Rob Schneider takes a lot of crap. He's the butt of endless jokes, and has been since his career on Saturday Night Live. His acting career, in such films as Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo and The Animal, has drawn some of the harshest criticism from critics. But through it all, Schneider has made people laugh, whether they felt comfortable doing so or not. We recently sat down with Rob Schneider to talk about his upcoming film, Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo.
Where do you think your comedic nature comes from?
I think I spent a lot of time as a kid watching Richard Pryor and Monty Python. I also love Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks movies.
Where do you come up with your ideas?
I sit around with some friends of mine. We sit around with my friends who write for The Simpsons, about 15 of us in the room, and we come up with something we'd like to see. Someone came up with the Svetlana character, who we call penis-nose. The audiences love it and hate it. As long as they have a strong opinion about it, that's good.
People kept talking about how much they liked the first Deuce and asked me to do a sequel for years. What would be fun is if he was doing the same thing in another place, so we could show the crazy European gigolos and the things they do. We've got an Italian gigolo and a French gigolo and a Greek gigolo. I think the Europeans are willing to do crazier stuff for money. You won't get an American to do a Belgian Steamer.
How was it getting back into the role?
When Eddie Griffin and I stepped back on the set, it was like nothing had happened in between. I like Deuce because he's a little stupider than me, but he's got a good heart. He's a little nicer than me. People think "if I just had this, I'd be happy." For Deuce, all he wants is a beautiful girlfriend. In trying to find what he wants, he gets into so much trouble that he has to scrape and crawl back to where he was at the beginning. I like that idea.
If you were to whore out your body, how much would it cost, in Euros?
Normally 10, maybe 15. I don't know if I'd be willing to do a Chili Rainbow, but maybe I'd work into a Mongolian Sticky Bun.
Who do you think would get the most play, you or Austin Powers?
Look at Mike Myers with his shirt off. I think it would be me. Deuce doesn't need gadgets.
What is one comedic role you've always dreamed of doing?
Harv the Barbarian, written by Deep Thoughts with Jack Handy.
How did you feel about South Park's portrayal of you?
I thought it was hilarious! You know you've made it when South Park's making fun of you.
How did you feel about the recent ad in Variety magazine [that criticized your work]?
So many critics just slam people, and he wasn't even reviewing my movie, he was trashing Hollywood on the front page and he used me as an example. I'm not trying to be The English Patient. I'm trying to make people laugh. The movies that make the most money are comedies and horror movies. I'm not a whore about it, I just want to make people laugh and entertain people. Sometimes the critics are so mean-spirited, they don't review the film based on what it's trying to do. I like my movies and I'm proud of them.
Did you do any research to get into this role?
I didn't do too much research. I did go to Amsterdam, and some of the crazy women throughout my life did help me. The real sex acts are pretty disgusting. We wanted to make them goofy.
What advice would you give to an aspiring gigolo?
Start off with a good waxing. It's very important for a gigolo to be smooth. Go to the gym at least once a month. Learn to listen, it's not only about sex, you want someone to be there for you. "Guys are looking for sex, and if a relationship happens, great... vice-versa for women." That kind of sums up a lot of what guys and women think.
