Terence Stamp, now 76, reflects on a career that soared in the 1960s with classics like Billy Budd, Poor Cow, and Theorem, and a personal life that included relationships with Julie Christie, Jean Shrimpton, and Brigitte Bardot. But when the decade ended, so did his prime: 'I was in my prime, but when the 60s ended, I ended with it.' His career revived with an unexpected role as General Zod in the first two Superman films, followed by a mix of indie hits and Hollywood paycheques.
This week sees the reissue of Far From the Madding Crowd (1967), in which Stamp plays Sergeant Troy opposite Julie Christie. Initially considered a disaster due to poor reviews and underwhelming box office, the film has since been reappraised. Stamp recalls that director John Schlesinger was not his first choice and that he struggled with Schlesinger's approach. 'He didn't strike me as a guy who was particularly interested in film,' Stamp says, adding that he worked closely with cinematographer Nicolas Roeg to create the celebrated sword-demonstration scene.
Stamp is candid about his relationships with directors: he disliked Ken Loach ('too political'), Joseph Losey ('no sense of humour'), and Pier Paolo Pasolini ('didn't talk to me'), but adored Federico Fellini ('changed my life'), William Wyler ('really bonded with him'), and Tim Burton ('a wonderful movie-maker'). Despite on-set tensions, Stamp maintains he never let them affect him. 'I don't have a lot of time for him,' he says of Schlesinger, but acknowledges that the director wisely used the extra footage Roeg and Stamp had shot.
Stamp's career has seen a resurgence in recent years, with roles in Steven Soderbergh's The Limey (1999) and Tim Burton's Big Eyes (2014) and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016). He remains philosophical about his journey, attributing his longevity to luck and a willingness to take on diverse roles.
