Charlie Sheen Interview Lelo Hex Launch
Appearing in London to promote new a new high tech condom called Lelo Hex, Charlie Sheen spoke to Red Carpet News and the gathered UK press about his HIV diagnosis, Safe Sex, New TV projects, Personal regrets and Family life. Read the full in depth interview below:
How and why did you get involved in supporting this new type of condom?
To nutshell… They sent me one. I tried it and I said let’s do this! It’s exciting on so many fronts and levels. It’s the first change to the condom in 70 years and its not just about changing a dialogue it’s about changing the technology and the appeal. When I… and this is not a joke.. get behind something much like when I went public with HIV, for the first time in 10 years it really brought it out of the shadows and created a wave of interest and mature responsibility and curiosity. They called it the Charlie Sheen effect and I was really proud of that. I felt that by coming forward and putting myself out there that I could help others. So on the heels of that when this showed up.. You know condom use is down, STIs & STDs are way up. So I thought this makes perfect sense, to give people a medical device to genuinely protect themselves and their love ones.
There are times I think about it. I think about what if just those one or two times I didn’t succumb to that awkward moment or feel like this was going to interrupt something passionate and I’d taken that time. You know my story would be different and I feel like maybe other people’s story can be different because of this.
I’d known about Lelo, a buddy of mine his girlfriend used their other products. I was really impressed with them based on the efficacy and his description. So I knew that whatever they were going to present would have equal quality as well as market dominance if that technology found its way into their condoms and it has.
Safe sex is a global problem with condoms not being used in rich countries or available in some of the poorest, how do you think a better designed but more expensive condom will tackle either issue?
I think in the third world scenario the price point can be altered to make them available and accessible and hence distributed in greater numbers. Therein lies the rub.. you come out with something that’s solution driven and then the people who need it the most can’t afford it, but there’s been dialogue with the WHO.
Is it true that you there are potentially plans in place for you to visit Africa to distribute large numbers of free condoms?
Just to speak to that, I will go to Jupiter to deliver solutions, prevention or cure!
Did you have any apprehension about people’s reaction to you becoming the public spokesperson for a condom brand?
You know I can’t predict what’s going to happen. Things with me have been so cross the board and across the universe at times. I have to go with my gut and do what I think is right and for the right reasons. I think my story about why I’m involved is more important than worrying about the perception of being involved. At the risk of sounding arrogant, when I get involved in things or am honest enough to step through the awkward cloud of silence people tend to take notice and this is not a third problem this is an all-world problem. I feel like I can be part of something that again helps others in the prevention of what I live with Daily.
People often describe you as someone who’s really lived life; do you have regrets because of that?
You say lived as though it’s over! You mean continues to live! As for regrets… professionally should have finished Two and a Half Men a little better, a Lot better! Personally perhaps had the Lelo Hex been around in one or two of those moments, my story might be different. But what might have felt like a regret several months ago has transformed itself into an opportunity and a chance to carry the torch and once again be an ambassador of good will and responsible good health
Did you have any initial reservations or second thoughts about coming forward?
No I was greatly relieved. Afterward I wished that I had done it sooner.
Do you think there are other people in Hollywood living with HIV but who don’t have the confidence or support network to come out publicly as you now have?
I don’t know. I sort of had written a story that after I came out others would contact me confidentially, but that hasn’t happened. But that’s their journey. I can only wish them well. But I have had several people just come up to me in the streets and give me a hug and say thank you for giving my mom,father,brother,sister or friend the courage to come forward and hence allow us to embrace and to help. That’s a gift and a moment that you can’t put a price tag on.
Do you feel an added pressure and responsibility as a public figure than perhaps normal people living with an HIV diagnosis would do?
Its fine, I’m tougher than the average bear. If it means going to some far off lands and some dangerous environment to bring some good will, I’m all about that. I don’t see it as being a poster boy I see it as… I mean who else is there right now to generate this amount of attention and good will. This tsunami of attention. If that has become one of my roles on this journey then I’ll take it, because in the hands of an amateur it would not be as effective.
