Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"Blow a raspberry. It's like, oh, okay. Here I am. I've traveled the stage with the National Theatre. I've performed a gallery throughout Europe and America. Now I'm here blowing raspberries to shitting people." — Lawrence Harvey
"Tom wants me to play certain scenes. And then we're going to more and more extreme. Then he said, show us how you would do the rape scene. And would you like to attempt the rape scene? I said, yep, sure, why not?" — Lawrence Harvey
"I always, I kind of thought I'd be more in kind of more artsy kind of productions. But, you know, I took on the human centipede 2 because I liked Tom when I met him and he had a range of different references. Including some art house references like Salo." — Lawrence Harvey
The podcast episode features an interview with actor Lawrence Harvey, primarily focusing on his roles in the "Human Centipede" film series. Harvey details his transition from performance art and painting to acting, highlighting influences like Laurie Anderson and his early work in children's television. He discusses his audition process for "Human Centipede 2," emphasizing his performance art background and how he approached extreme scenes, including using a chair as a prop. The conversation delves into the artistic intent behind the films, with Harvey suggesting they can be viewed as commentaries on horror cinema and audience perception, rather than gratuitous shock value.
Harvey shares insights into his character, Martin, in "Human Centipede 2," explaining how he developed the character's threatening presence despite minimal dialogue, drawing comparisons to an "immovable force" like The Terminator. He also touches upon the creative and practical aspects of filming, including the use of special effects for bodily fluids and the on-set atmosphere, which he describes as generally lighthearted despite the film's subject matter. The discussion also touches upon his role in "Human Centipede 3" and the collaborative dynamic with director Tom Six and co-star Dieter Laser.
The interview explores Harvey's broader career, including his work in art house films and documentaries, and his thoughts on the horror genre's ability to retain actors once they enter it. He expresses a desire to work outside of horror as well. The hosts and Harvey engage in a discussion about the reception of the films, the audience's perception, and the artistic commitment of filmmakers in this niche. The conversation concludes with reflections on unique fan experiences and an appreciation for Harvey's willingness to take on challenging and boundary-pushing roles.