Arnold Schwarzenegger — formerly pumping iron, then an actor, presidential relative, happy husband, governor, future hopeful political leader, now again an actor — is pumping his newie movie. No flick chick, rom-com, jukebox junk, historical bio. “Sabotage” is drug cartels, safe houses, body counts. Testosterone 101.
Due 7 p.m., he showed precisely 7 p.m. Hair perfect. Clairol brown. His chest’s wider than a tractor. Age 66, Arnold’s upper arms could hide a family of four.
Through the crowd he was told: “That’s Cindy Adams over there.” He was gargantuanly unimpressed.
So do stunts get harder as he gets older?
“No. I do everything with enthusiasm. I love everything I do. In this, when we filmed on the back of a truck while it’s speeding and I’m shooting, the car chases were very dangerous. Nothing to catch or save you. You can fly right out. And it’s me, no double. I had to have a really good strong stand.
“I am used to daily body workouts. Before starting a film that takes such physical muscular strength, I do extra-special three-month intensive vascular exercises. And train with experts. The way you move, how to handle the rifle in that particular scene, an angle you jump or land so it’s all realistic.
“I get hurt a lot. With the stuff I do, on every film there’s accidents. Something happens to me. Once they had to take me off the set on a stretcher straight to the hospital. But already I am into my next project. April, I go to New Orleans to start ‘Terminator 5’.”
What about his daughter coming out with her book?
“I read it in advance. She’s terrific. She asks a lot. She’s hungry for information. She’s just like her mother.”
I told him: “You really look great.” He did not return the compliment.
Matters of taste
Ungood p.r.’s nibbling at foodie Todd English’s empire. His successful Food Hall got eaten away. The Plaza Hotel now owns and operates it. And trust mother, kiddies, ain’t as yummy as when under Todd’s spatula . . . More restaurateurs. Come May, Drew Nieporent of Nobu and Tribeca Grill, is opening a newie where once stood his old Montrachet. Name’s Batard, which Europeans know means “b - - - - - d.”
Film fest’s famous faces
Tribeca Film Festival news: Talks by Kevin Spacey, Ron Howard, Michael Douglas, Lee Daniels, Woody Allen film editor Thelma Schoonmaker. Future of Film conversations with Bryan Cranston, writer Terence Winter, Aaron Sorkin.
All film aspects get discussed. Washington politics vs. moviemaking has a give-and-break between former Rep. Barney Frank and Alec Baldwin, of whom you may have heard. Sports chat is twixt Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. Eva Longoria, who exec produced “Food Chains,” and Kerry Kennedy investigate agriculture and farm workers. “Nightline’s” Cynthia McFadden and journalist Perri Peltz dish documentaries.
There’s some comedy debauchery thing called “Supermensch” in Mike Myers’ directorial debut. Producer Morgan Spurlock’s on a storytelling panel. Plus, Brian Williams doing something else somewhere.
Bits & pieces
Dog lover Bernadette Peters: “I’m wearing no fur. My coat’s suede, a byproduct of food. We use every part of the animal.” . . . Gloria Estefan dancing in the aisles at the Carole King musical “Beautiful” . . . Leading “Mothers and Sons” standing ovation for Tyne Daly playing a mama — Patti Lupone, who knows from mommyhood. She played legendary Mama Rose . . . Apple will soon offer Microsoft on their phones.
Coming up, April Fool’s Day, Jenny McCarthy said: “I once had my sister write a note telling my husband she’s developed feelings for him. He freaked out.”
Only in New York, kids, only in New York.