From "Young Guns" to "My Best Friend's Wedding", Dermot Mulroney has taken an eclectic career path. The 39-year-old Virginian gives a memorable performance as Jack Nicholson's prospective son-in-law, in heartwarming comedy "About Schmit" - even if he does wear a wig...
How did you get involved with "About Schmidt"?
Well, I just heard that Alexander Payne was making his third movie, and I really liked "Citizen Ruth" and "Election". I auditioned for the part, I just made sure that I had a chance to be involved.
You're not someone who would instinctively be thought of to play quite a goofy character...
I agree with you. In fact, I wasn't sure what my chances were. I knew I could do it, but you're never sure if someone else thinks you can, so I was thrilled when I landed the role.
What sort of director is Alexander Payne?
Well, I had known him a little previous to this, just from events and so forth, and knew that he was not only really smart, but had a really low-key sense of humour. He speaks four languages and is a gourmet cook - he's one of those guys - so he doesn't really feel like he's got to make a big production out of being the director. In other words, his approach is real subtle, but decisive.
How did you prepare to play Randall? Was the hairstyle important?
It was. The script described him exactly as you see him, so I knew what I had to achieve when I was cast - it was just how to actually pull it off. It was pretty interesting whether to do a full wig... I did a combination of things. That was like solving a puzzle, which is often how I approach acting anyway. Other than that, the script was really clear. I did visit a waterbed salesman, just to find out what you're supposed to know when you're trying to pawn off this fading fad on people.
How was it working with Jack Nicholson?
It was really something else. Obviously I was thrilled when I landed the role, knowing that my scenes were opposite him. You imagine the scenes when I hug him, that kind of stuff is priceless, you can't help being a little bit excited going into the day you're shooting that scene.
Was there much of a social side to the shoot?
There was not. I thought there probably would be, considering his reputation, but he made a deliberate choice to stay in and read. Literally. I believe he was coaxed out to one dinner at a restaurant, while he was in Omaha, for probably three months. He kept his cards real close to his chest.
