One of the hardest-working and most successful actors in Hollywood will be coming to Malibu Saturday, when the soft-spoken Chris Cooper appears before the Malibu Film Society to discuss his new movie “August: Osage County.”
Known for playing CIA/military types in numerous films such as “The Bourne Identity” and “The Kingdom,” Cooper broke into film with his first screen role at age 35 after 15 years on Broadway. His career took off in 1994 with the “Return to Lonesome Dove” television mini-series, and he’s been a nearly ubiquitous presence on American movie screens ever since.
In 1999, he served notice with a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for his performance as a conflicted ex-marine colonel alongside Kevin Spacey in “American Beauty,” which took the Oscar for Best Picture that year. He won an Academy Award and Golden Globe in 2003 for his portrayal of plant dealer John Laroche in “Adaptation.” The very same year, he was nominated for a SAG Award for his portrayal of no-nonsense horse trainer Tom Smith in “Seabiscuit.”
Cooper’s latest, film, “August: Osage County,” is a dark comedy about a family crisis that brings three grown daughters and their significant others back to the Oklahoma house where they grew up. During their stay, the dysfunctional family picks up where it left off with old arguments, violence and outed secrets.
The film opens in theaters on Christmas but is already garnering Oscar buzz. The Malibu Film Society will screen a special sneak preview on Saturday, to be followed by a Q&A with Cooper.
With an ensemble cast that includes not only Cooper, but Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Benedict Cumberbatch, Juliette Lewis, Ewan McGregor, Sam Shepard and Margo Martindale, as well as Pulitzer Prize winning dialog, it’s a real actor’s movie. Six of the actors in the film have earned previous Oscars or Oscar nominations. “This is a powerhouse cast,” producer George Clooney said at a recent SAG appearance, “an insanely talented cast.”
The Malibu Times recently interviewed actor Chris Cooper about his career and his new film.
Chris, I notice your career didn’t really start taking off until you were close to the age of 40. What happened that you suddenly seemed to come out of nowhere and start getting important movie and TV roles?
“I was 35 when I did my first film role, a lead in John Sayles’ ‘Matewan.’ Before that, I had done Broadway and The Public Theater in New York City—15 years of theatre in all—building a foundation. After ‘Matewan,’ I did the mini-series “Lonesome Dove” with Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones. I worked steadily after that. I wouldn’t say I came ‘out of nowhere.’”
How did you get the role in “August: Osage County?”
“Several years before ‘August,’ I worked with [Director] John Wells on ‘Company Men.’”
I learned that you and Margo Martindale have actually known each other since 1981, and this was your first chance to work together in a film. How did knowing her for so long affect your ability to play husband and wife?
“What enhanced the role of husband and wife is the fact that Margo is a fantastic actress and we are good friends. It was a delight to work with her.”
I’ve read several reviews of “August: Osage County,” and your character, Charles Aiken, is described differently by different people. Which of the following descriptions would you say is the most accurate? “Charles is quiet with a fury underneath,” “Charlie, a genial man, struggles to get Mattie Fae to respect Little Charles,” or “Chris Cooper plays the weak-willed Charlie Aiken.”
“I would say none of these descriptions are how I thought of my character. That’s not how I work—with labels. I leave that to the reporters.”
You’re usually described as a “character actor.” Have you ever tried to get more leading roles?
“I never think ‘leading roles’ or ‘supporting roles.’ I read a script and if the character appeals to me, I take the offer. My character in ‘The Town’ was in one scene.”
You’ve said that you didn’t have to work much on the dialect for the Oklahoma-based “August: Osage County” because you grew up in nearby Missouri and Kansas. Are there any other ways your life experiences helped in performing the role?
“Yes, I know what it is to defend a child where others don’t see that child as whole.”
The women outnumber the men in “August: Osage County.” Have you ever been on another production that was so dominated by female characters and relationships? Was this a different kind of experience for you?
“I liked the experience a lot and wish women had more opportunities to showcase their talents.”
