Jon Benn Q&A
(Q&A took place during January 3rd thru 20th 2002)
Questions asked by Temple of the Unknown forum members
Jt, Leon Berkhout, Firoud dib, Kevin Thomson, Frans, Jean Menel, Des,
James Lenaghan, Greg Probert, Geoffrey Pheasant, Babu, Nicola
Temple of the Unknown Question 1: Mr.Benn is it
true that you filmed behind the scenes footage of way of the dragon with
your home camera? Is this a rumor or not?
Jon Benn Answer: Yes, I had my camera on the set and took a lot
of photos during the shoot and while we were all resting. Many of those
are included in my book "Remembering Bruce Lee."
T.o.t.U Question 2: what did you think about whang in sik (the Japanese
fighter in "Way")? and relation between the korean and bruce
lee?
Answer: As far as I know, they got along very well.
T.o.t.U Question 3: What was your experience like to work with Bruce?
Answer: Bruce was a perfectionist. He choreographed all the fight
scenes and had everyone practice in slow motion. When he was satisfied
that it could be done in one take then he would roll the camera. I really
enjoyed watching him and learned alot about the film business.
T.o.t.U Question 4: Mr. Benn,
Thank you for taking some time to share your experiences and opinions.
My first question is this. At the time you were working on Way of the Dragon,
did you, or any of the other supporting cast feel like you were working
with the next big thing (Bruce)?
Answer: When Raymond Chow asked me to play the "Big Boss"
I didn't know who Bruce was, but I wanted the experience of working in
a Chinese film. I soon learned that Bruce was already a very big star in
Asia and I was sure he would be one world wide before too long.
T.o.t.U Question 5: How does it feel to be in a film that is still
watched today, possibly more times then it was when it was released?
Answer: Very few days go by that I am not recognized by someone
no matter where I am in the world even after 30 years. Yesterday in Shanghai
2 men stopped me and asked about Bruce.
T.o.t.U Question 6: Any great memories from filming or of Bruce?
Any unpleasant ones?
Answer: I have many great and fond memories, too many to relate
here, but they are all in my book. None, only good ones
T.o.t.U Question 7: How long did it take him to film all his scenes
for 'The Way of the Dragon'? (dates would also be most helpful?)
Answer: He first went to Rome, but couldn't do much shooting there
so I think they only spent a week or so there. Then in HK it took about
a month to finish. I can't remember the dates.
T.o.t.U Question 8: Does he know if Bruce Lee was going to use his
'Way of the Dragon' character of 'Tang Lung' aka Chinese Dragon in any
future film projects?
Answer: Bruce never mentioned that to me. I don't think so.
T.o.t.U Question 9: When was the last time he saw Bruce Lee and
was there anything different about his usual self?
Answer: The last time I saw him was 2 days before he died. I was
in the Hyatt Hotel Coffee shop and Bruce came over and introduced me to
Fred Weintraub the producer of "Enter the Dragon." He was joking
as usual, but he did look thinner than the last time I saw him a few months
before.
T.o.t.U Question 10: Did Bruce Lee inform him about any of his future
film projects he was going to make or did he tell him any details about
his 'Game of Death' film project?
Answer: We did discuss various projects for the future and I remember
his wanting to do a film in a Chinese pagoda, but he really didn't go into
detail.
T.o.t.U Question 11: Do you think such pepole as jet li, jackie
chan are as good as bruce?
Answer: I know Jackie Chan quite well and Bruce is still his idol.
As he said to me "I'm a stunt man who knows martial arts. Bruce was
a true martial artist." I haven't met Jet Li, but he was the Wu Shu
Champion of China and is certainly good, but I don't think that he considers
himself as good as Bruce. I was having dinner with Chuck Norris in Manila
and I asked him if he were in a real fight to the death with Bruce who
would win. He replied immediately, "Bruce, of course no one could
beat him!"
T.o.t.U Question 12: Did Bruce Lee ever discuss the "meaning
of Life" with you, Mr. Benn? By this I mean did he ever reflect on
the "purpose" of his existence?
Answer: As you probably know, Bruce was as much a philosopher as
he was a martial artist. His writings are full of wisdom and much can be
learned by reading them. He always said that he wanted to be the best in
whatever he did.
T.o.t.U Question 13: Did you ever have conversations about martial
arts and its relationship to the everyday activities that make up life's
essence?
Answer: He felt that everything he learned about martial arts reflected
in all that life is about. He had a library with several thousand books
of all types. Once when I visited his home, I picked up several at random
and each page of each book was underlined in several places no matter what
the subject. It showed me that he was intense in learning more about everything.
T.o.t.U Question 14: Do you think if Bruce were still alive he would
have still been the best?
Answer: Ted Wong, one of his early students is now in his 60's.
I have seen him give very active demos. Bruce certainly would have been
very active today. He would also be one of the more intelligent men around
today.
