Heren Istarion Interviews:
Gregory Lee Kenyon

Heren Istarion. When did you first read Tolkien's stories? Which of his works made the biggest impression on you, and why?

My answer, though true, is admittedly a bit of a cheat. You see my older sister had the major Tolkien works (LOTR, The Hobbit, Silmarillion) when we were young. She told me of how wonderful the books were. Though three years younger than her, I was reading by this point, and so she gave me The Hobbit to start with. I loved it and was anxious to read more of his work. Now whether my sister hoped to ensure my Tolkien education was done properly, or some measure of sibling torture played a part, but she told me that the next book I had to read was The Silmarillion. I don't know if I got through two pages. I vividly recall being saddened because I couldn't comprehend what was written. And so I never even opened LOTR assuming it could only be more incomprehensible to a seven year old.

Skip forward to 1997 I believe. Tolkien's world was suddenly on everyone's mind with the announcement of Peter Jackson's intended filming of the LOTR. I still recall reading the announcement. It sticks in my mind because I knew that I had to decide whether I would return to the books after all the years in between and read them before the movies came out, or whether I would wait and see the movies first. It may seem trivial to many. But I've received a Masters degree in English (literature). And I am currently a movie actor. And those two worlds are very far apart indeed. I'm sure many Tolkien fans feared that no movie could compare to the world they so vividly saw in their mind's eye from having read the books.

So I made my choice. I would wait and see the movies and judge them solely as movies. And then I would return to the books and hope that my experience therein would not be tainted by the inherent constraints of the movies.

Heren Istarion. It has been said that Tolkien is the father of modern fantasy, can you comment on this? Do you think Tolkien helped shape and give value to the genre? Can you please explain?

"Fantasy" films rarely win the major Oscars. Nor is much attention paid in our colleges and universities to fantasy works of fiction. Apparently there's an inherent snobbery, or perhaps prejudice against works of this nature, as if they don't measure up from a technical or critical standpoint. If anyone can break down these barriers it will be Tolkien. Modern audiences connect with and are moved by his characters. Their journeys feel both mythic and contemporary. And if that weren't enough, Tolkien spent considerable time researching, exploring, and defining the linguistic worlds which meet within his writing.

Heren Istarion. In your opinion, does fantasy have a purpose, a function, in modern society? Can you tell us what you think this function is? If not, can you tell us why not?

Fantasy will always have a purpose for mankind. And I believe no society needs fantasy more than a "modern" society. It is through fantasy that we find the deeper connections between the life forces of the universe.

Heren Istarion. 4. Please share with us some of the highlights/low points of your acting career. How has any one or more of these experiences helped in the role of Ancanar?

The first film I worked on in Hollywood was a very ambitious science fiction student film. It was a high point both because it was my first film, and because much of it was so technical in nature that through the making of the film I was able to understand and incorporate those requirements into the acting process.

A low point might be one morning at 7am when someone kicks me in the leg. We're "wrapped" he says. Well, I'm passed out on the floor of a hallway in an apartment building that should be condemned, having fallen asleep about an hour earlier. I had waited up all night to film my close-ups for a scene from an indie feature I was working on. Apparently we ran out of time and my close-ups just weren't that important. Welcome to Hollywood.

While the first experience helped me bridge the gap between theatre and film performance, the second taught me that you can't count on anything in this business, so you should enjoy and appreciate every opportunity you get.

Heren Istarion. 5. How did you come to first meet the directors/writers of the film and audition for the role? Can you share with us the experience of the meeting and audition?

Sam and Raiya had posted a casting notice in a local actor's trade weekly when they began their casting process. You submit a headshot and resume and out of the hundreds (if not thousands) of submissions you hope to be called in to read for them. Thankfully I was allowed that opportunity (to audition) and so I had sides (small scenes from the script) faxed to me to prepare.I read the material and the experience I'll not soon forget. It was like reading words I had spoken already, many years before, finally, inescapably brought back to me.

I walked quietly into the room. Sam and Raiya introduced themselves and gave a quick overview of the project. They indicated that we would start with the first scene sent to me. In this scene Ancanar speaks at the conclusion of a battle.

