MATT CRAVEN ('Dusty')
Can you describe your role in "The Life of David Gale?"
I play Dusty and he belongs to an organization called DeathWatch, which Kevin Spacey's character and Laura Linney's character are both a part of. We're against the death penalty, we go to marches, and we organize rallies to get people to be against the death penalty. We're also [Laura Linney's character's] friends and as the movie unfolds, I'm kind of at the beginning of the movie a mysterious character. You're not sure why he's there or what his purpose is. Then by the end of the movie you realize that for someone who doesn't say much, he speaks volumes at the end of the film. It's a good character.
How did you prepare mentally for this role?
Strangely enough, we were shooting in Austin and in Austin they had a demonstration at the University. I would go to these demonstrations and hang out with the kids and watch them protest against, at that time, the invasion of Afghanistan. So I just watched them and listened to them and I learned a lot. It was right down the street from my hotel so it was like a godsend.
How will this film affect audiences?
I think it's a subject where you don't really change people's minds very easily. The best thing that could happen is you get out of the movie and you think about it.
What's your stance on the death penalty issue?
I'm against the death penalty personally. I'm a Canadian and 99% of all Canadians are against the death penalty. We don't believe in it. My 8 year-old daughter said, “Dad, look, why does the government kill people who kill people?” It's a very profound way of looking at it.
What was working for director Alan Parker like?
It was fantastic. He's an amazing man.
How much freedom did he give you?
He didn't give me any freedom (laughing). No, he's great. He's a real collaborator. He really collaborated with all of us. He knows what he wants but at the same time he really wants everybody to bring what they have.
How do you think this film will be received in Texas?
(Laughing) I don't know. I can't wait to see.
Have there been screenings in Texas yet?
Yeah, there was one at the University. I don't know how well it went over. Having spent time in Texas, it's not as right-wing as everybody thinks it is. It's a very diverse state. It's a great musical state. Great music comes out of Texas. So I don't know. I think it will probably do well.
What's the status of "Timeline?"
We're done filming. David Thewlis and I play the scientists who invent and eventually destroy the machine that sends the people back in time. My character doesn't travel through time.
