Yesterday, American actor Michael Madsen (67) passed away. He will be remembered for his roles in many iconic films by Quentin Tarantino, Oliver Stone, Ridley Scott, Lawrence Kasdan, Robert Rodriguez… but also in a couple of Serbian films, “Serbian Scars” (2009) and “Along the Roadside.”
Vladimir Lisinac, a Serbian producer living and working in California, collaborated with Madsen on the film “Along the Roadside” and wanted to share his memories for Serbian Times…
“Michael Madsen wasn’t just the first American actor I approached to star in my debut film ‘Along the Roadside’ — he was the spark that ignited everything. His ‘yes’ changed everything.
At that moment, I was a producer from Serbia, which, translated into the language of the American film business, meant ‘nobody and nothing’ — just with a dream in my pocket and a script in my hand. His manager then gave me the green light, so I contacted him directly. I knew Michael was from Chicago and had a deep respect for immigrant stories and cultural landscapes.
I told him: ‘Michael, my debut film deals with the immigrant experience in America—the very story your heart beats for.’ He paused and said: ‘Send it to me to read.’
The next morning, to my great surprise, an SMS arrived:
‘I want to be a part of it.’
Connection to the Serbian Soul
And then, while filming the first scene, he approached me and said:
‘You know what, I’m from Chicago. There are a lot of Serbs there, and I feel some kind of connection to the Serbian soul. That’s what I wanted to tell you, so you understand me. Let’s shoot now!’
He wasn’t attracted by the budget because it wasn’t substantial. He was attracted by the truth.
I appreciated his acting oeuvre even before I called him. A little shyly, I approached him on set those days and told him I liked the quiet tension of Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs, the raw poetry of his presence in the frame. His face lit up.
‘Those are the words, man.’ And then we talked for a long time about brutal creativity, especially about years of collaboration with Quentin Tarantino, the legendary films they made together.
Chemistry with Laza Ristovski
On set in the Californian desert, at 43 degrees Celsius, his chemistry with Lazar Ristovski was cinematic poetry. Both knew: they had to carry this film on their shoulders.
FILM CHEMISTRY: Michael Madsen and Laza Ristovski filming “Along the Roadside”
For the role of Jerry in my film, Michael won the Best Supporting Actor award at the IFS Film Festival in Beverly Hills. He almost cried on stage. He paused and said: “I am also an immigrant—Serbia welcomed me, and my heart now belongs here.”
His trust in me, my brother Zoran as the director, and our whole small film family — became the foundation of my career. His name opened doors. His modesty taught us. His friendship lifted us.
TRUST: Michael with director and screenwriter Zoran Lisinac
Belgrade Ćevapi and Woolen Socks
In February 2013, I invited him to go to Belgrade together and present the film at the 41st FEST. He replied immediately:
“Man, that’s been a long-time wish of mine. I have to see that country!”
And not only did he come — he also opened the festival by stepping onto the grand stage at Sava Centar. It was a moment when my dream met his.
We were guests on Ivan Ivanović’s show; he was spontaneous, witty, charming the audience, which he actually did his whole life. Afterwards, we ate ćevapi, roasted meat, poured and refilled from the siphon, shared wine and anecdotes. My mother gave him thick, old-fashioned woolen socks in the style of King Peter I.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA: Laza Ristovski, Michael Madsen, and Vladimir Lisinac
When Air France lost his luggage, he didn’t complain. Without a word, he put on my huge, basketball power forward’s shirt and said: “Perfect.”
A Humble Hollywood Star – I didn’t know such a thing existed until I met him
A few days after FEST, we were sitting by the Danube, eating some late-night barbecue, and he was telling me how he would love to return to Serbia and explore it more. He spoke with passion about making a film that would combine American and Serbian stories. And then he quietly told me:
“Ah, this is a film.”
And it was. Because of him, everything truly began.
Written by: Vladimir Lisinac | Photo: Private archive
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