Liev Schreiber

Interview By: Stephen Snart
StephenSnart@TheCinemaSource.com

He may get his billing second in the opening title sequence of The Omen, but there's no doubt about it, Liev Schreiber is the lead star of the film. In terms of both screen time and emotional connection, Schreiber is the glue that holds together this haunting nightmare of a film.

It's about time Liev Schreiber got a chance to headline a big-budget studio film. After sterling supporting roles in The Sum of All Fears, A Walk on the Moon and another remake, The Manchurian Candidate, Schreiber has finally been given the opportunity to carry a studio production, and his talents are more than able to tackle the heavy load.

Like his co-star, Julia Stiles, Schreiber was initially hesitant about starring in a horror film. 'I've never been much of a horror film fan. Mostly because I don't really like being scared that much,' he admits boldly. 'I was certainly a fan of the original though, very much so. I think that great stories have a way of retelling themselves. In 1976 there was a sort of palpable anxiety in this country that I think exists today. I think that there is a way in which that affects films like these and why the genre becomes popular at times like these. One of the things I think is effective about this film and perhaps others of this type is the sense of relief when you realize it's just a film. After all, it's just a popcorn thriller. There's something about venting our anxieties and venting our fears that has proven to be very successful to box office.'

In this 2006 retelling of the 1976 original of which Schreiber speaks, he takes on the role of Roger Thorn, a role made famous by the legendary Gregory Peck. Most would be nervous about attempting to fill the shoes of such a renowned Hollywood talent. Schreiber seems to take the assignment in stride, turning in a confident and calculated performance as the United States ambassador who is faced with the possibility that his son is the anti-Christ.

Schreiber relished the opportunity to play a character with such an overwhelmingly insurmountable obstacle placed in front of him. 'I think what actors look for, or at least what I look for, is good dramatic conflict and it doesn't get any better than your son is the anti-Christ.' Schreiber goes on to reveal his strong theatrical roots when talking about the epic size of the conflict. 'The size of the conflict is Shakespearian. I think that's what draws you to it. You get to try on big things and that's what was fun about it. To try on the idea of going to battle against the anti-Christ. It's a hard idea to wrap your brain around. I think you have more reference for conflicts that epic from classical theater than you do from most contemporary films.' On the subject of theater, Schreiber makes a smooth segue into his current project, a staging of Macbeth, 'That will open in previews June 13th and close July 16th. Shakespeare in the park,' he adds gleefully.

Returning to his role in The Omen via the bard, Schreiber discusses what the part demanded of him. In order to play the role of Roger Thorn, he had to imagine what it would be like to believe that his son was the anti-Christ. 'That's basically what I got paid to do, that's the outline of the character. Ultimately, I had to come to the conclusion that the character comes to in the script. That's why I say I am glad at the end of the day that it's just a film. Because the reality is, to me, that's preposterous.'

Schreiber then shifts his character analysis to incorporate global issues, 'I don't think it's entirely unrealistic because we are seeing in the world today atrocities in the name of faith. A lot of people are losing their lives over these things. You have to ask yourself what is it about certain faiths that can empower people to take their own lives. You kind of have to wonder if anything is worth that. I think that paradigm is explored in this film and that's part of what made it interesting to me.'

An unexpected surprise for Schreiber was how scary the film actually turned out to be. 'Not only is it a remake of a movie I love, but it's also a movie that I'm in!' Schreiber recounts the harrowing experience of watching the final cut with two of his friends. 'I was being really disrespectful for the first 25 minutes. About half way through, there was a scene that I hadn't seen before that Julia was in and I just screamed out loud! I had to shut up for the rest of the film. By the end, I was exhausted.' If the film could affect its skeptical star on such a level, unsuspecting audiences will certainly be in for a nightmarish experience.