Interview with Hollywood actor Sam Rockwell
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Sam Rockwell co-stars in this summer’s blockbuster “Iron Man 2″ as crazed weapons manufacture Justin Hammer. Rockwell has a strong presence as an independent film star, starring in critically acclaimed films such as “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind” and last year’s sci-fi gem, “Moon.”
The Oakland Post got a chance to talk to Rockwell in a conference call for student news outlets around the country this week:
Question: Since Justin Hammer is so different in the comics than the character you play in the movie, was it freeing for you as an actor to be able to create your own version of the character?
Sam Rockwell: Yes. (Jon) Favreau (director) really kind of just let me be myself and do my thing, you know? We were never going to try and do the ascot British accent thing.
Q: How was it like playing the villain?
SR: It’s fun playing bad guys. You get to break all the rules and it’s a fun challenge.
Q: How much did you know about Justin Hammer and “Iron Man” in general before you took the role?
SR: I knew very little. Actually, I knew nothing. I got the comic books as soon as I got the part and looked at them a little bit. The role was described to me by Justin Theroux (writer) and Jon Favreau.
Q: There was a lot of secrecy around the production of the film. Were there any moments where you had to check yourself to make sure you didn’t slip out any crucial details?
SR: Well, all the script pages have your name on them so if get them out you get sued because your name is on them. You have to be careful what you say, it’s very top-secret.
Q: What makes a big budget production better than an indie film?
SR: This movie kind of felt like an indie a lot of times. It was a very actor friendly set. You do get a bigger dressing room, you’re getting paid a little more money.
Q: What distinguishes Jon Favreau from all the other directors out there making movies?
SR: He’s a real good actor and…he understands how to make things fresh and real. He’s got a big bulls**t meter. He knows when it doesn’t feel real. I think that’s what made the first “Iron Man” so unique. He wanted to make it seem like this could really happen.
Q: Did you see a lot of improvisation or adlibbing in “Iron Man 2″?
SR: Most of it was Justin Theroux. I did very little improvisations. I’m a pretty good improviser, but I like a little structure and the writers provided that.
Q: How did you get involved in the project in the first place?
SR: I knew Justin Theroux (writer). Jon Favreau and I had done “Made” together with Vince Vaughn. Jon had called me for the screen testing for Tony Stark. It didn’t come together and Downey got the part and was of course amazing. Things just fell into place.
Q: Your popularity as an actor is higher than ever. When you set out to become an actor did you ever think you’d be so successful?
SR: No. I thought I would maybe do some summer stock theatre program. I didn’t know what was going to happen.
Q: You seem to have dance scenes in a lot of your movies. Is this a personal choice or do directors just love seeing you dance?
SR: I think sometimes they know I can dance and so I ham it up a little bit, you know?
Q: Do you prefer sci-fi roles to more conventional, life-like roles?
SR: It’s all acting to me. I just do what they tell me. They’re all just human beings to me.
Q: What are some of your best movies you’ve worked on?
SR: I’ve worked on some really great movies. Maybe “Iron Man,” “Moon,” “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind,” and probably “Snow Angels” to name a few.
Q: Any news on “Iron Man 3″ or who will be in the upcoming “Avengers” movie?
SR: No, but I hope I’m in them.
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