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	Television Interviews Canada A.M. February 2, 2004

Bruce Greenwood made a quick trip to Toronto in early February giving several interviews - all on the same day - to promote his romantic comedy, The Republic of Love. His first appearance was early in the morning and included three clips from the movie along with a playful interview with the correspondent, Marci Ien. A full transcript follows.

Republic of Love clip

MI: Republic of Love pairs late night radio host Tom Avery up with a mermaid expert looking for someone to make her heart flutter. It's based around the late Carol Shields award-winning novel. Bruce Greenwood is the Canadian actor bringing Tom Avery's character to life, and he joins us now. So this is your first romantic lead in a while, right?

BG: Yeah, first in a while, yeah.

MI: So, how do you prepare for something like that, because you've been a bad guy most of the films I've seen you in.

BG: Well, I...most of the time, at home, I'm not really that bad a guy, you know, and I was kinda looking forward to doing something where I'm human.

MI: You know, when you talk to actors, most of them say they want to do the roles that are more challenging, and most of them will say playing those bad guys are more challenging. Is that why you do what you do?

BG: No, no - I just...I've somehow got into that niche where people recognize me for playing characters with lots of hidden agendas, you know, and I just wanted to play somebody who really wore his heart on his sleeve.

MI: And, so where do you go for inspiration? Or is that just part of who you are?

BG: Um, well, I read the book, of course, and the script. And you talk to the director and producers and other actors and you get a sense for the vibe that you want and then you just go play.

MI: Speaking of clips and movies, let's take a look, okay?

BG: Okay.

Republic of Love clip

MI: So, you play....actually, you play...

BG: I think that was a clip for when you interviewed Emilia.

MI: That's right. Not you, because of course you weren't in that scene.

BG: Because I'm not in that clip.

MI: But you are a radio talk -

BG: In fact, I'm barely in the movie.

MI: You play a radio talk show host and that's probably why -

BG: I'm not sure.

MI: Because you're on the radio and that's what you do. You don't...you know, you should be conducting this interview.

BG: I know, I'm sorry, carry on.

MI: No, no.....no, no, no - I mean -

BG: I'll listen....

MI: No, not because you're being rude, but because of the radio talk show host thing.

BG: (in a deep radio voice) Yes...

MI: That's what I mean.

BG: (in a deep radio voice) Exactly.

MI: So, do you have anything you want to ask me?

BG: Yeah, what's ...how's..?

MI: Did you learn anything from this thing, this ordeal?

BG: I think you're just so professional. I can't believe the way you segue in that early little clip from just our conversation right to the cameras. It was all butter.

MI: I saw the camera light come on and it was kinda like I better say something because we were, and....good thing we were having a legit conversation. That's the thing.

BG: I know. It was, wasn't it?

MI: Yes.

BG: What's the significance of the black rose, the black gardenia, or whatever it is?

MI: It's a kind of a rose -

BG: Does it smell?

MI: It's fake.

BG: Makes me...I really want to (makes a smelling gesture and sound)

MI: Okay, we'll do that after.

BG: Okay.

MI: So, I know that you studied philosophy in school at one point. You did everything -

BG: Not long enough to realize that maybe I should do something besides being an actor.

MI: So why act then? How did you discover acting, because you did philosophy and then philosophy. [Note: she did say Philosophy twice - I think she was a bit rattled.] I heard skiing somewhere or other and travelling and -

BG: In university, I was taking all kinds of stuff because I didn't really know what I wanted to do and I needed - there was quite a heavy course load because there was physics and economics and I needed three easy credits and I realized that acting was completely subjective. You can't be failed. So, I thought I'll just do that. I'll get the three easy credits.

MI: And it worked out well.

BG: Well, I think it was, it sort of appealed to all the things that I like, which is the language and music.

MI: You were fantastic in Thirteen Days. We were talking about that earlier. Loved it. You were fantastic in Double Jeopardy. Everything you've done, you've been great so far. But if you weren't acting, what would you be doing?

BG: Well, if I had the ability, I'd be a musician.

MI: You're saying you don't have the ability?

BG: No, I'm like a garage player, you know. I play for fun and it's great and it's fun for me. I think I'd rather do that.

MI: Ok, alright, then. You heard it here on Canada AM. Well, you're a fantastic actor. I say you stick with that, okay? The movie is called Republic of Love. It hits the theatres next weekend, just in time for Thanksgiving.
[Note: yes, she really did say Thanksgiving. BG must have had her totally rattled by this time!]

Republic of Love clip