so skilled that they could probably coerce me into acceptance (though I just laughed at Wesley trying to evoke Angelness in GWBG), but I get this feeling of effortless rightness, for lack of a better term, with DB in the role. For me, he just fits, in the same way that I couldn't see anyone else but AD as Wes, or JM as Spike. Despite the variances in the theatrical expertise prior to Angel of all three actors, they've managed to make indelible impressions as their respective characters. It's something to be proud of. If DB does want to direct instead of act, I'm good with that, but I'll truly miss him in front of the camera as the original vampire with a soul.

Please, let Serenity make buckets 'o' cash so the Buffy/Angelverse peeps can get their shot at the big screen!

Wiseblood | June 03, 09:28 CET

DB has stated in at least one interview I recall reading a few years ago that there were occasional differences of opinion between himself and directors concerning the way Angel was to be played in certain episodes.)

I can appreciate all of the points you made, but even in the epi that DB directed, it still felt wooden to me. Maybe that's just how DB has come to feel comfortable playing the character, though.

I have to disagree about AD, however. I think he would make a decent Angel. He can affect that blank, emotionless face rather well sometimes, though I see what you mean about his eyes. But I think he could pull it off better than maybe a JM.

Rogue Slayer | June 03, 18:20 CET

I think DBs portrayal of Angel has been great. I don't know if I'd say he was wooden in any scene because I think that Angel is supposed to be uncomfortable with who he is. Most of the time he has been a loner who doesn't know how to fit in. Whether it's good acting or just DB I don't think we really can know unless we see him in different roles. In real life, DB seems to be a very happy, fun loving person and we've caught glimpses of that with Angel but Angel was never going to be like that all the time. And when he portrayed Angelus, he was fantastic. And when he was allowed to show his comic abilities he was fantastic doing that too. Love him in the episode where they thought they were teenagers and he discovered he was a vampire. The scene with him and the mirror was so funny. Also when he came back from Hell he did a great job acting crazy as he did in Cordy's alternate world where Angel was given the visions and it drove him insane.

I think AD and JM were really given the more expressive roles that allowed them to showcase their wonderful talents but DB was rarely given that opportunity to do anything much different for his character. Angel's role and personality were established pretty much from the beginning.

So, what I'm saying, let's see how he does in future projects and if he still comes across the same way and seems to be playing the same character than it probably is a lack of acting skills. I enjoyed Charisma Carpenter as Cordy but when I've seen her in other things, she seems to be playing the same character and doesn't seem to have much of a range. The only other thing I've seen DB in was that horrible movie Valentine and he wasn't really in it that much and it was pretty early in his career. He's definitely improved since his early days on BtVS.

[ edited by blwessels on 2004-06-03 17:11 ]

Firefly Flanatic | June 03, 19:00 CET

Alexis Denisof does indeed have a “telegraphic gaze”. What a perfect description. Think of when Wesley was taking baby Connor and softly singing a lullabye. The look in his eyes when he realized that Lorne had read him was amazing. Or early in this season as Spike looked over his shoulder and casually asked about the shanshu prophecy. Wesley said one thing, but his eyes said “I will take you down to Chinatown if you try to steal this away from Angel”. He makes me believe he is thinking Wesley’s thoughts. The only time he faltered was during Alyson Hannigan’s appearance last season. He just couldn’t hide the sparkle in his eyes. He practically had stars dancing in them and cartoon bluebirds fluttering around his head. So in love. It was sweet. Now if I didn’t know the blonde with the baby was David’s real life wife, I never would have guessed. Does that make him a better actor in that instance or is he just good at hiding his emotions?

When you compare DB’s portrayal of Angel now to where he started, you can definitely see how far his acting has come. The question is whether it can go any farther. There are plenty of big name actors who keep giving the same performance over and over. They go on about how they approached the character and I just think “You are so delusional!” Some of it may be the fans wanting to see the same thing over and over. The actor is stuck, but the money’s good. Or maybe they are just lazy. I really want to see DB do something different. He seems willing, but I think luck will play a major part. I don’t know how may doors being on a cult hit will open.

Out of them all, I am worried that JM isn't going to be able to move forward. Not for any lack of desire on his part, but that some fans won't allow him to. I’ve seen him in “Winding Roads”, “Chance” and (although I don’t remember him specifically, I remember the performance) “Northern Exposure”. It was easy for me to accept him as a normal person as opposed to a flashy vampire because he is so good and so charismatic. He just has a certain something that makes me believe. He was also smart to get rid of the blonde right away.

I want them all to make a living as working actors and be happy, but it’s going to be tough. To do good work they need good scripts and I don’t think any of them are the first name on a casting director’s lips. They may need A-list actors to foolishly pass on something great to get a foot in the door. It’s also up to us to support any future projects. I feel very protective now for some reason.

bloodflowers | June 03, 23:34 CET

Alexis Denisof does indeed have a “telegraphic gaze”. What a perfect description. Think of when Wesley was taking baby Connor and softly singing a lullabye. The look in his eyes when he realized that Lorne had read him was amazing. Or early in this season as Spike looked over his shoulder and casually asked about the shanshu prophecy. Wesley said one thing, but his eyes said “I will take you down to Chinatown if you try to steal this away from Angel”. He makes me believe he is thinking Wesley’s thoughts. The only time he faltered was during Alyson Hannigan’s appearance last season. He just couldn’t hide the sparkle in his eyes. He practically had stars dancing in them and cartoon bluebirds fluttering around his head. So in love. It was sweet.

Telegraphic gaze. That's it. I remember the moment I fell in love with Wesley. It was in season 3 in Waiting in the Wings after they got back from the Ballet. Wesley is sitting in a chair talking to Fred and when the conversation ends he gazes at her and you see love, then hope, then devastation, all in 2 seconds. That killed me. Over and over again, Alexis had done that sort of thing, and it moves me to tears. Poor Wesley!

As for when Alyson was on the show, I did look for a sign of Alexis's feelings for Alyson in Wesley but I was sure I didn't see it. I'll have to check again.

I want them all to make a living as working actors and be happy, but it’s going to be tough. To do good work they need good scripts and I don’t think any of them are the first name on a casting director’s lips. They may need A-list actors to foolishly pass on something great to get a foot in the door. It’s also up to us to support any future projects. I feel very protective now for some reason.

I think they should look into independent films. I think the independent film industry is so much better than mainstream hollywood. They usually give the actors so much more depth than mainstream films. I think DB even mentioned indie films when talking about what he would like to do next. I wish them luck too. It's a tough business but as long as they are doing what makes them happy, that's all you can hope for. Money isn't everything. Didn't JM say that he just wanted to make a lot of money and get out? Has he made enough yet? :) Maybe he'll go back to theater. I would love to see him perform in a play.

[ edited by electricspacegirl on 2004-06-03 23:16 ]

electricspacegirl | June 04, 01:11 CET

"As for when Alyson was on the show, I did look for a sign of Alexis's feelings for Alyson in Wesley but I was sure I didn't see it."

Maybe I'm just thinking of how he always looks at her in real life. I remember it from when he was behind the desk as Willow was getting ready to leave. He had the sparkly eyes thing and then looked down quickly when she hugged Angel.


"I think they should look into independent films. I think the independent film industry is so much better than mainstream hollywood."

Amen to that.

"Didn't JM say that he just wanted to make a lot of money and get out? Has he made enough yet? :)"

I know. I would love to see him alternate indie films with theater. And possibly a juicy supporting role on an HBO series for the prestige. Hey, look at that--I'm his agent!

bloodflowers | June 04, 16:03 CET