|
 |
Gear
Magazine (June 2002) Neal McDonough This man wants to be the next Rocky Balboa Neal McDonough can hardly believe his luck. After toiling in typical Hollywood near-anonymity for over a decade, the 36-year-old Massuchesetts native is finally breaking through. It was on the strength of his performance in the HBO miniseries, Band of Brothers that McDonough landed a role alongside Tom Cruise in Minority Report, Steven Spielberg's science fiction thriller due out this month. Here, McDonough talks about his work on that film. So, how was it working with two of the most powerful people in Hollywood? These big productions usually focus on the lead characters, and that's pretty much it. But, in Minority Report, Steve let the supporting characters have all their due. Most diretors would never do that. Great directors direct great films, and great films aren't about one person. You go back to something like Rocky and it wouldn't have been nearly as effective without guys like Paulie or Mickey. What was Tom Cruise like? Tom is so professional about everything. I mean, obviously he was going through some personal problems, but he didn't bring that to the set at all. He seems pretty intense. One day I was on the set, having a hard time. I was just off, and he could sense it. We talked a little bit, and he was giving me some advice - Tom Cruise giving me advice! What did he say? I won't tell you that, but it was some great stuff. He's the king! Do you see yourself as a character actor? I'm really good at playing that all-American tough guy who breaks down a bit and either steps forward or just falls. Take Bruce Willis in Die Hard: all he wanted to do was to prove to his wife that he was a good man - same thing in Rocky. Those are characters that to me, as an American, hit home. Those are the ones I like to play. And hopefully soon enough, people will say, "OK, let Neal play Rocky this time". Written by Sara Christobal Photography by Christopher McLallen |