The Syrian actor, Ghassan Massoud, played the famous Muslim leader, Salahuddin Al-Ayubi, in the film “Kingdom of Heaven.” Because the film is being shown around the world, Massoud has found himself well-known internationally.
Q: Tell us something about the film, your part in it, how you looked at things and where it was shot.
A: It was shot in Britain, Spain and Morocco. There were long discussions with the writer and the producer about Salahuddin’s character and often we’d redo a scene in which I felt his character was not being correctly interpreted. I did this because I was careful to make sure the scene was in line with the specifications in my contract. In the end, in the cinema, we have to trust the producer to keep things balanced and objective. Still, I admit that the conspiracy theory often made me doubt or be suspicious so I’d ask for explanation after explanation. Fortunately, the company was understanding and tolerant with all my questions.
Q: What was it about this film that convinced you to accept a part in it?
A: There was the chance to play a well-known historical figure, Salahuddin Al-Ayubi, in a film directed by a world famous producer who won awards for “The Gladiator” and “Black Hawk Down.” The company was Twentieth Century Fox with actors from the US, UK, France, Italy, and a budget of $150 million, one of this year’s biggest projects. What’s important is that the movie presents events in an objective way. The importance of the message is that it calls for peace and love and the viewing public has accepted it.
Q: How did you get the role?
A: Ridley Scott, the director, wanted to present Salahuddin as someone with characteristics that combine a man of peace and one of war. Auditions took place around the world with some in the Middle East. I was one of many who auditioned and I was lucky enough to be chosen.
Q: Is it true that the writer of the film is Jewish?
A: I’m not getting into that because the script is realistic and if the writer is Jewish, what he wrote is a script that is objective and fair concerning Salahuddin and Muslims. I did ask if the writer was Jewish and was told that he wasn’t; in any case, the film portrays Salahuddin as a man of dialogue and of peace. I felt that I had greater insight into his character than a Western actor would. I have read a number of Arabic texts which dealt with his personality and character. The bottom line is that if the film had presented the character unfavorably or inaccurately, I would not have accepted the part, no matter how tempting the offer.
Q: How did you feel as an Arab playing an important protagonist in an international film? Does this mark your entering the world of international cinema?
A: There is no doubt the film has given me a great deal of international exposure. It has also set a standard in the way Salahuddin is portrayed. This is a good beginning and I have now had offers from other companies; however, so far, I have not accepted any other part.
Q: After this film, would you accept a smaller Syrian project?
A: Our Syrian works are excellent by the standards of the Arab world; we know our abilities and what standards we are capable of. At the same time, we must be aware of reality. I won’t look down on Syrian efforts but I will accept and understand the reality. And I will continue as I was, objective and someone who will not compromise. I’ve always been careful to select good works that add something to me personally and professionally.
Q: Recently the American Islamic Council said that “Kingdom of Heaven” was balanced and good. What is your reaction?
A: From the beginning, I said that the film was balanced, was not anti-Arab and did not damage the image of Muslims. If it had been otherwise, I wouldn’t have taken part in it. I’m glad to hear the statement by the American Islamic Council and I hope that the film will contribute to drawing different cultures closer and improving the image of Islam to the non-Muslim world.
Q: Why did you refuse an tempting offer to work in another international film?
A: After a long talk with the producer and the writer in Dubai, I felt that I couldn’t accept a part in their film. It deals with a theoretical country in the Middle East which has bad relations with the US, and whose affairs are interfered with by the CIA. The strange thing is that the name of the movie is “Syrana” and the country is called Syrana; those who know anything about Syria and its history will see the obvious parallels. I had no choice but to decline taking part in the film.
