Sean Astin Interview

As promised, here is the first installment of the new interview series.  As long as there are readers and I’m continuing to enjoy the process, I’ll endeavor to keep the interviews coming along.  New interviews are already underway for future months.  (Two interviewee initial hints are: RA and LR.)  As I mentioned last time, if there are new public followers of the blog, I will donate a copy of Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars to one randomly-selected follower.  We may also donate a signed copy of Tristan’s Travels.  The cutoff for the giveaway is 5pm (Pacific) on Monday.

Again, a big, big thank you to Sean Astin for answering all of my questions--in record time, too.  So, turn up the Return of the King soundtrack and get ready...

1.  After reading There and Back Again, An Actor’s Tale, it seems to that you have a healthy caution or ambivalence towards success.  What does true success mean to you?

I love success absolutely, in all of its myriad definitions, applications and relative doses. I think the ambivalence you infer, comes from my antipathy for the anxiety laden stress that comes from depending on other people’s decisions. In large measure, it is that anxiety that pushes success further away. I also think that it is unhelpful for actors to organize their thoughts along ‘success’ paradigms... While being inspired by others and studying their careers is critical to success, there is a languid quality that runs throughout ‘the actor’ tradition, a pointless but familiar wallowing, that actors, heck everybody has to some greater or lesser extent... It’s natural but should be kept in it’s rightful place...

2.  In your book, you talk about Christine’s faith, but you don’t really share many details concerning your own faith.  Did your faith strengthen and sustain you through the hard years of filming Lord of the Rings?  Do you consider yourself a Catholic?

Big question. I’m either an honorary Catholic or a Catholic with a lot of time owed in purgatory. I’m getting more comfortable talking about my spiritual life in public and in writing. I think I’m developing a vocabulary that is useful. I leaned on my wife a lot during LOTR. I think in our marriage we take turns being the dominant  believer in the house. Doubts and frustration and pain bring out such truth in our character...Christine and I have relied heavily on each other to reinforce our relationship with God. Oh, and then there’s the kids :-) 

3.  How do you top your Lord of the Rings performance as an actor?

Can’t. As Helen Mirren one said to me, ‘gotta just keep slogging on.’

4.  In your own experience, what’s a characteristic of most celebrities that might surprise readers?

Celebrities are the most Generous and Petty people. When observing a celebrity in their natural habitat, be prepared to give swag or receive gifts :-)

5.  I happen to be a BIG Peter Sellars fan, so please excuse this question...  When I think of your adoptive father, John Astin, I’m also reminded of other great comedic stars such as Peter Sellers.  Actors like this are not “settling” for comedy, but possess such a depth of talent that they can successfully act within a comedy or drama.  Did John Astin perhaps know Peter Sellers?  If so, can you share a thought or anecdote on Sellers--or their interactions?

I think a lot of people get them confused actually. They have a very similar pathos...big eyes probably. I would bet a nickel that they knew and liked each other a lot...as well as admire each other’s work.  I’ll ask my Dad the next time I see him. Being There is in my top ten...

6.  How did you feel about LTR character Tom Bombadil not being included in the Fellowship of the Ring movie? 

Relieved. The best part about Tom Bombadil is reading out loud and trying to come up with a fun melody for all of those wonderful and sometimes tortured poems. But, I was worried that the Hobbits my come off too silly, like in the cartoon...axing Tom Bombadil from the trilogy was a great thing.

7.  Is it true that you will not be starring in The Hobbit in any capacity?

True. I’m asked a lot, but no I’m not in the Hobbit adaptation. I’m rooting for its success and will watch it when it hits the big screen.

8.  As an actor, director, or writer, which role do you prefer?  Does the ability to switch from acting to writing, for example, help to avoid "burn-out" at times as a performer?

Listen, if I’m gainfully employed of a given week I thrilled. I probably prefer directing, it suits my controlling personality. And yes, it is always nice to have a change of pace. Acting has made me who I am and directing allows me to strive for who I want to be. Or vice versa.

9.  What captured your attention first about Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars and its young protagonist, Annemarie Johansen?

Christine and I were searching for a family film to make. I wanted it to be important. The Newbery books were the obvious place to look and our Daughter Ali had read it in school. Lois’ story was a perfect fit for us. If I had to pick one thing, it would be the idea of citizenship. Annemarie and her family were simple, simply doing the right thing. When neighbors do that, block by block, before you know it, you have an entire Nation that can hold its’ head up high. I could go on for hours. I’m grateful we’ve been able to spend a couple of years with it so far and more to come!

