| Interview continued.... Q:From your perspective, was it about school that he didn't like or was it just being a fish-out-of-water? Did you think he was going to get better? A:I think a fish-out-of-water is a good way to put it. He thought he was going to America and all of a sudden be accepted by the American kids, when really, he's not completely. Not as much as he really wanted to be. He's French at heart. There's no stopping it. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I think school is what really did it for him. School was just a place where he was not able to conduct himself. Q:Did director James Ivory have you react to the parents as alcoholics? Was that implied? A:I thought I should. I mean, there are two or three scenes when she comes over to me, where I have to deal with her while she's drunk, and i figure it's best if I know it. Q:For alcoholic parents, they're awfully great. A:Yeah, they were nice guys to me. They were happy drunks.... Q:Your mother's character knew he drank to much, but she married him anyway. A:Yeah. I think Bill (Kris Kristofferson) at that point, is not drinking. At least, it wasn't emphasized in the film. But, Barbara (Hershey) is suppose to, as the movie goes on, you're supposed to see her more often with a drink in her hand. I tried to make sure to react to that. I mean, you have to take that into account with anybody. I have plenty of friends who drink all teh time. And whether ther're drunk or not, it's and important part of what they're doing and how they're reacting. next page. back to interviews. |