I think it was the day after watching dailies when we had first shot Will sitting on my lap, which was really accomplished by me sitting in a chair and Will sitting sideways in another chair of the same size. There was a small child underneath Will with his little feet sticking out. We had to coordinate my writhing in pain with his feet. Then we saw the dailies of it and we all got hysterical. We thought it was the funniest thing we’d ever seen. Of course, we knew how it was done.
You seem to be busy doing a lot more films nowadays.
It runs in cycles. I did “In & Out” and then there were a couple of years when no scripts were sent to me. Well, some scripts were sent but I wasn’t crazy about them. I also did a three-part “ER,” which just came out of the blue. I didn’t expect that. That’s a straight dramatic role. It’s been a busy year, but it’s been a good year. I’ve been able to do my stand-up, and I’ve been able to do movies and television.
It would have been great to see more of you in “Legally Blonde 2.”
There was a bigger scene, and it was a funny scene. It was one of the reasons I took the movie. I’m sort of being berated by one of the residents of the hotel. By this time, Reese [Witherspoon] and myself have developed a kind of relationship and we like each other. I thought it was kind of integral to the picture. I have an earphone in my ear and she’s about half a lobby away. She’s reading this statute, and I’m repeating it to the guy. It kind of increased the bond. Because doormen, I generally recognize with just a, “Hello. Have a nice day.” So this was someone who took an interest. I think it added to why he wanted to help her so much. I was disappointed that it wasn’t in the movie.
What sort of films are you looking for now?
I just look for good writing. That’s where it is. The greatest actor in the world – Brando or George Scott – can’t make bad writing good. It starts with the writing. Then from there, I think the actor can bring a lot to it. But it has to be on the paper before you can do it. That’s all I look for is really good writing. It could be dramatic, it could be comedy. I feel more comfortable in comedy.
How do you feel comedy has changed over the years?
Well, it’s done what comedy always does. I think the taboo subjects have become fewer and fewer. It’s true with television. There were areas we could never touch, like “Friends.” In the ‘70s, you had to be married. It keeps getting pushed.
How about family entertainment? Where are the lines for that?
They’ve remained pretty much where they were. I think there are still words you can’t use in family entertainment that you can use in a sitcom today.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Interviews with Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, and Director Jon Favreau
