INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT MECHLOWICZ, TREVOR MORGAN, AND JOSH PECK:
There are very few films that really explore how dangerous kids can be. Why do you think that is and what do you think this film has to say about it?
SCOTT MECHLOWICZ – I think it’s more that there are few films that show kids in a realistic light. I think all kids have the potential, or act accordingly in dangerous situations, when put in a certain situation. But I think a lot of movies that deal with kids our age don’t shed too much light on that, or kind of find the happier, perkier aspects of childhood.
Do you think kids lives are deprived of parental guidance now?
TREVOR MORGAN – I wouldn’t necessarily say it that way. I would say that this is how kids really act. I wouldn’t say that they lack parental guidance. These are good kids. They’re all good kids. They are all kids who you grew up with or you knew people like, or you can relate to because that was my friend. You know what I mean? They just get caught in a bad situation.
The whole movie is about loss of innocence and decisions. And their big choice is whether they’re going to grow up to be the bad person or the good person. And that’s the decision that they have to make.
This is also about kids being mean to each other. What’s the worst thing you’ve ever had happen?
JOSH PECK – Well, up ‘til maybe 6 months ago, my voice resembled one of a 10 year-old girl’s. And now it’s like a 13 year-old girl. So I used to get teased about that. I mean, we’ve got such this focus on this one look that everyone should have, and if you deviate from that at all, people just pick that up instantly and kind of keep it in their back pocket if they ever want to make fun of you. Not looking like the normal people, I would get teased a lot as a kid. So that really was something that I kept in mind for George and the character. He kind of used intimidation as his defense against it. I more went to the side of comedy, which left me unhurt, which is lucky.
Have you ever been the button pusher, ever been the one who picks on people?
SCOTT MECHLOWICZ – No, I try and ridicule anyone that does the button pushing. You know, when you’re younger it’s exciting for you because you’re provoking an action. You’re getting reactions from people, and it’s just interesting to you. I think as you’re getting older, you learn that it’s just not worth it. You’re like, “So, if I do this, they’re mad at me. Alright.” And you get over it. It just kind of loses any sort of mystique that it once had for you. I try to dissuade people from doing it as much as I can.
Does it work?
SCOTT MECHLOWICZ – Yeah, if I’m of the right stature I’ll step in (laughing). When people are doing that they think they’re cool, they think they’re winning friends over, they think they’re whatever. Compensating for insecurities, but I think if someone steps up and makes them feel bad about it, and kind of speaks for the group around to let them know that, “That’s not cool. You’re just hurting someone or making someone feel bad. What are you going to get your jollies off on that for?” Then I think it just shows them.
TREVOR MORGAN – I get it in a different way. I’m a Republican and I’m usually the only one on set, so I usually get ridiculed in that way.
Did you have political discussions on the set?
TREVOR MORGAN – That was mostly for a joke (laughing). I am Republican but let’s not get into politics.
JOSH PECK – Kerry/Edwards November 3rd!
TREVOR MORGAN – Don’t even come in. See, this is why I don’t bring it up.
JOSH PECK – No, it’s cool. Don’t worry about it.
But neither one of you are old enough to vote yet…
JOSH PECK – I missed it by seven days!
TREVOR MORGAN – I missed it by 26 days. What’s up with that?
As actors who aren’t able to vote, are you guys trying to influence other people’s votes?
TREVOR MORGAN – I shouldn’t have said a word because now this is just taking a horrible, horrible turn. This is going to be a car crash.
JOSH PECK – Staying true to myself, I’m part of the committee to reelect Ross Perot as a potential candidate. The efforts are going well, so we’ll see what happens.
PAGE 2: On Finding Their Characters and the Movie's Relevance
