Josh Hartnett

Interview By: Lena Aburdene
LenaAburdene@TheCinemaSource.com

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Josh Hartnett appeared on the scene as a marketed heartthrob. His looks were obviously the key that pulled young girls to the movies. However, Hartnett desperately tries to detach himself from the label of heartthrob. Interested in pursuing roles of diversity and intrigue, Hartnett discusses his desire to break the mold, and also his new film, Wicker Park.

Hartnett felt it was important to have a positive vibe on set, not only because it makes the whole experience pleasant, but it also helps the actors give their best! "I try and get everyone to have a good time and really work hard. Let's make something for us; let's not worry about all the restrictions and I hope that everybody can get in the frame of mind that this is a day we don't want to waste."

As for his approach to his character, he expands his thoughts: "There are certain things you should pay attention to as an actor. For the most part you're just trying to play the character and keep it simple. This character is completely reactive, so I was just trying to discover things as they came along and internalize the emotion. It wasn't about having a tone in mind."

Unlike many established actors, Hartnett really has no significant influences or idols, "I don't really feel like I know that many actors. I look at myself on screen and say that's not me. I guess my heroes would be people that aren't actors'.. [Back] in 1996 and I thought I could do something like acting in movies, or that maybe that's a viable career choice'12 Monkeys, Trainspotting and The Usual Suspects came out that year. The movies themselves were inspirational, not really any particular actor."

Hartnett is trying to find pictures that have significance and make him take notice as opposed to letting the projects choose him and typecast him: "I'm finding the confidence now to branch out and push myself. A very well respected actor was telling me that he gets upset with actors who are always trying to impress you and try to be entertaining and he says that bothers him. But really honestly, I haven't done anything like that. I think there's a fine balance that you have to kind of hit, but im definitely more interested in playing more character type roles. It's been difficult to get into those type of roles because people see you in a certain way that you don't see yourself. There's always someone to fill that romantic lead place and I didn't like that. I didn't like doing the same things all the time. I wanted to branch out and try different things. Some people base their entire career on that and that's boring to me; making the most money in the world has never been a goal of mine, it's trying to make interesting characters."

Hartnett is simply a guy enjoying life, in his spare time he likes to be laid back and casual, "I like to paint and play music'I like to work on my house, I like to travel, I like being a young guy, it's a blessed position." Being Josh Hartnett is definitely a blessed position!!!