10.  When do you plan to begin filming, and when should we watch for the movie to be released?

I don’t know. We are raising the money now and it is a long process. I’m praying for a Fall 2012 release.

11.  Do you plan to film in Denmark?

Yes!!!

12.  In the Hitchcockian tradition, should we watch for you in the background of an NTS scene or two, or will you also be acting a role within this movie?

Good question :-)

13.  Has LTR piqued your interest concerning the other writings of Tolkien, or any of the other “Inkling” writers--e.g. C.S. Lewis?  What do you think of Lewis' writings?

Mere Christianity was important in my life. Sister Mary Imelda sent it to me after the Fellowship came out. I wish I could have been an Inkling... I’m sure I would have said things like, ‘Wow’ ‘Really?’ and ‘Come on!’

14.  Are screenplay adaptations of books usually best carried out by professional screenwriters--as opposed to the author?  It seems that the greater objectivity of the professional screenwriter might be helpful in the success of the project.  (Question edited slightly post interview.)

Historically, I think so. William Goldman did alright with Princess Bride, but...if a studio is paying for a screenwriter, you know you are in the game... If you feel yourself wondering most of the time how someone else might treat it...it may be a good idea to find the right person and let them do it. Even if you do it yourself, I am certain you will often wish that you’d let someone else do it as you move on to fresh new stuff.

Updated December 2016:

As if the 2016 election wasn't divisive enough, I seem to have lost my friendship with Sean over his loyalty to Hillary Clinton.   It's sad that politics can come between friends, but that's the way of it.  Next time you hear Sean talking about the importance of dialogue or respectful disagreement, bear in mind he silences those with whom he disagrees.

An open letter to Samwise.


So, you’ve shut me off on account of political disagreement?  That’s certainly within your right.   I ask you, though, every time you hear something negative about your candidate will you shoot each messenger bearing those unhappy words to your ear?  If Vox Populi, which I played a minuscule part in funding through Kickstarter as I recall, meant anything it meant dialogue between those of differing opinions.  To disagree respectfully has always been the aim of civilized society, but…are you desiring those of Wormtongue’s ilk now—those whose words drip with fawning insincerity and a lack of truth?  If you silence those voices that honestly and respectfully disagree with you…is it your goal to be surrounded only by those exactly like yourself—yes men?  It certainly would yield more Facebook likes, I suppose.

No matter who wins the election the day after tomorrow, we’re all the losers.  We’re losers because the way this election is separating and alienating friends, family members, and colleagues from the Pacific to the Atlantic.  What’s more disheartening to see than an alienation between men, however, is to see the ever widening chasm between God and man.  Of particular concern…the quiet genocide taking place in mother’s wombs ever-championed by your candidate.  I pray that you will not turn your back on your faith... 

I ran an honest campaign for the Oregon House of Representatives.  I was respectful to everyone, and I didn’t lie to promote myself or my causes.  Even though it would have helped my campaign, I refused to go along with those blindly calling for mass deportations and the like.  I told the truth.  Your candidate lies with the ease of breathing.  Yes, she’s a woman, so…I guess that makes it okay now?

It was enjoyable to get to know you, but I guess, in the end, you weren’t the kind of class act I took you to be.  You’re just like everyone else we hear about in the motion picture industry: a bundle of insecurities orbiting an artificial core: a fleeting shadow.  Do you even know yourself?

Regards,

Karl Bjorn Erickson

Monmouth, Oregon

November 6, 2016

A Short Review of Sean Astin's "There and Back Again" (and book giveway details)

Before diving into this review, I should make a few personal disclosures.  Sean Astin has been one of my favorite actors for a very long time. His performance in  Lord of the Rings as the hobbit Sam Gamgee was a heroic interpretation of a challenging and often misunderstood character.  As J.R.R. Tolkien has always been one of my most loved authors (I still enjoy re-reading the LTR books.), Sean's absolutely masterful nailing of this character as a performer made a huge impression.  Last, but not least, his gracious review of my children's book, Tristan's Travels, was deeply appreciated.  


