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Anthony Michael Hall
Actor
"The Caveman's Valentine"
Monday, March 19, 2001; 2 p.m. EST
Anthony Michael Hall is a busy man. He achieved stardom in the 1980s when he appeared in three quintessential youth films: "The Breakfast Club," "Sixteen Candles" and "Weird Science." Then, he became part of the "Saturday Night Live" ensemble during the 1985-86 TV season. He's also appeared in "Johnny Be Good," "Edward Scissorhands" and "Six Degress of Separation," as well as many television movies. Coming up, he'll be featured in "Freddy Got Fingered" with comedian Tom Green, and the HBO film "61*," playing legendary pitcher Whitey Ford and directed by Billy Crystal.
Hall is currently appearing in the neo-Gothic thriller, "The Caveman's Valentine," playing Bob, a compassionate lawyer to Romulus Ledbetter, played by Samuel L. Jackson. Once a devoted family man and Julliard-trained musician, Ledbetter is now a paranoid schizophrenic living in a cave on the edge of Manhattan who finds a transient corpse he thinks was murdered. Hall befriends him and becomes his ally.
Hall is also a musician and is currently working on a follow-up to his "Welcome to the Hall of Mirrors" album. He's also formed his own production company, AMH Entertainment Group, to produce "films for the next generation."
Join Hall online Monday, March 19, at 2 p.m. EST.
Below is a transcript.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Anthony Michael Hall: Greetings and it's a pleasure to be here. And a Happy Belated St. Paddy's Day to everybody.
Arlington, Va.:
What drew you to "Caveman's Valentine"?
Anthony Michael Hall: Number one, the opportunity to work with Jersey Films and also to work with Samuel Jackson again. The reason I say again is because I directed him in a cable film called "Hail Caesar" in 1994 and I'm a great admirer of Samuel.
Alexandria, Va.:
What do you think of the whole rap on child/teenage actors? It's almost a cliche that people get into trouble when fame hits. Yet you and a few others have grown into adults in the business without becoming infamous for bad behavior. What do you think is the key?
Anthony Michael Hall: Thank you. That's a huge compliment. It is a cliche but the only reason it became such was due to the misfortune of a few television child stars. Dana Plato stands out in my mind because I had the opportunity to meet her five years before her death and she was very nice and genuine and it was very sad to see her pass. Unfortunately there are examples of child stars going through the mill, dating all the way back to Jackie Coogan and I think what's most important in the life of any artist is to check your motivations to be sure you're living the life you intend to live. With anything, you have to have the right commitment and intention to fulfill your goals. So it's unfortunate when anyone is misguided in this industry because of the fact that there's a whole sub-culture in Hollywood of people who are looking to exploit young performers.
Washington, D.C.:
I saw your movie, "The Caveman's Valentine," and I thought you were great! Actually you were one of my favorite things in the film.
Did you have to audition for the part or did they come to you?
Anthony Michael Hall: Thank you. Yes, I did have to audition. I think it's really important for anyone who wants to pursue a career as an actor to recognize the real importance of the audition because the work is the audition and to prepare for the part is absolutely vital. You only have one chance to make a first impression. To study, prepare and know your lines is absolutely crucial. You have to know your lines in order to be able to forget them and actually perform.
Arlington, Va.:
Do you ever get tired of being associated with the "brat pack" era?
Anthony Michael Hall: Yes, because I think it's a dumb term that was coined by the media. But I don't really worry about being labeled on any level.
Arlington:
How did you like working on SNL?
Anthony Michael Hall: It was a dream come true because I grew up like many people a huge fan of the show and all of its stars. I was truly in a state of shock for one month leading up to the taping of the first show. I'll always be proud of the fact that I was a part of its history.
Washington, D.C.:
Was it fun playing a bad guy in a Tim Burton film ("Edward Scissorhands")?
Anthony Michael Hall: Yes. I really enjoyed working with Tim Burton who I feel is very Walt Disney-esque and I got along really well with Johnny and Winona.
Hering, Okla.:
Anthony,
What's one thing that you could tell us about Hollywood that you think would probably surprise us?
Also, did you get to keep the clothes you wore in Johnny Be Good?
You rock!
Al
Anthony Michael Hall: Hey Al! It is nothing like watching Entertainment Tonight. I was fortunately able to burn the wardrobe from Johnny Be Good.
Washington, D.C.:
Did you have problems being type-casted or not cast at all after your roles in "Weird Scienc," "Breakfast Club" and "Sixteen Candles" as geeky teenagers?
Anthony Michael Hall: My career has been a series of challenges. I believe as in anyone's career, you define yourself by your choices and your work, so I've just always focused on delivering my work and ignored all labelling.
Anthony Michael Hall: To followup that last question, I've always pressed on and remained hungry. You have to as an actor. You're constantly presented challenges in life.
Fairfax, Va.:
What would you say was your favorite role? Your favorite movie which you appeared in, if different?
Anthony Michael Hall: As Bill Gates in Pirates of Silicon Valley (TNT). Weird Science was probably my favorite shoot.
Bethesda, Md.:
Didn't know you'd directed. Do you want to remain in front of the camera, or do you see yourself moving more into filmmaking from the other side?
