By Fred Topel | Image property of DreamWorks Animation
It’s really rare for journalists to get to talk to Eddie Murphy. In 10 years of reporting, this was my first opportunity. Murphy joined his costars at a Shrek Forever After press conference and showed that he’s still got it when it comes to comedy. Asked to comment on the film’s theme of appreciating the love in your life, Murphy riffed.
Eddie Murphy Talks Shrek Forever After
“I just love everything and I love everyone and I love love,” Murphy said. “Love is a motherf***er! How do you feel about love? Does anybody not love love? I think everybody loves being with their family and loves being around people who make you feel good.”
Perhaps going from blue to sincere in the same breath was the biggest insight into Murphy’s creative process. “I just do it. Whenever I am on camera or doing anything on mic, I don’t have any process at all just do it and when I finished it goes away. There is no process. I wish there was some techniques to it. I just turn it on and off and then I go home. With everything, even this. When this is over I will just be gone.”
Shrek Forever After
When it comes to the success of the Shrek franchise, Murphy keeps it simple. “I think it’s really funny and very well made. I think it’s that simple. It’s really well made. It’s very funny. It’s smart and those things add up to a hit sometimes.”
In the film, Shrek trades a day of his life for a day of peace and quiet, creating catastrophic changes to the space/time continuum of Far Far Away. Asked about his best days in life, Murphy got philosophical.
“I had some good days. I just can’t narrow it down to one day. I am waiting for that one day. I haven’t had that one day. But you know like this is the day. I haven’t had the day. I’ve had a lot of good times and I’ve had a lot of good days. But not ‘the day’ yet.”
Shrek Forever After opens to theaters on May 21st.
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