Sam and Raiya still laugh about how they were taken aback when I said, "Are you okay if I do a few push-ups before we start?" They hid their smiles well and said, "Uh, sure." I don't believe they really knew what was going on, but I had to show them how Ancanar would speak after a battle. That is, the performance will differ with the physical changes that occur through exhaustive effort. So I dropped and banged out ten or twenty push-ups, jumped up and immediately launched into the scene.

Based on the looks in their eyes and the fact that they appeared momentarily speechless at the end of the scene, I think they recognized the value of the approach.

Heren Istarion. 6. Upon being cast as Ancanar what type of research did you do for the role? What were/are your influences for the role? How have they helped shape the portrayal?

As I mentioned above, I had already chosen to wait until seeing PJ's three films before returning to Tolkien's source texts. So the major "research" as it were, took the form of frequent and extended talks with Sam (Balcomb, director).

But a key point is that these talks would, for the most part, take the same form as any discussion between actor and director, no matter what the film's genre. You see, I believe that the most important point to playing a character in a fantasy picture is that they are no different than characters in conventional, or modern dramas, especially when the character you play is human. Even if you are playing a non-human character, you simply determine what elements of humanity are hidden and what are brought to the fore.

With Ancanar, my character is a man who just happens to live in a mythical time. He faces the same issues that we face today, if only on a slightly grander scale.

In terms of my influences for the role, I spoke previously of feeling as if I have spoken the words of the text long, long before. That visceral connection I feel to the character and words allowed me to fairly "slip on" the character from day one.

Heren Istarion. .7. How has Tolkien's tales helped you prepare for the role of Ancanar in a film with Tolkien fans in mind?

The sheer number as well as depth of passion Tolkien fans feel for his writing immediately lends a greater gravity to a Tolkien inspired work. I might consider this more daunting than another acting role if I didn't take the material completely seriously from the first moment I read Sam's words. Although I am admittedly the neophyte in regards to Tolkien's world, and the degree of accuracy to which we adhere, you dare not challenge my commitment to Ancanar and his struggles.

Heren Istarion. . 8. On Ancanar.com you said that the language of the script was one of the factors drawing you to the role, not only with your ability to memorize the audition piece but it being moving, beautiful and elegant. Can you share with us some examples of the script and how were they either challenging, easy, moving, elegant or beautiful? As a story inspired by Tolkien who has a passion for language, how does the language of the story compare to that of Tolkien's?

To be honest, similar to many protagonists who embark on epic journeys, Ancanar doesn't have the majority of lines in any scene. That is, his quest forces him to oftentimes be the stranger in a strange land. To survive he must learn from those around him. In addition, when he does speak, he measures his words to some extent. In many ways Ancanar's journey parallels the audience's journey through the film. As such, what is oftentimes the most critical goal for me in a scene is a true reaction to the actions and words which play out before me. One of my favorite examples takes place in a scene between Ancanar and Finlome. Ancanar poses the eternal question to Finlome, namely "why must mortal man suffer and die whilst (Elves) are granted life eternal?" Finlome's response, no matter how many takes we did, from every angle necessary, never failed to affect me. And I won't quote it here - you'll have to see the presentation in Toronto to hear Ralph Lister do justice to Sam Balcomb's words.

Heren Istarion. 9. In the Ancanar.com Q&A someone asked of your sword fighting and stunts. Aside from the more "action" or fighting oriented scenes requiring stunts were there any other physical challenges to portraying Ancanar?

The elements certainly did their best to transport the cast and crew back to a time when the only certainty was hardship. Cold, rain, snow, winds that seemed to blow from the depths of Hell themselves. Oh, yes, by the way, we all learned from this film that what Hell exists is most certainly a cold and bitter place. They teach you to incorporate your physical world into the character and situations you play when you act. Hopefully we did our job as their way certainly much to incorporate. .

Heren Istarion. 10. As we approach the Gathering of the Fellowship presentation and the films eventual release what would you like fans to come away from Ancanar knowing or feeling?

Truth is a hard master. A haunting truth called to me in first reading Sam's words. I felt compelled to share that truth. I hope that for my part I have done so.

Heren Istarion.11. What are your thoughts of the Peter Jackson film interpretation of The Lord of the Rings?

As I chose to approach the work first as a series of films before giving the texts their due, I have to say that he has succeeded beyond measure. The cast has been impeccable, the effects have been seamless and have served the stories and not vice-versa. And the "invisible" elements of music and coloring have bound the story together in a manner both beautiful and elegiac.