'Hostel' - Derek Richardson Q&A

One of the stars of 'Hostel' discusses being the subject of full-on torture in Eli Roth's new film.

Mar 21 2006

Derek Richardson plays happy-go-lucky Josh in Eli Roth's new horror film, 'Hostel', about three fun-loving youngsters who get more than they bargained for during a backpacking trip around Europe. In this interview, conducted on the set of the film, he discusses loving the script, landing the part and acting out some of the film's more horrific scenes.

How did you hear about the movie in the first place?

Through casting in the States, which wasn't long ago – it's amazing how quickly we're getting the movie made.

What set this script apart?

One of the things about his script is that Eli really understands how people speak. So many scripts you read you think 'people don't really talk like that.' But with him I think he really tapped into something that people can relate to. Reading his stuff is easy because it's real. And he pushes the envelope in every which way.

Have you always wanted to make a horror film?

It is a horror film but I feel like it's different. It's so reality based, in the fact that it could genuinely happen in real life. So I think there's more to it.

Do you really think this could happen?

I don't know – Eli said in some of the research that he'd done that people were selling off their kids so people could kill them. Anything's possible, though I hope not.

Have you seen Eli's first film, 'Cabin Fever'?

Yes, but it's a totally different film. I thought it was so funny – it's hilarious – more like a horror comedy. I think that's the great thing about Eli – he can do the comedy but he can also bring this other, darker element to it.

Are you a horror fan?

Not really, though I just watched 'The Wicker Man' which was amazing. I ended up watching it three times!

'Hostel' seems to have a touch of 'The Wicker Man' about it

Well the guys go to Amsterdam and have a crappy time. Then they go to Slovakia and it's supposed to be the best experience they are going to have. There's this amazing little village – it's so beautiful, it feels like a fairytale – and then it just turns on them. There are definitely elements of 'The Wicker Man' in it.

How would you describe your character, Josh?

Josh is a nice guy who's probably got a steady girlfriend back home. He's on this trip and he wants to see all the museums – he's got the guidebook and his mum's told him to visit certain places. He's looking for a good time but he's also quite sensitive and this whole experience is just huge for him.

Later in the film things get pretty bad for Josh - what were those violent and horrific scenes like to film?

I've never had an experience like that on set and it's hard to sustain – I couldn't imagine doing it for a whole movie. It's one thing going around being scared for a whole shoot, but this was so brutal. It sucks the life out of you. Doing it was tough but hopefully it'll be worth it and the scenes will look good in the finished film.

How do you wind down after a day of torture?

I think during the day it's hard, but afterwards it's fine. I go somewhere else in my mind while I'm doing it, then bring it back. But while you're filming it's miserable.

Bearing in mind what happens to these kids in Slovakia, do you think you'll be allowed into the country once the film is released?

I don't know, but people have got to remember it's only a movie – it's not a documentary!

'Hostel' is released on Friday.

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