More of this Feature ADDITIONAL INTERVIEWS: • Michelle Pfeiffer ('Ingrid') • Alison Lohman ('Astrid') • Cole Hauser ('Ray') • Director Peter Kosminsky • "White Oleander" Author, Janet Fitch • Producer John Wells ADDITIONAL "White Oleander" INFORMATION: • Photos from the Premiere of "White Oleander" • "White Oleander" News, Trailer, and Websites • "White Oleander" Production Photos

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Coming off his breakthrough performance in Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous," Patrick Fugit brought a stability and a mature, philosophical outlook to the role of Paul, who along with Astrid (Alison Lohman), is part of Los Angeles' foster care system.

Director Peter Kosminsky describes Patrick Fugit's character in "White Oleander" as "the only non-judgmental person in Astrid’s life. Unlike all the other people she knows, he does not try to influence her or censor her in any way. He talks candidly and unemotionally about his experiences. I believe he provides clarity for her at a time when things look very dark.”

PATRICK FUGIT (Paul)

Can you tell me a little bit about your character?
I play Paul Trout. He's kind of a neutral character. There's a lot of bad thing that happen to Astrid while she's growing up and Paul Trout is really the only character that stays with her, and stays good, throughout the entire story.

So he's a stabilizing influence?
Yes, I guess so - whether she knows it or not.

What do you think the film says about the foster care system?
There are a lot of messages in this film. I think you could take it as a statement of foster care. A lot of that scene is really pretty messy. I know some kids who've been through that and it seems to usually come out bad.

Your character doesn't really know his mother or father. Were you able to use any personal knowledge to find this character?
One of my best friend's - his name is Paul Chamberlain, he's this little Korean guy - he was born in Korea and he doesn't know who his parents are and he doesn't know how old he is for sure. He knows he is 21, but he doesn't know his real birthday. I talked to him a little bit about it.

'Paul' does comic book-style drawings throughout the film. Do you share any of the artistic talents with your character?
Actually some of my best friends are really, really good artists and I've been learning from them. I drew…what did I draw? (laughing)… it was horrible. So, no.

So none of the drawings in the film were actually yours?
No, I do some of the shading and that's it.

And you have “Saved” coming up next?
Yes, I play the love interest - whether you can believe that or not (laughing). I'm the Jesus-freak skateboarder.

How hard is it for you to get into that character?
I skate, I'm an avid skater. The character was originally a surfer and I asked Brian Dannelly, the director, if he wanted to change it to a skater - and he did.