I wanted to also briefly announce that my interview of Sean Astin will be shared on this blog on Friday evening.  If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Number the Stars, all you need to do is (publicly) follow the blog.  (The book selection is to celebrate Sean's current movie project.)  If new followers come along in the journey, I will donate one copy of the book to a randomly-selected follower.  (I'm sorry, but I need to exclude immediate family and immediate friends.)  Depending on the numbers of new followers, we also may include one copy of Tristan's Travels to a second person. 


The description of There and Back Again: An Actor's Tale that most often comes to mind is open and honest.  Sean Astin, star in movies from Goonies to Lord of the Rings and Rudy, holds virtually nothing back, as he bares his soul to the reader.  It's written in a very conversational tone, which is really a remarkable achievement for a book of this type.  I don't usually care for books by actors, but this is clearly a book by a strong writer, one who understands how to tell a story.  


The narrative is often punctuated by perfectly-timed flashbacks on earlier points in his career or personal life that illustrate the chapter's present focus.  When done incorrectly, flashbacks are an interruption and a distraction to the reader.  Sean's flashbacks, however, strengthen the narrative as a whole, painting a more complete picture of the performer and his journey.


Of course, as a huge Lord of the Rings fan, the insights into the filming, production of the movies, and other cast members such as Elijah Wood is a fascinating journey in and of itself.  In fact, I'd go on to say that the arduous and painful process of making those three movies exemplifies what it means to be on one's own personal journey.  Do we sit back and allow ourselves to be satisfied with who and what we are and have done, or do we try to improve ourselves and accomplish greater things?  The book really is an inspirational work.  While Sean's account can be heartbreakingly honest, it really is a story of a man's maturing and growing as a husband, father, and world class performer.  I look forward to reading and watching more from this writer, performer, and director.




As a final aside, I even briefly alluded to Frodo and Sam in one of my favorite articles: "Mysterious Tools," published by America, the National Catholic Weekly.

*Enjoyed reading this?  For the more Sean Astin information, please see my new e-book!

A Quest for Beauty in Northeastern Oregon

Tucked away in the northeast corner of Oregon is a fairytale place of lush green rolling hills, quaint old barns and pioneer-era homes, sparkling blue lakes and thundering rivers, snow-capped mountains towering against the blue skies of summer, and, of course, wildlife everywhere.  The kind, gracious, and authentic locals also have a way of making the trip even more memorable.  Understandably, this picturesque place is also often referred to as "America's Little Switzerland."  Covering thousands of square miles, it includes both the Eagle Cap Wilderness and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.  It's indeed a landscape that will take your breath away.


My first visits to the enchanting Wallowas (pronounced Wul-OW-wuhs) occurred in the capacity of a state employee.  Now, I seldom visit for business purposes, but we love to vacation there as a family.  (This latest trip also served as research for my mystery novel.)  Having the opportunity to stay there last week (without television, cell phone coverage, wi-fi, etc.) was a powerful reminder of the craving I have for beauty as well as meaningful connection with family--as well as the land itself.

Let's face it, as a kid raised in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, I probably get on people's nerves when I visit other places in the country.  "Where's the green?" or "Why is everything brown and flat?"  I ask myself these questions (a little louder perhaps than intended).  In short, I am probably very spoiled when it comes to scenic beauty; it's hard to beat Washington, Oregon, and California.  From our home in the Willamette Valley, for instance, we're an hour from the Pacific Ocean and lush forests to the west, and another hour or two away from the mountains and high desert to the east.  Crater Lake and the northern Redwoods lie to the south, as well.

When it comes to the Wallowas, though, it's more than just the place.  Off the beaten path as they are, the people are indeed a unique and close-knit group.  I recall, for instance, trying without success to salvage horrible Google Map directions to a friend's home in Lostine, Oregon.  When it looked like we were going to be late, I finally pulled over and spoke to a postal carrier in nearby Enterprise, Oregon.  Her first question was who was I visiting--not where.  I gave her the name, and she instantly recognized the person, providing the directions we badly needed.

Of course, if you annoy the locals, you may find yourself taking the longest "short cut" you can imagine.  One local confided that a sweet old lady she knew had finally lost patience with an out-of-towner bearing a laundry list of complaints: the mountains weren't that special, the weather was too hot, there were no stores in which she cared to stop, etc.  Having finally had enough, the old woman carefully gave the complaining visitor detailed instructions to Hwy 3 out of Enterprise to Lewiston/Clarkston.  She explained that this route might offer her exactly what she was seeking.  Now, as someone who accidentally took this frightening little stretch of asphalt (again, thanks go to Google Maps) back in 2007, I can understand the humor here.  Still, I have to say I feel a little sorry for the complainer, too.  