T.o.t.U Question 15: Mr. Benn, I understand you have sold your restaurant,is
someone taking over your restaurant, The Bruce Lee Cafe,in the same format,
and will it have Bruce Lee items displayed ?
Answer: I did sell the restaurant as it was a bit out of the way
for fans to find...although some 10,000 did find it during its 3 year run.
The new owners are changing the format and sadly there won't be another
BL Cafe unless I can find a benefactor to help open another one in the
tourist belt.
T.o.t.U Question 16: Mr.Benn, as a close friend of Bruce Lee, what
was the most memorable time you have with Bruce that you treasure? Thanks
for answering and I wish you all the best in the future.
Answer: I think it was when I visited his home and he showed me
his library. He had several thousand books of all types, but most were
about the various types of martial arts in the world. I picked several
at random and each was underlined in many places on each page. He had read
and studyed them all which was quite impressive.
T.o.t.U Question 17: What do you think about the film "dragon
" with "jason scott lee"! Does the film tell the truth?
Answer: Linda Lee was the advisor for the film so it must be quite
factual. I think Jason did a good interpretation of Bruce.
T.o.t.U Question 18: What was it like working on the set of Way
of the Dragon with the whole cast including Bruce Lee annd Nora Miao?
Answer: Each day was a fun time as Bruce loved to joke and show
off. I really enjoyed working with them all and Nora was (and is) very
beautiful and talented.
T.o.t.U Question 19: What was Bruce Lee's peronality like when you
knew him. Was he a very gun person like everybody said he was, or did you
ever find him to be quite a shy person. I know Bruce liked music a fair
bit, could he sing?'
Answer: I don't know what a "gun" person is, but he sure
wasn't shy! He was always very active and outgoing. He never stopped working
out and would kick and punch hundreds of times while waiting for the lights
to be changed. He was a good singer and sang a lot on the set. I have the
original guitar played by Anders Nilsson when Bruce sang.
T.o.t.U Question 20: Peple like Robert Lee say there is more to
know about Bruce Lees death that people arn't talking about ? What do you
know or think of this ?
Answer: I honestly don't know anymore than has been reported by
the press, but they lie alot!
T.o.t.U Question 21: What gave you the inspiration to write you
book on Bruce Lee ? Why now ?
Answer: Bey Logan wanted to make a video of me showing the various
places where filming of some of Bruce's films took place and telling some
of the stories about Bruce that I experienced. Bey didn't have time so
I wrote the book instead. If you would like a copy, send US$30 to:
Jon Benn G/Fl. 2 Taiwan Old Village
Lamma Island
Hong Kong
This includes air mail postage.
T.o.t.U Question 22: Can you tell us a bit about your book ?
Answer: It describes my time with Bruce and stories about happenings
on the set. There are also many 8x10 rare photos some of which I took on
the set which show Bruce in action and most of the crew.
T.o.t.U Question 23: Question 3 ... How did you get cast for the
role as Italian Boss in Way of the Dragon ? What was it like to play that
character ?
Answer: I met Raymond Chow at a cocktail party in 1971 when I had
just arrived in Hong Kong. He asked me if I would like to be in a movie
with Bruce Lee. At that time I didn't know who he was, but I said sure
as I wanted the experience. It was great and I enjoyed being the bad guy
to Bruce's good guy. The good die young so I'm staying bad!!
T.o.t.U Question 24: How good was Bruce as a martial artist as well
as a fighter compared to the others like Bob wall or Chuck Norris ?
Answer: The best answer to your question is several years ago I
met Chuck Norris in Manila where he was making a film. We had dinner and
I asked "If you and Bruce were in a real fight to the death, who would
win?" He said "Bruce, of course, no one could beat him!"
T.o.t.U Question 25: Originally Bruce Lee asked Joe Lewis to be
in one of his films, but he refused so he got Chuck Norris instead. (I
assume this was that movie). Did bruce ever say anything about this ? Was
he glad he choose Chuck Norris instead & do you think Joe Lewis missed
an opportunity of a life-time?
Answer: Bruce never mentioned Joe to me, but I do know that he was
very happy when Chuck agree to take the part. They had sparred together
many times in Los Angeles and were good friends. Joe sure did miss it!
T.o.t.U Question 26: Did Bruce ever mention anything about shooting
footage with his own movie company Concord for his up and coming movie
"Game of Death".
Answer: Bruce was always talking about the next film and I'm sure
he wanted to do it all again himself as he did in "Way."
T.o.t.U Question 27: Was Game of death meant to be a sequel to "Way
of the Dragon" ? And did he ever speak of Game of death on the set
of way of the dragon or come up with any ideas while filming way of the
dragon?
Answer: I don't think Game was meant to be a sequel. He talked of
it as being something new and different using many techniques.
T.o.t.U Question 28: While filming Way of the Dragon, did you ever
expect it to be a World wide success ?
