Hussein Fahmy: Psychologists Help Me Build Up New Characters

Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy
Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy
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Hussein Fahmy: Psychologists Help Me Build Up New Characters

Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy
Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy

Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy said that he relied on psychologists during his career to develop characters.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, he confirmed that he will return to the big screen with three new works after a hiatus of 18 years. He also indicated that the Egyptian cinema is suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic and producers’ reluctance to take risks during these uncertain times.

On why joined the cast of "Fares" movie, Fahmy said he decided to join the cast after hearing encouraging facts about the project from his friend, artist Ahmed Zaher.

"I think it’s essential for me and our generation of artists to support the new generation, just as the previous generation had done for us,” he noted.

“The events of the movie are very exciting. The author, Hussam Moussa, with whom I have also collaborated before, is very well known for his unique writing style and ability to create suspense. I will also get the chance to work again with director Raouf Abdel Aziz," added Fahmy.

He further explained how he has portrayed different roles throughout his career, saying: “an actor isn’t just someone reciting a role written for them in a script. An actor is a creative person who adds new dimensions to the character he’s playing to draw in the viewer, and I systematically practice my roles."

"As an actor, I must add new psychological dimensions to the character that I’m playing, so I always consult a psychologist before playing a particular role. If I don’t have enough time to consult with one, I resort to online research about the nature of the character I’m going to play."

Regarding his new film, Fahmy said that the Egyptian cinema will be making a comeback with the film, as a large number of stars in the Arab world are part of it, most notably Jamal Suleiman, Eyad Nassar, Dorra Zarrouk, Mahmoud Hemida and Fathy Abdel Wahab.

"The film will have a novel and original plot, the details of which won’t be revealed, to maintain the element of surprise for the viewers.”

Fahmy pointed out that he had no control over his absence from the screen in recent Ramadan drama seasons, saying due to certain circumstances some of the works he took part in were not aired on time.

He concluded by pointing out that the film industry is among the most afflicted by the pandemic, stressing that some producers are reluctant to make films under the current circumstances, mainly due to the Egyptian government’s decision to allow only 50 percent capacity in movie theaters. However, TV series are still profitable as they can be aired during Ramadan season and well beyond then.



Brian Wilson's Top Five Beach Boys Songs

Musician Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys performs onstage at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. KEVIN WINTER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File
Musician Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys performs onstage at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. KEVIN WINTER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File
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Brian Wilson's Top Five Beach Boys Songs

Musician Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys performs onstage at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. KEVIN WINTER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File
Musician Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys performs onstage at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. KEVIN WINTER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File

From the carefree sound of California surf music to the sophistication of later darker works, here are five of the top hits penned by influential Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson.

'Surfin' USA' (1963)

"Surfin' USA" was the Beach Boys' first global hit, taken from their eponymous debut album. A youthful ode to sea, sun and girls, it became an anthem for the West Coast and beyond.

It demonstrated Brian Wilson's increasing songwriting prowess as well as the band's unique vocal sound achieved thanks to double tracking.

"We'll all be gone for the summer/ We're on safari to stay/ Tell the teacher we're surfin'/ Surfin' USA," it rang out.

Wilson intentionally set his lyrics to the music of "Sweet Little Sixteen," by Chuck Berry, leading Berry to take legal action.

'California Girls' (1965)

On the big hit of the summer of 1965, Wilson's cousin Mike Love burst into song to celebrate the sun-tanned women of California.

"I wish they all could be California girls," the band members sang in seemless harmony.

It was also the first song written by Wilson under the influence of LSD, "which could explain why the accompaniment seems to move in a slow, steady daze at odds with the song's bright, major-key melody," Rolling Stone magazine wrote.

'God Only Knows' (1966)

It took Wilson just 45 minutes to write "God Only Knows," the legendary eighth track on the album "Pet Sounds" which has gone down as one of the greatest love songs ever.

Sung by brother Carl Wilson, Brian's rival Paul McCartney declared it to be his favorite song of all time and said it reduced him to tears.

But the record company and other members of the group were wary at the new turn in style.

'Good Vibrations'(1966)

"Good Vibrations" was a massive commercial success, selling one million copies in the United States and topping charts there and in several other countries including the UK.

At the time the most expensive single ever made, the "pocket symphony" was recorded in four different studios, consumed over 90 hours of tape and included a complexity of keys, textures, moods and instrumentation.

The song was a far cry from the group's surf-and-sun origins and the enormity of the task brought Wilson to the brink. He was unable to go on and complete the album "Smile," of which the song was to have been the centerpiece.

- 'Til I die' (1971) -

On side B of the album "Surf's Up,'Til I die" was composed in 1969 by a depressed Wilson worn down by mental illness and addiction.

He wrote in his 1991 autobiography that it was perhaps the most personal song he had written for the Beach Boys.