Which President did you model yourself after?
The truth of the matter is I looked at a lot of film. Everything from American Presidents from FDR forward, everything from British Prime Ministers from Churchill forward. The closest family footage, which is what I needed to see for this role, is probably the Kennedys. But I didn’t try to model him after any one particular President at all. I tried to pick up some speech patterns from a couple of different Presidents but other than that, I just wanted to play the role believable. That was important to me.
You’re known for your meticulous research of roles.
That’s what I like to do. To me, it’s part of the advantage of this business. I think if you get asked to do this, then that’s called doing your homework, and I try and do it. That’s all.
CAROLINE GOODALL ('Michelle Foster')
This movie’s about rebelling and breaking away from your parents. What was your biggest act of rebellion?
My act of rebellion was dyeing my hair green and kind of hanging out with the punks in London when I was growing up.
Did you research any First Ladies for this role?
I did. Obviously Jackie O because we were looking for a ‘look’. And I did read Hillary’s book, which I found quite inspiring, in fact. We were very keen not to create any sense that we’re on either side politically. We had a First Family who could almost be anyone. We’re independents, I’d say.
What was it like filming in Prague?
Beautiful. It was my 4th time. I go back every time just happy to be there. It is so naturally beautiful.
Do you have a favorite city to film in?
Prague, truly. Because it’s so beautiful but also it can be so many things. You can do the second World War, you can do a modern movie, or you can do France, or you can do Berlin. It can be anything.
How was it to work with Mandy Moore?
She is stunning. She is the kindest, nicest girl in the world. She really, truly is. It’s like, “Is there going to be one day of bad temper?” Never.
No 'pop star' moments?
No, absolutely not. I’m really quite unconcerned about her in it. She’s absolutely fantastic.
And how about playing Mark Harmon's wife?
Mark and I worked together before, actually. And I’d worked with Mandy before on “Princess Bride.” Mark and I had done a thriller together called “Casualties,” which actually I ended up throwing him down the lift shaft. It was quite tough [and] this was slightly calmer.
What other projects are you working on?
I just finished “Haven,” and “Shattered Glass” just came out. There’s a movie called “Easy” that is at Sundance. That is a little independent film that’s in competition there. “Easy” is really different for me because I play a very, very kind of loud-mouthed Australian producer.
DIRECTOR ANDY CADIFF:
How different is working on a feature film of this scale, filming all over the world, than directing television?
Your canvas just expands and it’s absolutely amazing. Your freedom as a creative director expands. Television is a box, literally, and can be creatively. But when you’re out in Prague and Venice and when you have that level of talent you’re working with, the creative canvas is unlimited. Ultimately you still have to tell a story, you still have to get great performances, you still have to make jokes work, you still have to get the story you want to tell on the screen. But I think creatively, particularly in post-production, I think that’s where TV directors step away from the creative process. I think in features that’s where the director gets a chance to shape the movie into what he wants it to be.
How important was it to get a British actor as the romantic lead?
It was essential.
Could you have gone with an American?
No. We actually opened it up. The thing is, if you have to think about the accent, if you have to think about the culture, if you have to think about the vernacular, you are not thinking about the comedy. Matthew’s funny because he’s funny, but also because he’s British. You can’t recreate that. I think it was essential, and I said I wanted someone unknown. I said, “I want someone to burst onto the screen and people will go, ‘Who’s that?,’” as opposed to a familiar face. Just like he’s a stranger to Mandy, I wanted him to be a stranger to everybody.
What you think about critics saying he’s the next Brad Pitt or Hugh Grant?
I don’t know about Brad Pitt but I definitely think that the people who make the Bond movies ought to look out. He’s got all combinations of machismo and strength and great humor. He’s a great comedic actor. I always get nervous about ‘The Next This’, but he’s such a good guy. I want him to hold onto his enthusiasm and his great spirit.
MORE INTERVIEWS FROM "CHASING LIBERTY" PREMIERE:
Mandy Moore and Matthew Goode / Beatrice Rosen and Stark Sands / Premiere Guest Ashley Drane
Additional "Chasing Liberty" Resources:
Press Junket Interviews: Mandy Moore / Matthew Goode / Jeremy Piven
"Chasing Liberty" Photos, Credits, and Trailer