Do you have film and television projects in development right now or people you’re hoping to work with?
There are so many people I’m a fan of who have influenced me the list is too long and yes the worm is turning. There is as we speak corporate interest from the people that make those decisions to put me back on television o in film roles that I think I’ve earned the right to portray. If I speak to specifics it pisses them off and I’m right back to where I was.
How do you feel about getting interviewed on stage by Piers Morgan here in London on Sunday for your Audience With Charlie Sheen event?
He’s fabulous, we’ve done interviews twice before and he’s done nothing but be respectful. He does his research, he’ll open the door to a certain path or a certain topic but he won’t grind the person through it. It’s up to me how far we go. When I heard that he had volunteered to take the reins on this thing I was happy as Larry. He will professionally handle the bits and bobs of it all.
Has your attitude to being interviewed changed in any way given your recent experiences?
You know I always just lead with the truth, the only variable in the mix is the interviewer…. (wry grin)
Has living with an HIV diagnosis not just changed your sex life but your approach to other areas of your life?
Right now I couldn’t get laid in a woman’s prison with a handful of pardons! It doesn’t give you the great opening line. Hey HIV… busy later? But perhaps with Lelo Hex it can. No it is what it is I don’t mean to make light of it. But it changes the whole approach on it because it’s no longer about my interest, my gain, my folly. It’s about the other person and just protecting them. It’s about being open and responsible.
Is talking about safe sex with you own children something you’re nervous about or feel prepared for?
I think we all should be prepare do for that! My oldest child Cassandra is 32 and then it goes Sam & Lola 12/11 Bob & Max 7 and my granddaughter Luna. I don’t want to be having that conversation with any of the younger ones too soon. I’m a little old fashioned that way believe it or not.
What kind of parent are you?
I’m a chauffer I’m an uber driver. I deliver them to school and pick them up afterwards. I’m always on time and I like to think these days I’m leaving every situation I encounter a little better than how I found it. They’re thrilled to have me in their life. I lead by example, I don’t offer unsolicited advice but if anyone has a question… man do I have a lot of answers!
The Mercy First Look Images Colin Firth & Rachel Weisz
Studiocannal, Blueprint Pictures and BBC Films today reveal first look images of Academy Award winner Colin Firth as amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst and Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz as his wife Claire.
The highly anticipated feature from Academy Award winner James Marsh, the director of The Theory of Everything, will be titled THE MERCY opening in UK cinemas in 2017.
THE MERCY is based on the true story of Donald Crowhurst and his attempt to win the first non-stop single-handed round-the-world yacht race in 1968. The story of Crowhurst’s dangerous solo voyage and the struggles he confronted on the epic journey while his wife Claire and children waited for his return at home is one of the most enduring mysteries of recent times.
Wicked Musical Movie Finally Happening
Surprising precisely nobody, West End and Broadway musical phenomenon Wicked is finally going to make it’s long overdue and seemingly inevitable transfer to the big screen. The long running musical is based on Gregory Maguire’s alternative history take on The Wizard of Oz, re-telling the familiar fantasy tale from the perspective of the witches. The film version has an official release date of December 20 2019 and Billy Elliot helmer Stephen Daldry is directing.
Casting has yet to be confirmed, leaving open the obvious question of whether the film will use any of the amazing original Broadway or West End casts or opt instead for the box office appeal of high profile Hollywood names.
Learning To Drive Review
The Plot
As her marriage dissolves, Manhattan writer Wendy (Patricia Clarkson) takes driving lessons from Sikh instructor Darwan (Ben Kingsley) who has marriage troubles of his own. In each other’s company they find the courage to get back on the road and the strength to take the wheel.
The Good
Director Isabel Coixet brings a small but endearingly sweet story to the screen with Sarah Kernochan’s script that creates one of the most beautifully natural pairings of Clarkson and Kingsley. With two such high caliber performances bringing gravitas to the chemistry, Kernochan’s script jumps to life wonderfully.
