ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
May 22, 2008
TFK Chats with Shia LaBeouf
The actor plays Mutt Williams in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Famed adventurer Indiana Jones whips back into action this summer, and he's got a new sidekick. Actor Shia LaBeouf, 21, plays Mutt Williams, a motorcycle-riding rebel who helps the world-traveled professor (played by Harrison Ford) on his latest treasure hunt. TFK talked to LaBeouf about joining the celebrated Indiana Jones family.
TFK:There was a lot of secrecy surrounding the movie. You hadn't even read the script before you signed on. Were you nervous?
SHIA LABEOUF:Truthfully, I didn't care what the role was. I would have paid them to be in the movie. I knew it was an Indy film, I knew Steven (Spielberg) was directing, I knew George Lucas was executive producing, and that Harrison Ford was starring. I was prepared to do whatever I needed to do.
TFK:How did you step into the character?
LABEOUF:I stood by Harrison a lot of the time. Steven usually gives his actors movies to watch to find a tone or mannerism he wants for the character. The movies he gave me to watch were Red River with Montgomery Clift, The Wild Ones with Marlon Brando and a movie called Blackboard Jungle with Sidney Poitier - he stressed that one. It was the most fun homework I've ever had in my life. Also, we spent almost five months developing skills and getting in shape for the movie. I was in the best shape I've ever been in my life.
TFK:Did you do any of your own stunts?
LABEOUF:I'd say I did about 80 percent of my stunts. But I wouldn't say that they're stunts, either. I run, I jump and I fall down. (Laughs)
TFK:What was it like working with Harrison Ford?
LABEOUF:Harrison is greatly humorous and joyful and fun-loving. He's the most professional actor I've ever worked with. I don't even think we have enough time in this interview for me to tell you what he's like because he's so unique. I don't have a bad word in my vocabulary about Harrison. He's the man!
TFK:Were you anxious working with such film icons?
LABEOUF:Yeah. Not just working with Harrison, but working with Steven. Steven doesn't just sit in his director's chair. He's behind the camera a lot of the time. George is behind the camera a lot of the time. So it's really, really personal for them. And for me it's very nerve wrecking.
TFK:What was your most embarrassing moment on set?
LABEOUF:Harrison and I were riding down a hallway on this huge, heavy motorcycle. I'm driving 25 miles per hour, and Harrison had to move around on the back of the bike and perform. There's no tread, so we're sliding all over the place. My fear was that I would crash the bike, Harrison would break his leg and that would be the end of the film. And the whole world was going to hate me. As it turned out, I dropped the bike twice! Harrison tapped me on the shoulder, and says, "Don't worry about it kid." So we did it again, and I fall again. He gets up, helps me pick up bike and says, "Don't worry, we're going to get it." That's Harrison.
TFK:This film introduces a whole new generation of kids to the Indy saga. What do you hope they'll take away from it?
LABEOUF:I hope kids of this generation enjoy it as much as the kids who watched the first ones. These movies mean a lot to people. It's amazing to me that families will be able to go and have an entire experience. It's almost like going to a theme park. The Indy films are part of history.
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