‘As You Wish’– This is ‘The Art of More’ Actor Cary Elwes in his new role still has nostalgia for a much-loved princess. BY LAURIE HARTT

lthough he’s long since hung up his (tight) tights and pirate masks, Malibu-based actor Cary Elwes has more Aprops up his sleeve. His most recent project, the drama series “The Art of More,” takes a deeper look at the darker side of the world of premium auction houses. Starring alongside Dennis Quaid, Kate Bosworth and Christian Cooke, Elwes plays Arthur Davenport, a world-class collector of art and ille- gal antiquities who mentors the young Graham Connor (Cooke)—a soldier- turned-antiquities smuggler. “I think viewers will be excited,” Elwes told MTM. “It explores a world that’s never been covered in television before—the intrigue of ... auctions and expensive art. It’s just a very innova- tive and new idea.” Growing up in the art world as a child, Elwes felt an immediate affin- ity toward the role (“I was almost a perfect fit to play him,” the actor not- ed) and was intrigued by Davenport’s character and personality. “He’s a guy who’s suffering from a congenital disease, and PHOTO BY MIRANDA PENN TURIN he’s also past his prime in the art world,” Elwes said. If any of Elwes’ past roles say anything about his character preferences (think “Dracula,” “Saw,” “Twister” and “Robin Hood: Men in Tights”), it’s easy to see why the role appeals to him. “I always like characters who have a lot of ‘issues in the tis- sues,’” he said with a laugh. “The Art of More,” which premiered in November, will be hosted on Sony’s new free video entertainment network, WINTER 2015-16 | 41 Elwes’ memoir, “As You Wish,” includes personal photos from behind the scenes of the beloved movie “The Princess Bride.”

Crackle, as the platform’s first scripted drama series. “They have a very smart business model,” Elwes explained. With limited advertising that allows viewers to watch for free, Crackle offers a high-quality service for users who don’t want to pay for streaming. “I think it’s the future of all networks,” he said. And Crackle is not only smart, but kind. “They approached me [for the role],” he said. “I was the last person to be cast, and they’ve been so incredibly nurturing and supportive. It’s an incredible experience.”

hen he’s not working, Elwes keeps himself busy working Wwith nonprofit agency Mercy Corps to provide economic aid around the world and trying to keep fit. “I do a lot of hiking,” he said. “Malibu is perfect hiking country.” The actor displayed his writing chops last year with his 42 | MALIBU TIMES MAGAZINE | #MALIBUTIMESMAG PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANDERSON GROUP PUBLIC RELATIONS

Nearly 30 years have passed since the release of “The Princess Bride” in 1987. Elwes de- scribed himself as “21, fresh faced, right off the boat” when he landed the role.

WINTER 2015-16 | 43 Elwes’ new project, “The Art of More,” takes a deeper look into PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANDERSON GROUP PUBLIC RELATIONS the darker side of premium auction houses.

“They approached me [for the role]. I was the last person to be cast, and they’ve been so incredibly nurturing and supportive. It’s an incredible experience.” —Cary Elwes on his role in “The Art of More”

memoir, “As You Wish,” his behind-the-scenes account from He especially remembers his time with writer William working on the set of “The Princess Bride,” which debuted at Goldman—“genius, absolute genius; a national treasure!”—and No. 3 on the New York Times Bestseller list, No. 5 on the Wall director Rob Reiner, who had come off a string of box office Street Journal Bestseller list and at No. 20 on USA TODAY’s successes and wanted to make the film. Best-Selling Books list. “It was a book that Rob had loved as a kid,” Elwes remem- Now that nearly 30 years have passed since the 1987 film bered. “Tons of filmmakers tried to make it [but] it was a tough was released, Elwes thought it was time to relive the experience. movie to pitch. It was making fun of the genre while respecting “The experience was so joyful for everybody concerned—[I it at the same time.” thought] if the fans are joyful and the film was joyful, perhaps Luckily for millions of fans, 20th Century Fox eventually we’ve got a recipe here,” he said. picked up the film, and the rest is history. Elwes recounted the feelings of nostalgia and fond memo- “We had to push the paperback because the hard copies are ries he had while writing the book. still selling. I [want] to thank all the fans out there for still buy- “I was a kid,” he said. “I was 21, fresh faced, right off the boat.” ing it.” Elwes said. “I call it the gift that keeps on giving.” n 44 | MALIBU TIMES MAGAZINE | #MALIBUTIMESMAG