NEW Interview with Diogo from Luxembourg

Diogo was in Luxembourg this past weekend, where he attended a dinner at the invitation of the owner of Brasserie Chez Ana Paula in Rollingergrund.  Also at the dinner was director Ruben Alves whose latest film, "La Cage Dorée" ("The Golden Cage") was screened in Luxembourg on Saturday.  Diogo attended the screening, tweeting a picture from it, and calling "La Cage Dorée," a "beautiful and unique movie of Ruben Alves. Outstanding!!! Grande filme." (You can see the trailer for "La Cage Dorée" here.)

Also while in Luxembourg, Diogo sat down to chat with BOMDIA Luxemburgo, and you can see his interview below, followed by a translation from @Msliliana:

(video courtesy of BOMDIA Luxemburgo/YouTube)

"Diogo Morgado: Empathy for the immigrants it’s huge.....

Question: How did the opportunity to make “The Bible” come about?

Diogo Morgado: Funny, because the first question that people ask me in Portugal is that one –- how did that opportunity come out?  And I say, like any other else in the acting world -- there was casting and they made a natural selection. I think people in Portugal are not so used to the American format. American Culture has its own characteristics, obviously has its flaws, but also many good things, has virtues that should be copied, like this project. Americans are not so interested about your background, or where do you come from. Since you are the one for the part, they will hire you. It’s funny, because Americans never ask me that! Portuguese always do!

(Click the "Read More" link below to read the rest....)


Question: Was the success of “The Bible” expected? 

Diogo Morgado: The series aired on cable TV (History Channel), and it’s common knowledge that these channels do not usually have huge audiences, but this series did. In the past, their series “Hatfields & MacCoys” with Kevin Costner, had huge success and they expected this one to have as much success, but didn't expect it to be exceeded. I think there are various factors that contributed to the success of “The Bible” -- obviously its religiousness, and the USA is a very religious country too, which was very important. Then, the producer is well known from other very successful shows.  He knows how to manage things so the people get to know he is working on new projects. There are marketing strategies that Americans have that are proven to be very effective.

Question: How did you prepare yourself for "Jesus?”

Diogo Morgado: In my research, I saw many movies with the Jesus figure, and always had the feeling that Jesus was always portrayed as being “above” humans, common mortals… And The Bible says that Jesus was 100% the son of God, but 100% human, had a human condition. So I always thought - from the viewpoint of the viewer – that it was a bit unfair to have the “direct channel with God” and not be subject to a deprivation – that we all are subject to every day – and I went more through that perspective. At the time, that was a surprise for the producers, but with the rehearsals and filming, we were definitely going that way, and it's one of the things I am so proud of! Give the perspective of a Jesus, who does not know what is going to happen, does not know how he is going to die… for example, the scene were Jesus raises Lazarus, He is almost surprised and emotional, because He did that. He never doubts it, but nevertheless is an extraordinary miracle to bring someone back to life. That is almost a rejoice of what will be the revelation of God – Earth. I tried to put in those little details, and feel very happy that the American press featured that, and I hope that contributed to the success of the series.

Question: Future projects?

Diogo Morgado: I love what I do. Here or in China I will always do what I love, since I feel that I am contributing to tell a better story, I will not accept something that at first won’t make much sense, but my priority always will be good stories and not the international market. Between a good series in Portugal and a reasonable series in the US, I will always choose a good series in Portugal. That is why we are already filming the new series for SIC -- “Ambição" – there is a very curious character, who will surprise people, especially after “Jesus." That is my priority. There are two movies I filmed before “The Bible” that will air after “The Bible” this year, called "Red Butterfly” and “Born to Race.” Most people probably do not know I did those… so, that’s it for now.

Question: Are you the new “Joaquim de Almeida?”

Diogo Morgado: Each person has its own individuality, own course, and way of being and thinking. I accept the compliment -- as I take it that way -– but I do not feel like “a Joaquim de Almeida.” I feel like he did, a Portuguese actor, who does his best.

Question: Who are Diogo Morgado Fans?

Diogo Morgado:  I’ve worked since I was 15, and until I decided what I wanted to do as an actor, I experimented in doing many things. I did “Teatro de Revista”, “Malucos do Riso”, I’ve been at Teatro Maria Vitória as I did in Teatro Nacional, I tried to explore, tested myself, to understand what was going on inside me, in a broader spectrum. People know me from the Series/Novels, others from other works, so I think that, that might be the reflection from the crazy things I did in my career. I think that, that is the way. Now, what I didn´t expect, and realized that here in Luxembourg, I feel that with “The Bible,” the Portuguese community identified with a lot, and that was something I never experienced until now. They feel a need to get in contact with me and say, “We are happy, we are proud.”  More that the character of “Jesus,” they feel empathy for the immigrant, someone who goes out of Portugal and succeeds. And that I feel, that reply from the Portuguese community, that I didn't know before. There’s a new perspective I am experiencing, that makes me happy, and I give now even more value to those who get out of Portugal and succeed."
______________

Obrigada Liliana again and again, for another translation.

And finally, be sure to check out the latest pictures  posted on the Diogofanfriends Facebook Page to see even more of Diogo's visit to Luxembourg.  Thanks!

--Sara

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