in Thirteen Days
Thursday, Jan. 11, 3 p.m. ET
For thirteen extraordinary days in October of 1962, the world stood on the brink of an unthinkable catastrophe. Across the globe, people anxiously awaited the outcome of a harrowing political, diplomatic and military confrontation that threatened to end in an apocalyptic nuclear exchange between the United States and the Soviet Union. At issue: Soviet missiles in Cuba, pointed at the U.S. Thirteen Days, a new movie dealing with this topic, expands nationwide Friday January 12th. Chat about the movie and the Cuban Missile Crisis with actor Bruce Greenwood, who plays President John F. Kennedy.
Washington, D.C.: I did a doubletake when I realized that you were the bereaved father in "The Sweet Hereafter". You bore no resemblance to your usual self! Excellent movie. Was that a difficult role to play?Bruce Greenwood: It was a role that required going to a place you don't like to spend much time in. That character was living with a lot of grief. It wasn't easy.
District of Columbia: I checked out your filmography, and was suprise to see that you were in "The Sweet Hereafter". Do you find that it's hard to be taken seriously as an actor because you're so goodlooking (I WISH I had that problem!)?
Bruce Greenwood: Oh, that's changing rapidly! Now I'm old enough where it's not a problem.
Silver Spring, MD: Did you meet with any of the Kennedys to get tips on playing JFK?
Bruce Greenwood: No, I didn't have that opportunity. I did have breakfast with Pierre Salinger, though, which was really informative. I found myself sitting across the table from someone who'd really been there, which in an oblique way reminded me that they were real people and just men.
Arlington, VA: Why this movie now? What do the lessons does it teach us?
Bruce Greenwood: I think certainly it asks us to understand the responsibilities shouldered by the people in the Oval Office, and the quality of intellect that needs to be summoned when we're faced with this kind of crisis.
Hercules CA: What was your favorite scene in the film? The one with which might feel most satisfied?
Bruce Greenwood: I find it very difficult to watch myself uncritically, so I don't have a favorite. I have moments that disappoint me less than others. I see the seams in my performance and things I could have done differently. But it's a great movie!
Washington, D.C.: Some of us would love to see you work with Atom Egoyan again. Will you?
Bruce Greenwood: I will indeed, this summer, in a movie called "Ararat". I wouldn't presume to say what it's about, but it involves the Armenian genocide in the beginning of the century, and the ripples that are felt to this day.
Hercules CA: Have you heard from any of the Kennedys about the film and more specifically about your interpretation of JFK?
Bruce Greenwood: I've heard some second hand reports that have been encouraging. I gather Chris Lawford (who's in the movie) says it was well received by the family.
New York, NY: Do you prefer playing bad guys or good guys? You were totally evil in "Double Jeopardy" and "Rules of Engagement"!!
Bruce Greenwood: People often say playing the bad guy allows you to chew a little more scenery, but I've played an awful lot of bad guys, so I enjoy playing good guys!
Washington DC: How was it to work with Denzel on St Elsewhere?
Bruce Greenwood: He was great -- very easygoing and a good actor. As I was coming on he was just breaking out, and starting to do "Cry Freedom". He was beginning his departure as I was beginning my tenure.
New York, NY: Are there any special burdens actors face when playing in historical films?
Bruce Greenwood: Yes, of course. The expectations game is someone else's game, and you have to be free to invest yourself 100% in the character. What kept me awake was a sense of responsibility to the man himself, although it's presumptuous to presume that you can get the whole person.
New York NY: You've had a long career in Hollywood. If you were not an actor what would you be doing?
Bruce Greenwood: I'd like to think I'd be doing something terribly important, but if my career is any indication, I'd probably be a ski instructor. Seriously, I'd probably have something to do with the environment.
Houston TX: You don't really look like JFK (but then who does...) but you have the FEEL of him. What did you do to prepare for the role?
Bruce Greenwood: I've got a Kennedy library that comes up to my chest, mostly focusing on that 14 day period. I read every waking minute, watched file footage, listened to tape, etc. Then I thought about what it must have been like.
Washington DC: Will you be in Washington for inauguration?
Bruce Greenwood: No, I'm not.
Hercules CA: You once stated Exotica was your favorite role. Would that still hold true? Or do Billy in TSH and JFK challenge that statement?
Bruce Greenwood: Yeah, they do. They certainly do. I didn't want leave the JFK role after it was done. I really wished the movie was 8 hours long and took 4 years to film.
Palo Alto, CA: Hi Bruce, What was your best filming experience, ever?
Bruce Greenwood: For sheer largesse, doing my own skiing in a Canadian movie of the week. I've been to some great places -- Pakistan ("The Climb"), "The Sweet Hereafter" and "Thirteen Days", of course. I really love working and have fun anywhere.
Hercules, CA: Music is an important aspect of your life. Will you be doing anything musically in the near future? Anything in connection with a film?
Bruce Greenwood: I play music for fun. A good friend, Gregg Henry, of mine is a tremendous musician and artist, and we're going to make an album available on my website.
Biloxi MS: Are you and East coaster or a West coaster? Or do you live in Canada?
Bruce Greenwood: I grew up on the East Coast, and I'm a West Coaster.
Arlington VA: What scripts are you attracted to and what scripts do you generally shy away from?
Bruce Greenwood: I'm attracted to stuff that's smart and convoluted, as well as funny, but I don't get many chances to do comedy. I shy away from endless violence. I also avoid movies where children are victims.
Comment from Bruce Greenwood: I'm generally attracted to stuff for which I'm not being considered.
New Orleans LA: Do you consider yourself a method actor, a James Dean type? or do you consider yourself a traditional sort of (jason robards ) line-reader?
Bruce Greenwood: I wouldn't presume to put myself in the Robards category...
I have varying methods. Sometime it's internal, sometimes it's informed by something utterly visual. I don't have a "method". It all depends on what speaks to me first.
Greenville, SC: For someone who knows very little about the Cuban Missile Crisis, is this film a good indication of actual events?
Bruce Greenwood: Yes it is. It's a very fair representation of the broad strokes. Any historical drama is Rashomon, to some degree. A true history is somewhat of a false architecture. Whoever relates history will have a unique perspective. This movie doesn't claim to be a definitive account, but it does help give a broader view. There's yet more to be discovered after seeing this movie.
Berkeley CA: Kevin Costner said on The Early Show today that you didn't play JFK, you were JFK. Did it feel like that during filming?
Bruce Greenwood: I didn't feel like myself. In submerging yourself in the day-to-day challenge of telling a story, you do forget yourself.
Alexandria, VA: Are you open to returning to TV or does a starring role in a Major film like Thirteen Days keep you focused on features?
Bruce Greenwood: I really enjoy working, and we'll see what comes.
Truth or Consequesnces New Mexico: Did you study acting or did you kind of "fall" into it? What is the hardest part of the business?
Bruce Greenwood: Acting and the business are two different animals. I fell into it when I began to study it. I began studying it because I needed three easy credits. The hardest part of the business? It used to be the rejection, but now it's not being allowed to take the shot at the role.
Kensington CA: You recently finished filming The Magnificent Ambersons in Ireland. How did you like Ireland? And did you enjoy doing a period piece like this?
Bruce Greenwood: A resounding yes and yes! I'm madly in love with Ireland, and I do enjoy period pieces.
Comment from USATODAY.com Host: Thanks to much to Bruce Greenwood and to everyone who participated in today's chat.
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