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This year at the 2011 South by Southwest Film Festival, I had some great experiences, did some great interviews, and saw some really entertaining movies. But it was hard to top the last 24 hours of my trip, during which I got to see a special advance screening of the new Mel Gibson movie THE BEAVER, and talk on camera to both director and star Jodie Foster, and actor Anton Yelchin. The night before the interviews, just before the screening, I got a chance to meet Jodie and chat for a little bit. I’m happy to say she was very approachable and engaging, and open about her work. It’s refreshing to see someone of that caliber who comes off as very down to earth and personable. Couple that with the fact that she had flown in from Paris that day, and was flying back out the next day so she could shoot one more day on CARNAGE, directed by Roman Polanski… one more day. THAT is dedication. And is if she wasn’t being punished enough, she was also dealing with conjunctivitis – a swelling of the eylids, making her sensitive to light – hence the sunglasses. She joked about it though, saying “I’m not Jack Nicholson.” Anton was also fun to talk to, and his role in the film is very impressive, and sweeps the emotional scale. I’ve always thought he was an interesting actor, but this part gives a real chance to shine. And yes, because my site is Bigfanboy.com, I just had to ask a STAR TREK question. Check out the interviews below, and go see THE BEAVER this weekend.
THE BEAVER opens May 6, 2011
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
Great interviews Mark. Will make a point of seeing this film. Donna
Thanks Donna! It’s good.
Kudos to you – great interview questions!