Wings Hauser, a name synonymous with the counterculture movement of the late 1960s and 1970s, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. His unique career, spanning over four decades, is peppered with memorable roles that have shaped his enigmatic image. In a rare interview, we delve into the mind of this multitalented artist, exploring his journey, his methods, and his enduring love for the silver screen.
Hauser's multi-dimensional persona, blending the intensity of a method actor with the raw energy of a rockstar, has made him a compelling figure in Hollywood. Born in Los Angeles in 1947, Hauser's artistic lineage is evident in his family tree - his father, Richard Hauser, was a renowned architect, and his mother, Marlene, was a painter. Yet, it was his passion for the performing arts that ultimately led him to follow in the footsteps of his maternal grandfather, stage actor Sam Harris.
The Method Behind Hauser's Madness
A product of the Actor's Studio and a disciple of Lee Strasbourg's method acting, Hauser's approach to acting is anything but conventional. "I believe in becoming the character," he says, his eyes gleaming with intensity. "I don't just play a role; I inhabit it. I let it consume me."
This immersive technique has often resulted in Hauser staying in character even off-screen, much to the amusement and sometimes, discomfort of those around him. Yet, it's this unyielding commitment to his craft that hasmade Hauser's performances brutally honest and progressively compelling.
The Transformative Power of Method Acting
Hauser's most iconic role to date is arguably that of Napoleon Wilson in the 1975 film, "Bugsy Malone". Here, Hauser's ability to embody the character's cunning and ambition was nothing short of extraordinary. "I didn't just act out Napoleon's greed," he recalls, "I became it. I felt it, I breathed it. By the end of the shoot, I was Napoleon Wilson, not Wings Hauser."
This singular approach has not only pushed boundaries but also ruffled feathers. Hauser remembers Stanislavsky's advice, " Glory to the actors! But more glory to the truth!" As he puts it, "If it means shattering a few illusions to get to the truth of a character, so be it."
The Counterculture Canvas
An integral part of the counterculture movement, Hauser's off-screen persona is as intriguing as his on-screen roles. He spoke about the influence of the '60s and '70s on his outlook and his work. "It was a time of rebellion, of breaking free from conventions," Hauser says, his eyes lighting up at the memories. "It's only natural that my acting too was unconventional, rebellion-fueled."
This rebellion found its way into his films, from "Straight Time" to "The führen zu Montags" (English title: "Monday's March") and later, "Running Scared". It's this streak of defiance that continues to define Wings Hauser, even today, long after the counterculture revolution has faded.
The Hauser Movie Universe: Then and Now
From the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles in "Straight Time" to the grim aerospace industry of California in "Running Scared", Hauser's films have offered a kaleidoscope of the American experience. His roles have spanned the spectrum, from cops and criminals in "Nash Bridges" and "Venice 1973" to a T-Rex(!) in "Predator!"
When asked about his eclectic choice of roles, Hauser simply shrugs. "I've always been drawn to stories, to characters that challenge me, scare me even. Whether it's a dinosaur or a down-on-his-luck cop, I'm in it for the challenge, for the truth. That's where the art lies."
From Cops to Creatures: Hauser Breaks Boundaries
One of Hauser's most unusual roles was that of a T-Rex in Roger Corman's 1988 B-movie, "Predator!". Hauser chuckles at the memory. "It wasn't your average role, I'll give you that. But it was fun, from the get-go. I was a dinosaur, for crying out loud! How cool is that?" he asks, his eyes twinkling with the playful spark that has always been a part of his persona.
Off-screen, Hauser is known for his dedication to his craft, his love for his family, and his unwavering commitment to staying true to himself. When asked about his thoughts on the ever-evolving world of cinema, Hauser's response is characteristically thoughtful. "Movies are a reflection of our collective consciousness. They change with us, grow with us. The more we evolve, the more our stories will too."
And as for Wings Hauser? "I'm just a lucky guy who gets to do what he loves. I've played cops, crooks, dinosaurs. I've been a husband, a father, a friend. And throughout it all, I've been me. That, to me, is the greatest role of all."