MALCOLMMcDOWELL.US Chats One-On-One
with the Great Malcolm McDowell

When someone becomes a “fan” of an actor, by definition, he or she recognizes the actor’s talent. Talent is never in question. The question, in my mind, is always: what is the actor like in real life?

On Monday, November 17 (2008) at 11:30 AM (ET), I had the honor to interview Malcolm about his upcoming projects, his appearances at recent conventions, and much more. Below is a (summary) of the interview.

After meeting Malcolm on two occasions and conducting this recent phone interview, I would just like to say to all the Malcolm fans reading this... that not only is Malcolm immensely talented, he is truly one of the loveliest people I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with.

A huge thanks to Malcolm McDowell and Chris Roe for making this interview happen!

Now…first things first… GO SEE BOLT! The highly anticipated new Disney film stars Malcolm McDowell as the voice of “Dr. Calico” and John Travolta as the voice of “Bolt,” a dog who cannot tell the difference between his TV show adventures and reality. According to Malcolm, Disney has created yet another box office success. BOLT opens THIS FRIDAY (November 21, 2008) in theatres! BOLT’s official site can be found here: www.disney.go.com/disneypictures/bolt/. Check it out!!

Jenny: I think recent Disney films like Finding Nemo and The Incredibles have been especially clever and successful because they reach audiences on different levels – not only can a ten year old enjoy the film, but teenagers and adults can as well. Do you think Bolt is a film for all ages?

Malcolm: Absolutely. I was so impressed by how smartly the film was written.

Jenny: Have you seen the final product yet?

Malcolm: I haven’t seen the whole thing yet. I'm going to the premiere tonight. When you do voice-work on a film, it’s almost as if you’re in your own little “bubble,” but I was shown 20 minutes of the final version and was absolutely amazed. It’s terrific.

Jenny: In December you go to Toronto to begin shooting the film Suck. I know this is a vampire movie, but can you give any details on the genre? Is this a comedy, a horror film, etc?

Malcolm:  It’s a comedy. I play a vampire slayer who’s scared of the dark! The film is a very funny, “rock ‘n roll” vampire movie.

Jenny: When we met in Florida, you mentioned another project of yours called Barry Munday. I know this isn’t out yet, but have you seen it, or parts of it?

Malcolm: I haven’t seen it but I can tell you that the cast is fabulous. Patrick Wilson and Judy Greer are fantastic. They are two young actors who are definitely on their way up.

Jenny: How does your character (“Mr. Farley”) fit into the storyline?

Malcolm: I play the father [of the girl Barry Munday “seduces”] who’s an ex-bodybuilder. You can really think of the film as the “male version” of Juno!

Jenny: If you were invited back to Heroes, would you do it?

Malcolm: I definitely would, given that my schedule allowed it.

Jenny: From what I hear, TV shooting is especially fast-paced. Is there ever an opportunity where you can try your own ideas, or “ad lib?”

Malcolm: Not really, no. However, one show that I love called Friday Night Lights (on Direct TV) has a degree of improvisation. When you watch the show you can tell. There is a level of spontaneity that can’t be accomplished without it. Another example of [where you can see some] improvisation on television is, of course, Entourage.

Jenny: Let’s talk a little about your recent appearances at conventions. I believe I speak for the majority of fans when I say… As a fan, when you’re standing in line to meet an actor… the main emotion that is occurring is fear! We are terrified. I’m wondering, as an actor, on the “other side of the table” – what’s that like? Do you ever get nervous before a convention starts?

Malcolm: Why are you afraid when you’re in line?

Jenny: Well, in my opinion, as fans, we know that when we meet you, we have one shot to make a good impression.

Malcolm: And you only have a very short amount of time to do it in.

Jenny: Exactly. We get one shot, it’s very short, and that’s it. And if we mess that up, we really can’t do anything about it. To me, that kind of situation is terrifying. What does it feel like as the actor? Do you ever get nervous thinking… my God there are a thousand people about to come at me?

Malcolm: You know, I don’t. The shows I’ve appeared at have been a real eye-opener for me. I’m finally getting to meet the hardcore fans. I have never had an experience where anyone was disrespectful in the least. Everyone I have met has been so welcoming and so nice. All of them have been the best of the best. I will say this, conventions do take a tremendous amount of energy because you want everyone to have a special moment when they meet you.

Jenny: Malcolm, is there anything you think people don’t know about you that you would like the world to know?

Malcolm: Well, given the majority of my roles, I’m not sure if people are aware of my sense of humor. I like to laugh all day long. I look for comedy in every role that I get.

Jenny:  My last question for you, in your professional acting career, what has been your most memorable moment?

Malcolm: Hearing that I won the part in If. That was probably the most extraordinary moment because I knew then that my life was going to change forever.

 

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