The tendency of giant American film studios chooses Hungary as a shooting location is put on the table every year. The locals rarely notice any from this, because the shooting is a sacred place, where only the crew and the actors are allowed to enter. The latest production is Hercules starred by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, whose presence has been a top story in the local newspapers. Some guys have seen him, a few guys had the privilege to work out with him, and now we could talk to one of his fellow actors. John Cross came from Australia to play in the movie, and he shared his impressions with us about Budapest.
We Love Budapest: Tell us a bit about yourself. Where do you come from? What are you doing in Budapest?
My name is John Cross, I came from Sydney, but now I'm living in Los Angeles. I'm in Budapest to shoot the movie called Hercules, which is directed by Brett Rantner and starred by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
WLB: Is this your first time in Budapest?
John Cross: Yes, it is. I have never been here before.
WLB: How do you like the city? Has it been an inspiring experience for you?
John Cross: I love Budapest. I stay at a great hotel, called Boscolo. It is beautiful, and the service has been amazing. I've seen many parts of the city, and I was stunned by the old buildings. It's unbelievable, that I've seen castles and buildings, which are older than my homeland, Australia. I liked the guys sitting on their horses on Heroes' Square very much. I learned many things about the revolution against the Soviets in 1956, when I visited the House of Terror. I'm a big fan of history, but I was sorry to hear the tragic events of the two World Wars and the Soviet occupation.
WLB: What did you like the most?
John Cross: The Labyrinth of Buda Castle, where the Transylvanian Prince Vlad was held captive was very exciting. Probably it is because I’m a huge fan of True Blood and vampire stories in general. When my parents were in town, we watched a gipsy theatre performance, too. It was right next to St. Stephen's Basilica. The actors knew at least a thousand songs. One day, I could see them singing in the Sydney Opera House, really. The dancers were perfect, too. I've only seen the native Australians performing like this before.
I have to say; it is just unbelievable for me, that Hungarians still have the right hand of the first king, Saint Stephen.
WLB: Did you go out to have fun when you had a short break?
John Cross: Of course. I've been to many pubs and bars, but my favourite place was BOB. I also liked Brody House, which is a bit hidden, alternative spot for artists, like me. I've met a lot of interesting people there.
WLB: Did you visit the whole country, or only Budapest?
John Cross: I took a trip with my family to Lake Balaton. I was born near the ocean, but Balaton is a truly gorgeous place.
I loved the Herend Porcelain Manufactory as well. I heard that the workers are craving holes into the porcelain, but when they mess it up, they have to start all over again. Sometimes the painters can correct the smaller faults though. It is the same in life: sometimes we have to restart everything, but sometimes we can fix our mistakes, and we can carry on where we left off.
WLB: How do you like Hungarian girls?
John Cross: I will never forget the Hungarian girls. They are attractive, stylish and graceful, while they can remain down-to-earth and friendly at the same time. This is rare nowadays. And their skin is as smooth as silk. It's not general in Australia, because everyone's out on the beach surfing and sunbathing despite there is a huge ozone hole over Australia.
WLB: Is there anything you didn't like about the city?
John Cross: I can't recall any kind of negative experience. As far as I can see, Budapest and the whole country have a lot of potentials. I'm eager to return and see the future Budapest. I can promise, that one day I will come back with my kids to show them the city where I shot my first Hollywood movie. I'm not sure when is it going to happen, though, because I'm very busy with my career right now.
WLB: What is your favourite story about Budapest?
John Cross: I didn't know anyone from the crew before. On the first day of the shoot I had to command 300 Hungarian warriors right away, so I was nervous. What is more, they had been practicing with each other for a month before the shoot, so they looked like a team already. Those guys were confident and strong, while here I was: an ordinary guy from Australia, so I asked myself "What the hell am I doing here?". Even though I wasn't feeling very well, I decided to step up, and shout with them as loudly as I could. Since I have a strong voice, they automatically started to follow me. I was doing okay by then.
Since then I had only positive memories in Hungary. Hungarian people are open and kind in general, just like Australians. I think our nations should start to cooperate more often.