Answer: I knew it would be a big hit in Asia as his other 2 made
such an impact, but I don't think anyone could have predicted how big it
got worldwide and the fact that it is still in the top 50 movies ever made
as to box office gross. I just wish I had gotten residuals!
T.o.t.U Question 29: Why do you think the fans love Bruce Lee so
much even after 30+ years after his
death ?
Answer: He was not only the greatest martial artist who ever lived,
he was also a teacher and a philosopher. Read his books to learn his wisdom.
Each new generation watch his films and become inspired. I met an Australian
stunt woman whose father made her watch Way every Sat. for years...she
knew every line!
T.o.t.U Question 30: Do you think there is any martial artisist/actor
that has equalled or surpassed Bruce Lee in terms of movie succeess in
the martial artisits ?
Answer: In my humble opinion...none have even equalled Bruce.
T.o.t.U Question 31: What do you think of the current martial arts
movies we have today ?
Answer: Some are Ok, some are terrible, but none will ever have
been shown as many times as Bruce's films.
T.o.t.U Question 32: What are you thoughts on the so called "Bruce
Lee - Jeet Kune Do " schools open today. Do you think they are just
riding on Bruce's fame and its just an ego thing for them to be taught
by one of Bruce Lee's Students ?
Answer: It has to be a bit of both, but the main thing is that there
are so many fans who want to know more about Bruce's JKD and are willing
to pay for it.
T.o.t.U Question 33: What fascinates me is how Bruce takes ordinary
people with no acting experience (Chuck Norris & other martial artists)
and casts them in his movies & it becomes a world wide success ? I
find this amazing ? How would you describe this ?
Answer: And that includes me with no acting experience! I don't
know how or why, but I'm glad Bruce could do it.
T.o.t.U Question 34: Was there any alternate scenes filmed for Way
of the Dragon which was not used in the final cut of the film?
Answer: I'm sure there were some as in every movie, but I have never
seen them.
T.o.t.U Question 35: Do you think after the sucess of Enter the
Dragon that Bruce would have remade Way and set it in San Francisco like
you stated he intended to do so on HKL Way DVD commentry you did for the
disk
Answer: That is what he said he wanted to do so I'm sure he would
have.
T.o.t.U Question 36: considering Bruces various talents and very
aware brain was he aware at the time that the 3 films he made in hongkong,were
of a LOW standard,in western film making terms,baring the great fight scenes
theses films did and still do appear week on plot and dialog and "spoon
feed the audience"did he give comment on this?
Answer: You must understand that HK films are made on very low budgets
compared to the millions spent in the West. Way was made for less than
US$150,000 Sure he knew he couldn't compare, but he intended to build up
to where he could get major investors and measure up to the West. For example,
I got less than US$300 for 2 weeks work plus a lot of lunch boxes, but
I did it for the experience, obviously not for the money.
T.o.t.U Question 37: Forget the impressive martial arts and physical
"showboating",did bruce make any other impact on you?
Answer: The main impact was that he was the most intelligent and
well read person that I have ever met...up to today.
T.o.t.U Question 38: Did Bruce Lee have any animosity towards Whang
Ing Sik (Japanese fighter in "Way"or vice versa?
Answer: None that I ever saw or knew about.
T.o.t.U Question 39: What is your opinion of Shannon Lee's and Linda
Lee Cadwell for allowing Bruce Lee's likeness to be used in CGI movie?
Answer: Sorry I can't comment as I don't know what a CGI movie is,
but perhaps they got paid for it.
T.o.t.U Question 40: Did you ever discuss the "meaning of Life"
or his "purpose" with Bruce Lee? he expended so much energy and
worked so hard. Was he a man who knew that learning to relax and "go
with the flow" was just as important as doing 1,000 punches per session?
Perhaps he was too young to begin thinking in those terms.
Answer: He did work a great deal and practiced more than most are
willing to do. However, he did relax also especially when reading and playing
with Brandon and Shannon.
T.o.t.U Question 41: Did he discuss goals and aspirations with you?
Answer: He always said that he wanted to be the best in what ever
he did and was willing to work for that. He really wanted the West to accept
Orientals not only in worthwhile roles, but in everyday life.
T.o.t.U Question 42: 2)Do you know where they are now???? (nora
miao and other co-stars of way of the dragon????). Or have you stayed in
contact with any of them?
Answer: Nora Miao was in Shanghai last week and I got to meet her.
She is still as attractive as always. She lives in Toronto and has a radio
program. Anders Nilsson lives in HK and also has a radio program. He was
the one who got hit with Bruce's nunchats and still has a beard today to
cover the scar. I see a few of the extras on occasion who still live in
HK.
Thank you so much for being willing to do this Q&A for the Temple of
the Unknown. We all appreciate you making time for the fans. We hope this
isn't your last time with us and we wish you all the best with your book
or any future projects.
For more information on Jon Benn's book email him at jonb332@netscape.net
