Braving a tremendous rainstorm (by Southern California standards), the stars of director Steven Spielberg's "Catch Me If You Can" joined celebrities and movie industry VIPs for a special Los Angeles screening of the movie.
I caught up with three of Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio's "Catch Me If You Can" co-stars at the movie's Los Angeles Premiere. Here's what Leonardo's love interest (Amy Adams as 'Brenda'), Leonardo's mother (Nathalie Baye as 'Paula Abagnale') and one of Tom Hanks' fellow FBI agents (Brian Howe as 'Tom Fox') have to say about working with the two mega-stars and director Steven Spielberg.
AMY ADAMS ('Brenda')
Were you the least bit intimidated working opposite Leonardo DiCaprio and working for director Steven Spielberg?
I think I was nervous at the beginning and at the prospect of working with such great talent. But when I arrived on the set, everybody was so welcoming and just ready to work and make a really good film, and have fun, that I relaxed immediately. I enjoyed the experience.
Do you empathize with your character?
Yes, I actually do. I think we all have that side of us that's really innocent and really willing to believe everything that people say to you. When that gets taken away, we all have that defining moment in our lives when we lose that innocence. I think you definitely feel for that character when that happens.
You know there are going to be many women who are jealous of you because you play Leonardo DiCaprio's love interest. What's he like to work with?
He's a handsome guy (laughing). He's also very funny, very talented and a really good person.
Your character has a mouth-full of braces. How physically difficult was this role for you?
It's not too bad. I had a mouthpiece that I just pushed in and out so it wasn't too bad at all.
Considering what the movie is about, what have you gotten away with?
I got Steven Spielberg to put me in this film (laughing). Don't tell him! Actually I think he's caught on.
What's next for you?
Right now I'm just getting ready for the holidays. I have a big family so that's what's going on right now. I'm just trying to take it one day at a time and see what tomorrow brings.
Nathalie Baye at the Los Angeles Premiere of "Catch Me If You Can."
Photo ©Rebecca Murray. All Rights Reserved.
You've starred in dozens of French films but this is your first major American movie. What was your experience like working on this American film and working for Steven Spielberg?
Working on an American film is very interesting, but working on a Steven Spielberg film is very exciting. He's such a talented director and he's in love with movies. He loves to work with actors. All this cast was so incredible. It's a wonderful experience for me.
How did you get involved in “Catch Me If You Can?”
Steven sent me [information on this movie] and asked me if I'd test for this part. I said, “Of course I will.” I tested with Brian DePalma in Paris and two days later, he asked me if I wanted to do that part. Of course I said yes!
Did you meet with Frank Abagnale's real mother?
No, I didn't. I spoke with the real Frank Abagnale on the set.
Christopher Walken plays your husband in this movie. Can you talk about working with him?
He's great. I said, “Oh my God! Christopher Walken is going to be my husband! I'm afraid.” But no, he's such a sweet man. He's a very good actor and he's great to work with. He's wonderful.
And he's a good dancer.
Yes, definitely. A lot of fellows aren't up to the challenge.
How do you think the film will be received in France?
I think it's going to be a big hit because it's such a good story and it's got a terrific cast. [It] takes place in the 60s and it's so charming.
Brian Howe at the Los Angeles Premiere of "Catch Me If You Can."
Photo ©Rebecca Murray. All Rights Reserved.
Can you talk about working with Tom Hanks?
Everything you've heard about him that's good is true. He's unbelievably generous and he has the capacity to regress to a 13 year-old and just clown around and be silly and goofy and fun. Then when it's time for the camera to roll, he's focused and he's very generous. He passes the ball; he wants everyone to be good. It's really a great lesson in how to treat the people you work with.
Did you know much about this story prior to being cast in the film?
I had read the book. The characters that we [Howe & Frank John Hughes] play are kind of composites of a lot of the FBI guys that were chasing Frank through the years. You couldn't have them all in, so you have to kind of bring them all together. We are kind of a 'Laurel and Hardy' counterpoint to Tom. It was a blast. It was a great, great time.
And you share a running Knock-Knock joke with Hanks' character in this movie.
(Laughing) We do - and we can't tell it.
What can audiences expect from “Catch Me If You Can?”
I think people will be amazed by the fact that it's true. It's going to be very funny. They are going to love what Leo [DiCaprio] gets away with and the merry chase that he leads us on. It's really a fun, caper, cat-and-mouse movie. It's a really good time.
