An activist. An alcoholic. An award-winning actor. The star of The West Wing. A husband. A father. A spiritual convert. The 73-year-old Hollywood heavyweight has played many roles in life. While he was filming the classic Apocalypse Now, Martin admits he was a raging drunk full of self-loathing. During the opening scene, where he dances around in his underwear and smashes a mirror with his bare fists, he is actually playing himself. “I wanted to get into the role and explore my inner demons. I still have the scar,” he reveals. “I was a broken man. And I’d hit rock bottom. I now realize that this brokenness, which affects mankind, also gives us tremendous power to transform and evolve.” Today, Martin is sober and comes across as humble and passionate about higher causes. Now when he looks in the mirror, he is proud of what he sees. At the Dubai International Film Festival, he shares more about his life…
You are open about your troubled past. What was the turning point for you?
Change needs to come from within. For me, it came about after I read a book in Paris called The Brothers Karamazov. That book completely transformed my spirit and my life. It’s still my favourite read.
You’ve been married for over 50 years, is there a secret?
Our son Ramon can probably tell you what the relationship is like between myself and Janet. I was fortunate and smart enough to fall for Janet because I realized almost immediately that she was an honest person and she would not tolerate dishonesty. She couldn’t bear it. However, actors are basically professional liars and we get away with a lot. I was pretty charming when she first met me.
I imagine there might’ve been rocky moments during your marriage…
During the early stages of our marriage, I was playing a lot of games. It took me about 20 years to realize that I was leading a dishonest life and that I needed to change. My wife was my idol. I wanted to come up to her level now and that made all the difference to our relationship. I adore her, she’s the best human being I’ve ever met in my life. I’m continually inspired by her. She doesn’t let me off the hook, still to this day.
You’re known for your non-violent anti-war protests. Is this the best way to inspire change in the world?
Well today there are more nuclear power stations and weapons than ever before. There is more homelessness and abuse, so I’m not sure if I have made a real difference. My intention was to draw attention to these issues and let them speak for themselves. I came to the quick understanding that I’m not necessarily changing anyone, but if I change myself, that’s an achievement. It’s part of living an honest life. I don’t think change starts at the top. Change comes from the people, it’s more of a grassroots movement like with Mandela or Gandhi. People who have suffered or been oppressed create change. When people can transcend their own suffering and then help others, it’s very real. Also, I have learnt to protest with a sense of joy. You can’t do it with a long face. So if you come on a demonstration with me, prepare to have a few laughs!