Imagine a narrow road weaving steeply towards the hilltops, and you have some inkling of the drive.  There was beauty, too, of course: wild deer and a huge owl to name a couple examples.  As I recall, when the road began to feel more like a paved walking trail, I remember my wife asking me to drive slower and slower until we were inching along at less than 20 mph.  When I expressed concern about traffic, she insightfully pointed out that no one else was stupid enough to take that particular road.  Enough said.

There was also a remarkably astute local when it came to discerning a good book from a bad one.  Walking into one business in Joseph, Oregon, we noticed a local shaking her head as she read The Shack.  When questioned a bit, she admitted that her teachers had always taught her to finish those books she started...but this was her second attempt at reading it.  Besides sensing something wrong with the theology, she said that the place names in the book didn't match the descriptions.  It was like the author had just used a map to write the book, she said.  I kept my mouth shut (mostly), but I was excited to learn yet another reason to thoroughly dislike this poor little excuse for a book--but I digress.

At any rate, that is a little snapshot of our vacation.  In short, it was wonderful to visit a place where shocking beauty and majesty come at you from all sides.  I hope that you can make it there yourself some day.  From fishing, hiking, horse-riding, general exploring, photography, and riding the tram to the lofty top of Mt. Howard, this area really does have it all.  It's a great place in which to be reminded of the beauty and power of God's creation.

In the meantime, if I should happen to pay you a visit in the midwest or southern United States, and you wonder why I am looking a bit glum, it's just because I'm spoiled; I live in Oregon, you see.  This being the case, I hope you will have patience with this west-coaster.  Perhaps if you come to our neck of the woods, it will make more sense...




Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8




Update: Please check-out my new calendar featuring my Wallowa photography!

The Really, Really Last Post for a While...

You know that feeling when you can't leave the house for a trip until you re-check the stove and coffee maker?  No?  Well, anyway, this kind of falls into that category.  I couldn't abandon my little venture for days and days without sharing some very exciting news.  


If all goes according to plan, this blog will soon feature a special actor/director/writer interview.  Depending on the mystery guest's schedule, it will likely appear in late July or early August. 

If all goes well, the hope is to interview a well known figure every month, or so.  With several notable exceptions, I'll be trying to steer clear of writers, as I have a friend with the Catholic Writer's Guild who already does a fine job on those.  


We'll also likely have a book giveaway (possibly one Tristan's Travels plus a title associated with one of the guest's current projects). Giveaway will be open to those following my blog--and, for practicality purposes, only if there are new followers between now and the time of the interview.  Also, it's not open to family or immediate friends, I'm afraid.  More details coming in July.  So, please tell your friends to stop by, "follow," and enjoy.  (I hope.) 

In the meantime, please go have a terrific summer.  Happy 4th!  Now, I'm really leaving...

Spirtual Fidelity & Father Corapi

The other day I wrote an open letter to Father Corapi, which prompted some interesting feedback.  I thought it might be interesting to share an example of some of the strange and incoherent responses my blog has elicited.


"do you recall the gospel, when our lord asked god, 2 take this cup from him, and then he said your will not mine, fr.corapi, is obeying the will of god !!!!!! do you also recall,when our lord said, father forgive them for they know not what they do !!! fr.corapi is doing the same. a lamb 2 the slaughter !!!! and if it was not for ewtn,i would have never heard or seen father."


There's obviously a lot of confusion in this person's mind.  Sometimes in situations like this, the best approach is to simplify or distill the central elements of the discussion in such a way that perhaps it will help readers see it in a new light.  That being the case, let's explore a hypothetical scenario, for example.


Let's say that a married friend comes to you for advice.  He admits that he's been unfaithful with a woman (or women), and he doesn't know what to do.  After speaking with him for a few minutes, you decide to share a piece of your mind.  As a Catholic, you point out the imperative need for him to repent and confess--both to his wife and his priest.  You remind him of the sacred nature of marriage, and that, as one of the Seven Sacraments, the husband and wife are bound to each other for life.


Like the unfaithful husband, the priest who turns his back upon his solemn promise before God and man in the sacrament of holy orders places his soul in peril.  The priest is being unfaithful to his Church and God.


