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fandomaniaNice interview with Neal about playing historical roles.
HCC: You were remarkable in Band of Brothers. What was it like to be part of such an epic history film?
NM: It’s a real feather in my cap that they asked me to be part of it. I’m honored beyond belief. Steven Spielberg asked me to be in several of his projects; then Clint Eastwood asked me to be in Flags of Our Fathers. And then (director) Joe (Johnston) asked me to be part of Captain America. I’m doing something right; I’m not sure what it is. But I always say that my wife is my good luck charm.
HCC: Captain America was a big hit. What do you think attracts people to World War II-era films so much?
NM: I think people went to see Captain America because they wanted to feel good about America. It makes us remember that America—in World War II, in particular—came in when other people were having trouble and helped them out. Wars in the past 20 years or 30 years or 40 years, for that matter—it’s a little bit different. It’s not so definitive. At the time (of World War II) the whole world was fighting against this one guy who wanted to rule the world. There was an obvious enemy.
HCC: You’ve been a part of some of the best World War II history productions that have come out in recent years. Are you drawn to these films or are they drawn to you?
NM: I think it’s both. My father was a sergeant in the Army. Maybe that has something to do with why I gravitate toward these characters. As my wife likes to say, I have a face for helmets. (laughs) I look good in a World War II helmet I guess. These are stories I really love, and I’ve been fortunate enough—blessed beyond belief—to be part of them.
HCC: Your character in Captain America, Timothy “Dum Dum” Dugan, he’s a little bit different than other World War II-era characters you’ve played, like Buck Compton in Band of Brothers. How was this role different for you?
NM: Well, with Buck in Band of Brothers, at first he was a fun loving kind of guy. In the first couple of episodes he was a lot like Dum Dum. And then the war starts to get to him. For Dum Dum, he’s just 100 percent Boston-Irish bad *ss.”
HCC: Is preparing for a historical film different than preparing for a regular film?
NM: Yeah. Especially with Dum Dum. So many people know who he is. You have so many comic-book fans who wanted to make sure Dum Dum was played correctly. I do a lot of research as an actor, but especially for historical characters.
HCC: Are you a history buff?
NM: I’m a bit of a history buff; it was one of my favorite classes in school. I think to be an actor you have to love history.
HCC: Are there any famous historical figures you’d some day like to play?
NM: Oh, boy….You know, if they are ever going to make an Evil Knievel film about his last jump, I’m in.
Source: The History Channel Club
HCC: You were remarkable in Band of Brothers. What was it like to be part of such an epic history film?
NM: It’s a real feather in my cap that they asked me to be part of it. I’m honored beyond belief. Steven Spielberg asked me to be in several of his projects; then Clint Eastwood asked me to be in Flags of Our Fathers. And then (director) Joe (Johnston) asked me to be part of Captain America. I’m doing something right; I’m not sure what it is. But I always say that my wife is my good luck charm.
HCC: Captain America was a big hit. What do you think attracts people to World War II-era films so much?
NM: I think people went to see Captain America because they wanted to feel good about America. It makes us remember that America—in World War II, in particular—came in when other people were having trouble and helped them out. Wars in the past 20 years or 30 years or 40 years, for that matter—it’s a little bit different. It’s not so definitive. At the time (of World War II) the whole world was fighting against this one guy who wanted to rule the world. There was an obvious enemy.
HCC: You’ve been a part of some of the best World War II history productions that have come out in recent years. Are you drawn to these films or are they drawn to you?
NM: I think it’s both. My father was a sergeant in the Army. Maybe that has something to do with why I gravitate toward these characters. As my wife likes to say, I have a face for helmets. (laughs) I look good in a World War II helmet I guess. These are stories I really love, and I’ve been fortunate enough—blessed beyond belief—to be part of them.
HCC: Your character in Captain America, Timothy “Dum Dum” Dugan, he’s a little bit different than other World War II-era characters you’ve played, like Buck Compton in Band of Brothers. How was this role different for you?
NM: Well, with Buck in Band of Brothers, at first he was a fun loving kind of guy. In the first couple of episodes he was a lot like Dum Dum. And then the war starts to get to him. For Dum Dum, he’s just 100 percent Boston-Irish bad *ss.”
HCC: Is preparing for a historical film different than preparing for a regular film?
NM: Yeah. Especially with Dum Dum. So many people know who he is. You have so many comic-book fans who wanted to make sure Dum Dum was played correctly. I do a lot of research as an actor, but especially for historical characters.
HCC: Are you a history buff?
NM: I’m a bit of a history buff; it was one of my favorite classes in school. I think to be an actor you have to love history.
HCC: Are there any famous historical figures you’d some day like to play?
NM: Oh, boy….You know, if they are ever going to make an Evil Knievel film about his last jump, I’m in.
Source: The History Channel Club
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Date: 2011-10-29 02:21 am (UTC)