Christopher Fulford

Interview with Chris Fulford

Copyright 2003 The Irish News Limited
Irish News

April 07, 2003

HEADLINE: Mastering his new role;

BYLINE: Sam Sheringham

Fresh from an actionpacked incarnation as a serial-killer in Hollywood blockbuster D-Tox, Christopher Fulford is about to star as a head butler in the BBC period drama Servants.

Fulford, who first made his name in dramas like Cracker and Spooks, tells Sam Sheringham about life in the fast lane with Sylvester Stallone and pr eparing for life below stairs. . .

CHRISTOPHER FULFORD doesn't much care for celebrity. He would rather be musing over a pint at his local pub than adorning the cover of a glossy magazine.

Yet the 43-year-old actor could soon be receiving a little more attention than he desires, thanks to his starring role in the fast-moving new drama series, Servants, which is about to begin on BBC1.

"The last time I got sent some scripts and wanted to do the job as much as this was way back in the 80s, " says Fulford, whose talents as a character actor have brought numerous film roles and parts in successful dramas like Cracker and Spooks.

Servants, written by Lucy Gannon, takes place in an 1850s country house called Taplows. The action focuses on life below stairs, following the rivalries, passions and underhand dealings of the staff, led by Fulford's proud head butler Mr Jarvis.

In a deliberate ploy, we catch only passing glimpses of the masters of the house as we follow the vibrant working class underworld, beneath the tawdry affairs of the upper classes.

"The analogy works a little like in Tom and Jerry, " explains Fulford. "You only see the elbow or the foot of the owner. It is very much about the world of the servants and their needs and desires."

Servants follows hot on the heels of the Oscarnominated film Gosford Park, in its contemporary take on life in a country house and use of a well-choreographed ensemble cast.

Yet, according to Fulford, the script for Servants had been tabled before Gosford Park, but was only given the green light following the success of the film.

Fulford says: "Gosford Park is a terrific film but I think this is completely original. Comparisons are bound to be made but this feels more rocking, a bit funkier than Gosford Park."

Fulford's Mr Jarvis must keep the rest of his young staff, which includes former EastEnders star Joe Absolom, in tow.

In preparation for the role, the actor, known for his attention to detail, read ES Turner's classic historical trait, What The Butler Saw.

"He is such a marvellous character, " enthuses Fulford. "He has a huge responsibility, the whole of the rhythm of the house is dictated by the butler. He is self-educated, astute, enigmatic and unpredictable, and very good at his job."

Playing Jarvis is a far cry from Fulford's previous incarnation - as a serial killer in the GBP 60m Hollywood film D-Tox, which also stars Kris Kristofferson and Sylvester Stallone.

Again, Fulford's preparation was meticulous, if a little traumatic: "Any part which requires you to dig deep inside yourself for stuff is challenging. I had to focus on aspects of my personality that might not be the best places to go to.

"I did a lot of reading about real life serial killers which was actually quite depressing, but the part fascinated me."

Making the high-budget film required months of filming. Special effects dictated that often as little as one minute of film would be shot in a day.

Fulford describes Stallone as "a surprisingly normal legend", and reminisces fondly about coffee breaks with one of his acting heroes Tom Berenger.

Despite its all-star cast, D-Tox flopped at the box office, and was badly received by critics.

Soon after its release, Fulford left Hollywood and returned to his Wandsworth home to be with his wife Camille and daughters Rosa (10) and seven-year-old Sunny.

"I didn't want to hang around in Hollywood when the film was not doing well. I'd rather be here working in this country with my family.

"I'd go again at the drop of a hat - I love working with Americans, but it's hard for British actors to get a continuity of employment there with so much competition around."

So, as an actor, how does Fulford respond to criticism?

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't read reviews - I buy the Guardian every day. Everybody wants to be in things that are received well, but very few things are. You have to find a way of dealing with the fact that not everything you do is going to be successful."

Having finished filming series one of Servants, Fulford, who made a recent stage appearance in the Peter Gill season in Sheffield, is currently content to stay at home, looking after his children and reading through scripts.

As he tosses the rejected papers on a pile, Fulford is waiting for something to jump out at him from the page.

"I'm looking for a hook, " he says. "You like to read something quirky, that captures your imagination and lifts it out of the ordinary."

Having thrived in his role as the shrewd and dominant Mr Jarvis, Fulford is eagerly awaiting the screening of Servants and has his fingers crossed that a popular reception could produce a second series.

In the meantime, the modest star is happy to keep a low profile, enjoying the quiet life of "squash, running and drinking beer."

He says: "I've never been one for fame.

Celebrity magazine covers, pictures of me, champagne glasses, I'd rather sit in the pub."

But who knows, when Servants hits our screens, Fulford's champagne glass might just be brimming.