[The_Return]

#1. Has there ever been a movie that truly inspired you? I'm talking changed a way of thinking, an emotion, an opinion, or even your life? Which movie(s), and why?

As odd as this sounds, I have to say Office Space. Really inspired me not to take stuff so seriously. The scene in the bar where he's telling Micheal Bolton (:p) that he just lost his job, and the speech he gives afterwards, is one of the most inspirational moments ever put on film.

#2. Who do you look up to, and why?

I really dont have a role model, per se. I look up to my father because he's just an all-around good person, but thats about it.

#3. What is your proudest memory?

Probably the first time that I was on stage somewhere other than my school. I was in a production of Peter Pan at a major local theatre, and even though it was a fairly small part and there was hardly any audience, stepping onto that stage was like nothing I'd ever felt. I had done school plays and stuff before, but that was just such a magical feeling.

I guess that isnt really "proudest", now that I think about it. I guess that would be when I got a role in a major local production of A Christmas Carol. As far as community theatre goes, it was with a fairly prestigious group,,,amazing experience. It was only the second "real" auditon I had been to (outside of school, I mean), and when I was contacted to say I got the part I was estaticly proud of myself.

#4. What would your perfect day consist of?

- Sleeping in
- Having a nice, big breakfast...bacon, scrambled eggs, hasbrowns, ect.
- Taking a nice, long relaxing shower
- Going for a long walk with my girlfriend
- Sitting down at home to watch a good movie alone with her.

Im easy to please, and as far as Im concerned that is heaven.

#5. Dracula (1931) is almost your trademark film. Whenever I see it, hear of it, or read about it I immediately think of you. What about the film attracts you so much? What aesthetics, techniques, or attributes make the film so dear to you?

Two reasons.

The first is sheer nostalgia. I remember watching it when I was very young, and my parents tell me that its the first horror movie that I ever watched. I was drawn to it like no other movie, and even though I didnt watch it nearly as often as, say, Sword in the Stone, it left a huge impact on me. The Count was just so magical...powerful...I really dont remember watching it as a child save for one scene, near the first when he stops his brides from attacking Renfield. That scene alone left a huge impression on me.

The second is because almost every aspect of the filmmaking is flawless. About 2 years ago (roughly), I watched the film for the first time since I was around 5, and for the first time I realized what a truely beautiful film it is. The cinematography, score and sets are all beautiful in their simplicity. Browning builds and incredibly foreboding atmopshere right from the opening credits, with the piece from Swan Lake playing over that image of a bat.

The performances are really what elevates the film. Lugosi is beyond iconic in the role; he brought a whole new kind of monster to the screen: Suave and seductive yet still terrifying. Dwight Frye as Renfield is quite possibly the greatest supporting role in any movie, ever. He bring such depth to the character and no matter how many times I watch this movie I find myself clinging to his every word, and as an actor he has really become an infulence on me. The rest of the cast is very strong as well, but those are the two performances that really make the film.

#6. What are your plans after High School?

In all honesty Im not 100% sure as yet. I plan to take some sort of acting/theatre course at University, but beyond that I dont really have any set pllans. My dream is to become a successful actor, I hust dont have the map drawn out yet.

#7. What do you want to see happen before you pass away?

In my personal life, or the world as a whole?

Personally, I want success as an actor and a loving family with at least one child.

For the world as a whole, I want to see significant advances in space exploration and technology. Our future as a species lies in the stars, and if we dont make big leaps pretty soon, I think not only society but life as we know it is screwed.