An Interview with David Graziano, Star of The Actor

by Mike Haberfelner

December 2013

Films starring David Graziano on (re)Search my Trash

Your new movie The Actor - in a few words, what is it about?

The Actor is a story about love lost, love regained, and the regret that comes with decisions made. This is The Actor’s story, one of a struggle to come to terms with himself and the woman he loves, The Muse. The plot is based on my relationship with Christine Perla, The Muse. How we met, fell in love and why I left only to begin a downward spiral. This journey comes to light in an acting lesson with The Coach, played by Diana Porter.

With The Actor being based on your very own biography - what made you share your story with a broad audience, and how did the project come into being?

Three years ago, Mike Messier [Mike Messier interview - click here] asked Christine and I how we met. He was intrigued and wanted me to write the screenplay. I am not a screenplay writer. Mike developed the project as a one act play to submit to festivals. Mike asked Skip Shea [Skip Shea interview - click here] to read the script. He did and he and Mike called me. With Skip on board with Mike, Christine and I were in immediately.

David Graziano, Christine Perla

To turn the last question on its head: What was it like to pretty much revisit some not-too-comfortable periods of your life for the movie?

I found it to be very challenging, difficult and cathartic. I needed to do this for myself and most of all for Christine. I did end our relationship in an abrupt manner and I wanted to do something for her in the present that was unique.

This might sound like a stupid question, regarding you're playing yourself, but I don't believe it is - what did you draw upon to bring your character to life? And have you managed to keep a certain distance between your character and your real you?

I work with Mike as an acting coach on a weekly basis in class and privately when preparing for a role. We recreated the emotional content/memories of that time in my life. Skip was instrumental in making sure I kept just enough distance.

Was there anything you have learned about yourself during the making of The Actor, and have you maybe gone away from making this with a different perception of yourself?

I don't know if I have a different perception of myself, I learned that I am a very lucky guy. The Actor made it clear to not take a relationship for granted and  reminded me to cherish what Chris and I have and to make peace with myself.

What can you tell us about your directors Mike Messier (who also wrote the script) [Mike Messier interview - click here] and Skip Shea [Skip Shea interview - click here], and what was your collaboration like?

Frankly, not enough. Mike and Skip are genuine and keenly insightful and do not accept anything from an actor that is not the same. The collaboration with them, Diana Porter (The Coach) and Christine Perla (The Muse) was open, direct and special for me.

What can you tell us about the shoot as such?

We had a terrific team with Will Smyth--cinematographer, Chris Hunter--audio supervisor and Roland Khorshidianzadeh--PA. Diana was very generous in our scenes and I think the you can see that in the film. She gave a wonderful performance. Christine was genuine in her role. Everyone shared Skip's and Mike's vision and we had a blast.

A few words about audience and critical reception of your film so far, and when and where will it be made available to the general public, however tentatively?

We are all happy with the critical reception of our film. The few people that have seen the film have found it to be intriguing. We will release the film in early 2014. We are submitting to festivals now.

Any future projects beyond The Actor you'd like to share?

I have a lead role in Christopher Di Nunzio's feature, A Life Not To Follow, which will be released in early 2014 [Christopher Di Nunzio interview - click here]. I will be shooting an episode for the new web series In The Bedroom in February 2014. The episode has been written by Mike and will be directed by him also. A wonderful actress, LaNecia Edmonds, will be playing my wife.

What got you into acting to begin with, and what can you tell us about your training as an actor?

My uncle Angelo, as if it is a big surprise to anyone, that a second generation Italian-American would have an uncle named Angelo. When I was about 6 or 7, he had me watch two films: King Kong and Rebel Without A Cause. He also turned me on to film noir, Humphrey Bogart and Alan Ladd. I was hooked. He showed me how to make stop action animation. He raved about James Dean's performance. Angelo was a very talented guy, an artist and a painter.

I studied Theatre at Suffolk University with Dr Gerald Wilkens and Acting with Steve Alexander.

Can you still remember your first time in front of a movie camera, and what was that experience like?

I shot a student film for a friend and we had a lot of fun. I was running thru the Boston Common and randomly pushing people, other actors of course. I did not give it much thought afterwards.

What can you tell us about your filmwork prior to The Actor?

I guess the best way to answer you is to give you my IMDb profile ;)

Serioulsy I  have worked with some terrific people, lead role in Rich Camp's Gotta Find Barry, lead role in Chris Esper's Tough Love and Still Life [Chris Esper interview - click here], lead role in Adam Carbone's Sauced-trilogy, four films for Skip Shea - Ave Maria, Out of The Night, Children of the Asylum and The Twain [Skip Shea interview - click here] - Bryan Casey's Between Us and Paying Your Debts, and of course Christopher DiNunzio's Under The Dark Wing and A Life Not To Follow [Christopher Di Nunzio interview - click here], to name a few.

You've also done quite a bit of theatre, right? So how does performing on stage compare to acting in front of a movie camera, and what do you prefer, actually?

Yes. On the stage you have one shot at getting it the way you want it. In film, you have multiple takes and keeping your focus and energy high is challenging. I don't have a preference, currently I am enjoying film.

How would you describe yourself as an actor?

Intense, moody, prepared, not afraid to take risks, disciplined, easy to direct and act with, at least I think so ... I am very self effacing...

Actors (or indeed actresses) who inspire you?

This is a tough question! In no order; Daniel Craig, Christian Bale, Humphrey Bogart, William Powell, Daniel Day-Lewis, Brando, James Dean, Cary Grant, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean Gabin, Keneau Reeves, Myrna Loy, Jean Harlow, Carol Lombard, Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton, Hilary Swank, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Kim Novak, Liz Taylor, Lili Taylor, Ingrid Bergman, Bridgette Bardot, Jean Seaberg--too many to list!

Your favourite movies?

Feeling lucky? Want to search any of my partnershops yourself for more, better results? (commissions earned)

The links below will take you just there!!!

Find David Graziano at the amazons ...   amazon.com   amazon.co.uk   amazon.de Looking for imports? Find David Graziano here ...   eThaiCD.com Your shop for all things Thai Something naughty? (Must be over 18 to go there!)   find David Graziano at adultvideouniverse.com

Another tough question! In no particular order; Anything Hitchcock, Jean-Luc Godard, Takashi Miike's work, The Godfather, Touch of Evil, I dunno anything the above actors/actresses are in. I really like Touchez Au Pas Gribis (Don't Touch the Loot), Maltese Falcon, Big Sleep (Bogie version), Tarantino, Oliver Stone's work---too many! I could go on for days...

... and of course, films you really deplore?

I love film. None really. There are many made that I don't like, but I don't deplore any.

Your website, Facebook, whatever else?

Facebook for David Graziano

Facebook for The Actor

Anything else you are dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?

Thank you for the interview!

Thanks for the interview!

© by Mike Haberfelner

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