WILL McCORMACK ('August')
Can you describe your character in “Abandon?”
I play August who is a friend of Katie Holmes, Zooey Deschanel and Gabrielle Union. August is probably less stressed out. These kids at this prestigious college are very ambitious and always [worried about] the next step. I think that August is there and enjoying the moment.
Did you go to college?
I did. I went to Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.
Do you think this movie reflects your college experience?
You know, I do. I think there's a lot of really well educated and privileged kids at a school like that. I think it is very specific in its writing about higher education and these types of kids. Stephen is such a good writer.
Does his dialogue really fit that used by the college age group?
I think it does. Some of it is not; some of it is esoteric in that it's different - you have to really focus. But I think it is really smart and it moves quickly. If you don't really listen then it goes so fast. I think that also really provides an intimacy. You do believe that these friends are intimate that they can talk that way.
What was it like working with Stephen Gaghan as a director?
The best. I've never worked with a guy who was so kind. I think so much of directing is making actors believe in the story that you want to make, you know? With that, in trying to make them believe that, you've got to give them a lot of liberties and freedoms. He gives that.
Was he open to suggestions?
The most open and kind. He's just a really, sweet, cool guy. You want to do good work for him.
And next you have “Midsummer Night's Rave?”
Yes.
What's going on with that?
I don't know; I'm supposed to see a rough cut of it soon. I'm excited.
What's your character?
I play this guy who is the guy at the parties - he really, really enjoys the drugs. He's sort of the drug king.
What experience did you call on for that?
(Laughing) I had to go to a lot of acting classes for that, and talk to a lot of people.
