Alfred Molina "Spiderman" / "Raiders of the Lost Ark"
Summary
Host Steve Kometko interviews actor Alfred Molina, who reflects on his career from his iconic death scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark to playing Dr. Octopus in Spider-Man. Molina discusses his classical theater training, the evolution of special effects, and his philosophy on craft and staying employed. He shares anecdotes about working with directors like Steven Spielberg and Paul Thomas Anderson, emphasizing his love for both stage and screen acting.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Fred Willard's iconic debut in Raiders of the Lost Ark
Learning on the job: Dailies, focus marks, and Steven Spielberg
The financial impact of Raiders and the excitement of the role
Working with diverse directors: Mike Leigh, Dick Donner, and more
Theatre training vs. screen acting and the evolution of film education
Playing Doc Ock: Puppeteers, tentacles, and the 'Octorage'
Fred's love for cinema and recognition from younger audiences
Method acting: Leaving emotional residues at the studio
The unique responsibility of theatre and improvisation in Boogie Nights
Directors' styles: Strict scripts vs. collaborative improvisation
Preparing for stage, film, and TV; staying employed
Reflections on playing Tevye and Diego Rivera with Julie Taymor
The allure and pressure of awards and Oscar-bait roles
Audition advice and dealing with career anxieties
Acting as fixing flaws and dreaming of playing King Lear
Reliving the Spider-Man set and the 'Still Here' dinner club
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