As Al Kresta pointed out in his insightful blog today, excusing a wayward priest by suggesting he's particularly gifted is akin to saying that the Church was holding the man back.  To declare that the man is more important than the Church, however,  is to embark on a pathway heading straight to the morass of moral relativism.  No priest is above the Church just as surely as no husband can disregard his marriage vows as he wishes.  It's time for some obedience and humility here.


Sadly, I'm seeing many otherwise good people contort themselves every which way as they try to excuse or rationalize Father (for how much longer?) Corapi.  The alleged offenses now pale in comparison with the destructive aftermath unleashed by this black sheepdog, as he calls himself.


I pray for Father Corapi, but, at this point, I believe there's an even greater need to pray for those who are being led astray by his words.  One thing seems to be sure, he's not the man we thought he was.


Readers, I'll see you again in a couple weeks, or so.  God bless.

An Open Letter to Father Corapi

I'm filled with sadness over the whole Father Corapi business.  I am sharing an open letter to him here.  For more information on the situation, I'd suggest you visit the collection of commentary at The Pulp.it.

Fr. John Corapi,

Years ago, your words and the clarion call to to live a life of holiness were a great encouragement and ministry to our family when we crossed the Tiber.  The Tiber waters were often rough as we exchanged friends and a comfortable, predictable spiritual life for a new future filled with questions and anxieties.  Your sermons helped to open our hearts to the beauty and majesty of the Catholic Church, reminding us of what it means to follow Christ's voice--even when the voice calls us to hardship.  

Part of what it means to be Catholic is to appreciate that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.  In short, it's not about us; it's about Him.  As someone who received a letter once from an imprisoned priest, I think I have the tiniest inkling of what you (and other priests and bishops) face in trying times such as these.  

Still, it seems that something within your response and your declaration to leave the priesthood adds credence to your accusers and those vocal critics--the ones saying that they knew this was coming, for instance.   Worst still perhaps, your departure means that priests facing real persecution for preaching the Gospel have one less earthly model to look to for comfort and encouragement.

We are not your fans.  We are fellow followers of Christ in battle for our own spirtual well-being as well as the souls walking beside us each and every day of our lives.  We don't know these people most of the time, but, as C.S. Lewis wrote, each one of these strangers is an immortal soul--destined to spend eternity in one of two places.  Is what's being done to you unfair and unjust?  Perhaps so, but why would you leave the priesthood over mere accusations?  If it is untrue, aren't we called upon to fight untruth with every fiber of our being?  

You seem to be surrendering a battle long-fought.  I would encourage you, instead, to offer the pain up to Christ and His Holy Mother Mary and take up your personal cross to fight the good battle of faith.  If you do so in humility and grace, your brothers and sisters in Christ will welcome you with open arms. 

I pray that the love of God rest with you always.  God bless.

PS.  In a completely different vein, please see the announcement at Tristan's Travels.

A Classy Reprimand

I've never written a blog on the entertainment industry...but, as a guy who sometimes enjoys watching NBC's 30 Rock,  I had to say a few words about Tina Fey's recent reprimand of Tracy Morgan.  While I don't agree with the homosexual lifestyle, and I believe it's wrong, this isn't an excuse to say rude or threatening comments.  That being the case, I feel that Tina's reprimand of Tracy concerning his disturbing statements of late hit a perfect tone between reprimand and humor.  

“I’m glad to hear that Tracy apologized for his comments. Stand-up comics may have the right to “work out” their material in its ugliest and rawest form in front of an audience, but the violent imagery of Tracy’s rant was disturbing to me at a time when homophobic hate crimes continue to be a life-threatening issue for the GLBT Community.

“It also doesn’t line up with the Tracy Morgan I know, who is not a hateful man and is generally much too sleepy and self-centered to ever hurt another person.

“I hope for his sake that Tracy’s apology will be accepted as sincere by his gay and lesbian coworkers at “30 Rock”, without whom Tracy would not have lines to say, clothes to wear, sets to stand on, scene partners to act with, or a printed-out paycheck from accounting to put in his pocket.

“The other producers and I pride ourselves on “30 Rock” being a diverse, safe, and fair workplace.”


By the way, the fact that this post about Tina Fey was preceded by one concerning Sarah Palin is purely coincidental--I think.  :)