Sir Anthony Hopkins the Prankster: “He’s always up to something. Did he tell you that story on Elephant Man? He thought it was so pretentious—black and white and the thing about the Elephant Man that was so important and sad and he was just like, ‘Ehhh.’ So he started meowing like a cat. And he’s doing like this [makes a murmur face] so you can’t see him doing it, and for an hour he had everyone looking for the cat on set. He’s doing [it] through takes. He’s got PA’s on roofs. They’re looking for the cat. And, finally, David Lynch looks at him and he sees it, and Anthony can’t stop laughing because he’s loving it. David Lynch is like, ‘You son of a bitch…’”
Up Next – Lars and the Real Girl: Lars and the Real Girl is a twisted romantic film co-starring Patricia Clarkson, Emily Mortimer and Paul Schneider. Asked if the film will turn the ‘romantic’ genre on its head Ryan Gosling answered, “Yeah, but it’s the most romantic movie I have ever…it’s more…it’s more…for me even more emotional and romantic than The Notebook. It is, you’re laughing but it is. It’s really like a love story. You don’t have to be loved back in order to love something. And I think that it’s a real love story about a guy who’s got a lot of love to give and no one to give it to so he projects it onto this thing.”
Gosling wouldn’t explain why this guy can’t find anyone to give his love to. “You have to see the movie. It’s a really great script and it’s something that I can’t do justice in trying to explain it.”
Also in the Works: Gosling and Tom Waits are attached to a new film by Icelandic director Dagur Kari. “We’re trying to work out a time to do it,” said Gosling. “But I love Dagur—he’s great. And Tom Waits is like, you know ever since I’m 14 he’s been like a one of my heroes, an example in a way because he’s somebody that has always done his own thing and been able to express himself however he needed to, and also stay out of the public eye. He’s just a great. He’s just a great talent.”
Filming will not take place in Iceland. “No, we will be shooting that in San Francisco. When the Oscars things happened, Tom Waits left me a message and he said, [in Tom Waits gravely tone], ‘Don’t stay in your own skin, and don’t stick your finger in any light sockets.’”
A Little on Girlfriend Rachel McAdams: Gosling had a quick answer to a question about McAdams’ Elle cover. “Oh yeah, she looks stunning!” In the article McAdams said that Gosling has had a positive influence on her career and her choice of roles. Reminded of her words Gosling said, “She’s kind. She doesn’t need any help from me. She’s inspired me to do so much, as well. She’s the most discerning person I’ve ever met. She’ll read a script 100 times. She’s relentless.”
Is His Career Going as Planned?: “No, it’s been a total surprise, you know? I think if I was aiming for [things] like that I would have made totally different choices. Like these things happened…it’s a surprise. When we made Half Nelson, we didn’t think anyone would see it so we never thought that it would get recognized on the level that it did. You know, I never thought I’d be working with Anthony Hopkins. I’m such a huge fan. And to get to do a movie with him — he’s a master. To watch a master work at anything is a privilege. To get to show up on set, and that’s what you get to do, and get to be in scenes with him and watch Anthony work and watch how he handles making a film, it’s been a really surreal experience.”
