Cary Elwes Reflects on The Princess Bride Legacy and New Film Role
In 1988, actor Cary Elwes faced a career slump after his latest film, a fantasy adventure, bombed at the box office. That film was The Princess Bride, a fairytale spoof directed by Rob Reiner, which initially struggled but later became a beloved classic. Elwes recalls a chance meeting with Al Pacino in a New York restaurant during this period, where Pacino advised him to "exercise your acting muscles" and train at the Lee Strasberg Institute, a move Elwes credits with changing his life.
The Enduring Impact of The Princess Bride
Nearly 40 years later, The Princess Bride is celebrated for its stellar cast, including Billy Crystal, Mandy Patinkin, and Robin Wright, and its iconic catchphrases like "As you wish" and "Inconceivable!". Elwes attributes this to screenwriter William Goldman's brilliance, noting the film's ability to bring families together. He says, "I feel I have a responsibility to it, but it's a wonderful responsibility. You're lucky as an actor to have your work resonate with anyone."
Remembering Rob Reiner
Elwes remained close with director Rob Reiner, who died tragically last December along with his wife, Michele Singer. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with their murder and is set to stand trial later this year. Elwes describes Reiner as "a very dear friend" and misses him terribly, calling the event "an absolute tragedy." He recently paid tribute to Reiner at the Oscars alongside friends like Billy Crystal and Demi Moore.
New Film: Dead Man's Wire
Elwes's latest project is Gus Van Sant's Dead Man's Wire, based on the true story of Tony Kiritsis, who took a mortgage executive hostage in 1977. Elwes plays local cop Mike Grable, a master of disguise, and the film features Al Pacino as the company boss. Elwes notes the film explores moral grey areas and desperation, echoing themes from Pacino's classic Dog Day Afternoon. He says, "We're not advocating resorting to violence but just trying to show that this is what can happen when people feel pushed to the edge."
Career Journey and Influences
Elwes, now 63, grew up in London but moved to the US at 18. His stepfather, film producer Elliott Kastner, helped him land a week as Marlon Brando's personal assistant at age 15, an experience he describes as nerve-wracking but influential. He later studied acting at Sarah Lawrence College and broke into Hollywood with roles in Another Country and Lady Jane. After The Princess Bride flopped initially, he faced typecasting but used training to diversify into war films, horror, thrillers, and TV shows like Stranger Things.
When choosing roles, Elwes gravitates towards projects that scare him, saying, "I gravitate towards the jobs that make me a little bit scared." Despite his varied career, he remains most recognised for The Princess Bride, a role he embraces with gratitude. Dead Man's Wire is set for release in cinemas on 20 March.
