Any on-set mishaps were the farthest things from Gary Stretch's mind as he helped promote "Alexander" at the movie's World Premiere in Hollywood.
INTERVIEW WITH GARY STRETCH (‘Cleitus’):
Did you do much research on your own?
Did I? (Laughing) I worked with Robin Lane Fox - Oliver based the film on his research of Alexander. I play Cleitus. Alexander had probably five, six main figures in his life that were throughout his whole life – all very different. I was one of them.
They’re all very different? How was Cleitus different from the rest of Alexander's close friends?
Cleitus was a general under Philip, Alexander’s father. When Philip died, Cleitus became almost like a mentor/big brother to Alexander. But at the same time, I think Cleitus was a little old-school. Alexander was very different. How would you explain it? If you think about religion or history or race, people often are stuck in certain elements. Alexander approached new ground. Cleitus was a bit old-school and Alexander wanted to open up and change things, so we had very different ideals. We loved each other but were on different paths and so in the end there was conflict, which in the film you’ll see.
Did you go through the boot camp?
Yes, I did.
What was that experience like?
Fun. For me it was fun. For some actors, they didn’t like it. I enjoyed it fully. It was fantastic – I loved the whole experience. We had a special diet. They pretty much starved us, but I thought it was an amazing experience.
They starved you?
We were on peanuts and dried fruit and water for three months. I enjoyed it (laughing). I lost a lot of fat, it was great. I need to go back!
How difficult was learning to ride a horse bareback?
To be honest, I’d never ridden before. Having ridden with saddle and bareback, I found bareback a lot easier.
What was it like working with Oliver Stone on a project of this scale?
Amazing. Intimate, small – a big film that felt like a small film. He makes everybody feel very important. He’s truly amazing. I never realized how amazing the man was until I left the project and I looked back and I remembered all the little moments, and the tricks he plays. He’s truly an extraordinary man and a great filmmaker I’m very blessed to have worked with.
Is there one moment that sticks out?
All of them – all of them.
ADDITIONAL "ALEXANDER" INTERVIEWS:
Interviews with Colin Farrell / Angelina Jolie / Erol Sander / Neil Jackson
