He’s been a soldier, vampire, Earl and shark bait, but Xavier Samuel’s new role is, as Matt Myers discovers, one close to our hearts – an original 78er!
Riot is an important drama in terms of telling the history of the Australian LGBTI rights movement. Did you and the cast have that sense of mind during production?
Absolutely. It’s something we talked about a lot because we knew we were involved in an important part of Australian history concerning equality. We were very fortunate to be telling such a significant story that hadn’t been told before. The film focuses on only a few of the people who were around at that time, but there were so many more who played a part in standing up for what they believed in. We actually got to meet some of the 78er’s and hear what their perspective was, and whether it was close to what we were portraying.
What research did you undertake for the role of Jim Walker?
I read as much as I could about the political climate at the time, and the years leading up to that first Mardi Gras. There are a few documentaries that provide a bit of insight as well, but unfortunately there’s not a lot of information around about Jim Walker. He died in 1993 at the age of forty-five. I talked to as many people as I could about him. He was a founding member of Campaign Against Moral Persecution (CAMP) and played an important part in his community as a doctor. He was fascinated by Ancient Egypt and also helped fundraise for the East Timor Independence movement, as well as being a founding member of the Mardi Gras. So he was certainly a busy man. I got the impression from everyone that I spoke to, that Jim was very kind and insightful.
It must been challenging trying to discover the make-up of such a person?
It’s quite an intimidating prospect playing a real person, because you can never really give a true depiction of that person. It can only ever be an idea of who that person might have been. I suppose I tried to portray a version of Jim that was passionate and thoughtful, and standing up for what he believed in. It was also important for me to talk to people who were there at the time. I listened to their perspective and certainly heard some amazing stories. I had the pleasure of meeting 78er Peter Murphy, who Jim, as a doctor, was able to give adequate medical attention to, when Peter was being held at the Darlinghurst police station. There are so many incredible people during that time who risked a lot, and Riot only focuses on just a few of those remarkable individuals.
Did you talk to your gay mates about playing the role?
Well I’ve played a gay character before in the movie Newcastle (2008), but one of the interesting things I found about Jim in Riot, was that he wasn’t really defined by his sexuality, but more a man of many facets. I looked at it more about playing a complicated human being rather than basing it on sexuality. His sexuality was certainly something I was aware of, but I can’t really sit down with my gay friends and say how do you be gay? However, I did learn about what that community was like at the time, which was one of the most helpful aspects.
Are you attending this year’s Mardi Gras?
I really hope so, but I’m about to fly to Los Angeles, so I hope I’m back in time. It would be so great to hang out with all the people we met on set.
You’ve come a long way since McLeod’s Daughters to be the lead in several films. What was the sliding door moment?
I’m not sure if I could put my finger on it exactly, because I think it was more a gradual thing. I did the film September (2007), which kicked things off and I bounced around for a while doing other projects, but I suppose working in America for the first time was the big deal that opened up doors that otherwise may have been closed.
You played Riley in The Twilight Saga. What was that experience like?
At the time it was kind of unbelievable. I had auditioned in Sydney and knew it was wildly popular with every man and his dog going in for it. I threw my hat into the ring and discovered it was down to me and just a few others, so I flew to Los Angeles, met the director and it all happened quickly from there. I was obviously in the midst of something crazy, but they were all really cool to work with.
So how does one prepare to play a vampire?
You talk to all your vampire friends! (laughing). Actually I don’t have many vampire friends. But like with any role, you try and figure out what makes the character tick, rather than what it’s like to put in fake teeth and pale makeup. It’s more about the motivation.
You were also in Spin Out with another DNA Straight Mate, Travis Jeffery. Given the crazy content, was that a fun or difficult movie to make?
It was really fun because it was with a great bunch of people. Travis is such a funny guy and we were shooting in Shepparton Victoria, so I got to know that area. That was a slapstick screwball comedy like and Australian version of His Girl Friday (1940) and I got to work with comic legends Marc Gracie and Tim Ferguson who both directed it. That was an amazing opportunity, as I’d watched all their stuff growing up. Plus we got to drive cars around in circles!
Another DNA Straight Mate, Richie Brancatisano got eaten in the first five minutes of the Shark thriller Bait, but you made it all the way through! What was that experience like?
Maybe I would have been better off being eaten in the beginning! All the things that those characters went through! We were stuck on the top of flooded supermarket shelves trying to work out how it was possible that a shark could be in there. It was an absurd film to be a part of, but I enjoyed it.
You’ve worked with some big Hollywood names such as Eddie Murphy in Mr Church, Vanessa Redgrave in Anonymous and Kate Beckinsale in Love & Friendship. So how did you go working with Brad Pitt on Fury? Was that a pinch yourself moment?
It was, because I grew up watching Brad Pitt’s movies and I’m a great admirer of his. To find yourself standing opposite someone like that is not something that happens every day! But he was such a professional, very down to earth and a pleasure to work with. These actors work at such a sophisticated level, and there’s a reason why they have such longevity. They are talented and have a kind of insight that you hope rubs off a little. It’s always about raising the bar, I guess.
Has there been one particular actor who has given you great insight?
I think you learn a lot from everyone you work with, but working with both Robin Wright and Naomi Watts on Adore (2013) was pretty special. They are such professional actors and Naomi Watts encouraged me to always trust my gut instinct. I think that’s good advice.
There are so many great Australian television productions at the moment. Do you watch any?
Yes I do. Sometimes it’s hard to see them when I’m in the US, but I catch them on Netflix. Glitch and Wentworth are great shows and I was lucky enough to be a part of Seven Types of Ambiguity, which I’m quite proud of. Australian productions are just getting better and better. On a plane recently I was watching True Story with Hamish & Andy. What a fun show that is!
Who is your music diva?
Patti Smith. I just finished reading her books Just kids and M Train. She’s led an amazing life and is a brilliant lyricist and musician. Because the Night is probably my favourite song of hers.
This is our travel issue. What’s your favourite holiday destination?
Well I just did a family road trip in New Zealand, which was a lot of fun. We did the North Island travelling near Waitomo and the caves up there. The whole north island is really beautiful. I’ve been really lucky to travel a lot for work. I did a film in Berlin and also spent some time in Dublin shooting Love and Friendship. I enjoyed just walking around, as it’s a relatively small city with so much history and Guinness! It was uplifting wandering the same streets as Beckett and Joyce and Wilde. I also recently went on a family road trip to New Zealand and drove around the North Island. We went to the Waitomo caves where the glow-worms are and did the zip line through a forest near Rotorua. We also went to the Hot Beach natural springs where they give you a spade at the campsite to dig your own hot tub in the sand, while you look up at the stars! The whole North Island is really green, lush and kind of like the English countryside.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to enter the entertainment industry?
Use the advice that I got, which is to trust your gut and keep at it!
Are you a jocks, boxers or free-balling guy?
I’m a jocks man. They’re the most comfortable!
Riot screens on ABC1 this month
