I think it was many things.
A totally inspired casting decision; similar to an Arnold and yet totally dissimilar in size and stature.
I just think I walked in and I embodied everything he was looking for.
Im pretty happy with everything Ive done.
Was that a quote from a more discontented period?
Well, no, I think I still feel like that.
Ive made about ninety films now and maybe fifteen of them are good.
Theres only a handful of movies that Ive done where I think that the material was good.
Its two different deals.
As far as material, I dont think Ive had access to the best material.
Well, I think its a couple of things.
And then I think Im just financially able to hold out for better material.
But I had to do em because I needed to make a living.
I dont have that luxury.
Is there a remnant insecurity from that time, even when youre doing well in films and TV?
Well I always know theres gonna be something next.
I dont have insecurity about that.
I just have bills to pay, just like you.
Ive got stuff Ive got to provide [laughs].
And I dont want to make it sound like Im only looking for money gigs, because Im not.
It was not very well compensated.
Its hard to get a good movie because theres only two or three months that you have off.
Ive actually had the time to really do the research and get into the role.
I wish I could do that, and then go shoot a movie in nine months, or whatever.
But that doesnt come up that often.
Thats what it was.
I really tried to bring life to something thats not living.
Theres no charisma, no personality…youre a mimetic poly-alloy, yknow, figure out what that is!
Thats really what it was all about.
No, I dont get any residuals for that.
I wish I knew that…I dont know if I even sawJurassic Park.
Thats an inside joke.
No, I dont think Ill see anything for that.
I think its over-used and I dont think its totally used correctly.
That was always the really great thing aboutT2.
The thing that really made that movie a classic was the fact that it has great heart.
Gladiator, the Russell Crowe movie, I think that was done right.
It was used right to help tell a very poignant story.
I sat through a totally CGI movie once.
I can only go from my gut.
Is there any truth in the rumour of a connection between you andThe Sarah Connor Chronicles?
Theres absolutely no connection.
Would you be interested in a part inTerminator: Salvation?
As far as me and it?
No, there will be nothing, Im sure, that I could possibly do in that movie.
What did you think of Terminator 3?
I like Jonathan Mostow a lot.
I think hes a great director too.
I thought it was a great idea to come up with a woman terminator.
And Ill tell you another thing, she looked great naked.
A whole lot better than I did!
[laughs]
I cant disagree there!
I cant say that Im a huge sci-fi follower.
Hopefully theres some great sci-fi stuff in my future.
It gives you a lot more latitude for things that you’re able to try and do.
That show was a huge success, mostly with the same guys asThe Outer Limits.
Was it a disappointment that your character inAtlantisdidnt go on beyond the two episodes?
Were you excited to be offered the role of Doggett inThe X-Files?
Were you actually a fan of the series?
Interestingly enough, yes.
However, I dont watch as much TV as maybe people think.
Its one of the roles you seem to be proudest of…?
It was a wonderful gift, and a wonderful opportunity.
You seem to play a lot of law-enforcement roles.
Is there something particular about you that suggests yourself for that bang out of role?
Theres something in my make-up, something in the way I am.
I dont know…Im a Southern boy.
I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, a Scots Irishman.
Weve been here since there was an America.
…and we kicked your butt in the Appalachian Mountains [laughs]!
Multi-generations of fighters, and I fit in that mould.
My grandfather was a career-soldier who fought in four wars here in the United States.
I have a lot of uncles who are soldiers…
You seem very proud of your roots.
Have you ever come to Europe just to have a look round and examine them?
I am working my way there.
I also want to go to Ireland.
But I have been to England.
Ive been to London for a while and I love that.
I love all that pageantry.
Im an Anglican-Episcopalian, which is the Church Of England.
Im sure Im gonna play cops until Im in the grave [laughs].
And I hope I do!
Youve been killed by Stallone, Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis.
Is that a badge of honour?
It is, but let me give you a little extra badge of honour.
First I was killed by Bruce Willis, Schwarzenegger, then Stallone.
And inCharlies Angels 2, I was killed by the former Mrs. Bruce Willis.
Its a family affair!
Yeah, they all get their shots at me.
Someday…someday!…maybe I wont get killed…
Robert Patrick, thank you very much…