The story of two souls who find each other in the midst of Manhattan is a simple one but told with a depth that doesn’t fall to the power of its acting. Ben Kingsley gives a heartwarming performance as peaceful driving instructor Darwan who, even through the trials and tribulations of an arranged marriage and harboring illegal immigrant family members, still comes through the screen with a palliative sense about him.
While Darwan deals with the beginnings of his married life, Patricia Clarkson’s Wendy is dealing with the end of hers, coming to terms with being single and alone in a big city and unable to even drive away from it all. As she tries to smooth out her life and start afresh, starting with learning to drive, Wendy becomes instantly likable making the story even more accessible for audiences.
As well as this, we also get Sarita Chaudhury, last seen wooing Tom Hanks in A Hologram For The King, who has now moved on to Ben Kingsley as arranged bride, Jasleen, who tries to settle into the strange and foreign life of Manhattan. Meanwhile, on Clarkson’s side we get Grace Gummer as daughter Tasha. While the two roles aren’t much in terms of plot (though Chaudhury arguably gets more to do than Gummer) they serve as nice additions to an already strong film.
The Bad
There really isn’t much to disappoint in Kernochan’s script. The only slight misgiving that can be pointed out is it’s small hints at more to the friendship between Darwan and Wendy than meets the eye. It’s a fleeting moment, and were it dwelt on any longer it would be a distracting one.
The Ugly Truth
What Kernochan’s script absolutely nails is balance. At no time does Darwan’s difficulties become more important than Wendy’s, or vice versa. In the short 90 minutes Learning to Drive is an utter joy to watch and will certainly not feel like wasted time in the presence of such great actors.
Review by Johnny Ellis
The Conjuring 2 Review
The Plot
Lorraine and Ed Warren (Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson) travel to Enfield, London to help a single mother raising four children alone in a house plagued by malicious spirits.
The Good
When cinema audiences were first introduced to Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson’s enigmatic ghost-busting couple, Lorraine and Ed Warren in 2013’s The Conjuring, focus shifted to one of the highlights of the film, creepy haunted doll Annabelle who soon after got her own gig in a spin-off film. What’s clear in this straight up sequel, and after the dire reviews of Annabelle, is that what really worked for the franchise was the Warren’s along with James Wan who returns as director.
The Conjuring 2 kicks off with a brief glimpse into arguably the most well known haunted house story, the Amityville horror. Before the title is even shown, Wan manages to bring back the genius filmmaking that made the first installment so spine tingling, upping the ante while not becoming bogged down with retelling a story that even the casual horror fan knows already.
Instead, returning screenwriters Carey and Chad Hayes’ script jumps across the ocean to tell another, though perhaps slightly less well known true story set in Enfield. Back in 1977, the Hodgson family became victim to a ghostly haunting of an old man who possessed daughter Janet (Madison Wolfe). Soon enough, along with the ghostly attention came media attention. What the Hayes brothers script manages to work in perfectly is the doubt and skepticism that came with this Enfield haunting.
Meanwhile, Lorraine and Ed are sent over to dig around and discover for themselves whether the claims are true, in a plot line that sees them coming out of early retirement as Lorraine frets over a possibly disastrous premonition involving Ed.
The Bad
While the story is great and the plot brings up some interesting questions for the paranormal skeptics to dwell over, at times the dialogue can seem a touch on the stereotypical side, almost as if the Hayes brothers looked to old episodes of soaps to find the voices for the Hodgson family, especially in the first half.
Ultimately, The Conjuring 2 does end up slipping into the familiar territory of the well oiled formula for paranormal horror films. That is perhaps to be expected, even if it does slightly disappoint those led to believe James Wan will offer more this time round. It’s no real problem though thanks to the masterful technique of Wan’s ability to hone the genre and own the formula with some beautiful camerawork.
The Ugly Truth
The Conjuring 2 works impressively well at times and manages to offer a truly shocking and spine-tingling story thanks to the genius of James Wan’s directorial talent. While the script has some dialogue issues and slips into generic horror towards it’s final act, there’s still enough to give this the title of the years best horror so far.
Review by Johnny Ellis