Anthony Michael Hall: Yes, I want to continue as a film actor for the rest of my life and I intend to direct and produce as well.
Herndon, Va.:
Mr. Michael Hall,
Was there ACTUALLY beer in the can of beer you chugged after Clark W. Griswald drove the Family Truckster off that construction ramp? Cuz dog, you slammed that thing.
I have waited 18 years to find out.
Dave
Anthony Michael Hall: The can was actually empty and they added the sound effect in post-production.
nwdc:
Is it true that you passed on working with Kubrick?
Anthony Michael Hall: I didn't pass on it but I was unable to reach an agreement with his lawyer.
D.C.:
Just wanted to say I'm a big fan ... there was no one funnier as a "young man on the make" than you.
Anthony Michael Hall: Thank you so much.
Washington, D.C.:
As a child of the '80s with the last name Hall, I used to pretend I was your wife!
Anyway, do you think any of the current teen movies are anywhere as resonant or important as "The Breakfast Club"?
Anthony Michael Hall: Those decisions are always formed by the audience.
Washington, D.C.:
As an adult actor, have you found it difficult to separate your work from the films you did as a teenager? (Loved your performance in "Six Degrees of Separation," by the way.)
Anthony Michael Hall: I'm always separating myself from the last role I've played. I'm always thinking forward about the next role.
Arlington, Va.:
How do good reviews affect you?
Anthony Michael Hall: They're pleasing to read and they're encouraging if you're singled out. But again, you have to have a team mentality and remain focused on the effect of the whole project.
I've learned as an actor, when identifying projects, that it's better to be a small fish in a big pond rather than the opposite. Examples are Caveman's Valentine or Six Degrees, because I'm looking to work with great directors, great scripts and great stars.
Washington, D.C.:
What's your take on the Oscars? Who do you think will win?
Anthony Michael Hall: I loved Traffic. Saw it with my girlfriend and was blown away by it. I want to work with Soderbergh whose work in Traffic reminds me of Stanley Kubrick.
Manassas, VA:
What sort of physical preparations have you had to go through in order to do the Whitey Ford movie, assuming you'll be throwing a lot of baseballs?
Anthony Michael Hall: I did just that. We went to Reggie Smith's baseball camp. He's a former LA Dodger and All-Star. Billy Crystal, the director, wanted us all to go there. Talk about a Yankee fan, he had more stats than Bob Costas and he was very detail oriented.
Arlington VA:
As you are in a band, how do you feel about Napster, and what is the best way to hear what your music is like, and to purchase it?
Anthony Michael Hall: I have two sites I've been developing and one designer I'm working with on them. Go to anthonymichaelhall.tv and hallofmirrors.tv. The second one is my music site and the first is my acting.
You can go to hallofmirrors.tv to listen to and purchase my album, Welcome to the Hall of Mirrors. There's also the debut video for the title track. It's rock 'n' roll with a blues and r and b influence.
In the case of Napster, I think it's hard to punish success. It's a powerful tool for listening to and sharing music, but in terms of its long range capability, it's like another form of radio.
Tyson's Corner:
What's the last book you read?
Anthony Michael Hall: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Dr. Joseph Murphy.
DC:
How does working in the music studio compare to working on a set? Are you working with some big names in the music biz for your upcoming album?
Anthony Michael Hall: For me personally, working on the music is more gratifying in a different way because I'm developing a new craft as a player and producer.
As for the second part of your question, no, not right now, but I did on my first album. I collaborated with Guns 'Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke for a song I wrote entitled "Hollywood Trash." I also worked with keyboard player Tommy Barbarella out of Minneapolis who was formerly with Prince.
wdc:
I have always loved all of your flicks. Just curious --- do you remain in touch with John Hughes, has he approached you to do another one of his movies since the 1980s?
Anthony Michael Hall: We're having discussions about it now.
Nowhere:
I'm a book editor, and sometimes I find it hard to read a book for pleasure without criticizing it editorially. Do you have this experience when you go to see a movie for fun, and can't step back from what you know about the industry in order to simply enjoy the film?
Anthony Michael Hall: Indeed I do. I actually do have that experience.
Washington DC:
What's spinning in your CD player right now?
Anthony Michael Hall: John Coltrane.
Laurel, Md.:
Anthony,
You did play a great geek on those teen films. Do you ever see Molly Ringwald? And do you have a personal favorite among the movies?
Anthony Michael Hall: Saw Molly about two years ago. Personal favorite: No.
Herndon, Va.:
Sir Anthony,
(I always thought that you should've been knighted rather than that Hopkins fellow. You act circles around him.)
My question relates to the character Farmer Ted and his inability to fit in with the popular crowd. How much of that was acting?
Your #1 Fan,
Dave
Anthony Michael Hall: I'm speechless but thanks anyway.
Anthony Michael Hall: I wish everyone the very best. If you're pursuing a career in the arts, the best investment you can make is in yourself. Develop your craft and always believe in yourself. And in the words of Mike Tyson, always "refuse to lose."
washingtonpost.com:
That was our last question today. Thanks to Anthony Michael Hall, and to
everyone who joined us.
Stay tuned on Live Online:
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