MICHAEL RODRICK INTERVIEW

“THOUGHTS OF A THESPIAN”

Q: How did you first hear about “Nowhere Man?”
A: Tim McCann contacted me after finishing his film “Revolution #9”. He said he wrote a script with me in mind. I just told him to let me know when he was ready to shoot. I really believe in everything he does. He always produces a final product that leaves everyone unhinged. As an artist, he is someone I have absolute faith in. I was living in LA, when he contacted me to shoot. It was August. I went back to New York . We tend to do our best shooting when it is very hot and very muggy.

Q: How did you first meet Tim?
A: Years ago, just out of college, I answered an ad in Backstage. On a hot summer day, I auditioned for him on Manhattan 's Upper East Side for the lead in his film “Desolation Angels”. He had someone else in mind for the role. Thankfully, I beat the other guy out. We shot the film in 20 days during a New York heat wave. Tim cut the film on a flatbed, in his bedroom. We got into a lot of festivals with that film.

Q: What did you like about the script of “Nowhere Man”?
A: I like a great role. Conrad was a great role. When I met Werner Herzog at the Telluride Film Festival, he told me “Great roles make great actors.” That was excellent advice. “Nowhere Man” was a script that provided a great role. So I wanted to do it. But I was scared to death in a way. The subject matter is so controversial. But when does an actor have an opportunity to play a role like this one?

Q: What changes does your character go through in this film? External? Internal?
A: Well, my character is on top of his game, then the rug is pulled out from under him. He spends most of the film trying to piece himself back together, physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually… But I don't want to give the film away. Just think of Conrad as someone who is going through a very painful divorce.

Q: How did you prepare?
A: I have a scene partner, Michele Bush, who studies with me in LA. We coincidentally have studied with all the same teachers. We work a lot together. I rehearsed with her for a month. Independent films seem to be the only medium where you are given that luxury.

Q: What kind of film do you think this is?
A: Film noir. An independent film. A corkscrew conflict compliments of Tim McCann.

Q: How did you get into acting?
A: In the summer of 1987, I auditioned for the NJ Governor's School for theatre. I auditioned on a whim. I was a junior in high school, and I just wanted a summer away from my family. I got in. Then, one of the parents at the Gov's school said that I should study theatre at The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. I applied and they gave me a full scholarship. It's a very old drama program at Catholic U, very traditional. Susan Sarandon and John Voight are alumni. I did a lot of plays there. I graduated and came back to New York to act.

Q: What have been your best roles so far?
A: Nick in “Desolation Angels”. Ryan in “ UnderHellgate Bridge ”. Cameron on ‘Another World'.

Q: What's next?
A: I'm shooting two sitcom pilots. One is with Tim McCann.