Patrick Wilson

Interview By: Ray Dademo
RayDademo@TheCinemaSource.com

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These past couple years have been good to you, haven't they, Patrick Wilson' Slowly but surely you've worked your way up the rungs of regional theatre, onto Broadway and into multiplexes across the country. You've been nominated for Tonys, Emmys, Golden Globes, and when I googled your name, the search engine told me you dated Scarlett Johansson. Congratulations.

Still, I have a theory about you, dear Patrick. When magazines christen someone "the next big thing," they are usually wrong. Those actors and actresses who rise meteorically to fame -- rapidly and inexplicably -- eventually flounder on the rocks of stardom. (Gretchen Mol, anyone') But, not you, Patty -- do you mind if I call you Patty' I'm onto your game. Each year you grow, inch by inch, mile by mile; gaining your power gradually, but effectively. You're just waiting it out, aren't you' Where will you leap next' Public office'

My Patrick Wilson is not completely unfounded. In 2001, he originated the lead in Broadway's "The Full Monty" and was, subsequently, nominated for a Tony Award. The next year, he traded up for the role of Curly in the big-budget revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma." Wilson's unimpressive foray into film (the flop Western, The Alamo) was quickly made up by a universally-praised turn in Mike Nichols' "Angels In America."

Now, Wilson is looking to put his stamp on the film world with Joel Schumacher's big-screen bonanza, "The Phantom of the Opera." His performance as the swashbuckling romantic, Raoul puts to good use Wilson's talents as both singer and actor. "I had done a lot of musical theatre. Vocally, [the role's] not really that difficult. It's hard to say that without sounding arrogant, but it's true. You do what you do. It was wonderful music to sing."

While Patrick Wilson as Raoul seems like a perfect match, (and it is) the 31 year-old actor was leery about playing the passionate Vicomte de Chagny. For good reason, too -- Raoul on stage is a pretty thankless role. "I loved what [Schumacher] had done with the role and the script. He made him [Raoul] a much more dynamic character. I mean, you never want to play 'the other guy,' 'the boyfriend.' I thought he made him fun, and if I can take a role and change the way people see him...that appeals to me."

Much of the project's allure grew out one simple idea: bringing a role written for the stage to life on film. "When you do theatre, it's all about having to do it tomorrow," explains Wilson. "It's pacing, it's knowing your instrument and knowing how much you can sing, how much you can scream, and knowing your levels. On this you've only got to do it once in a studio." Differences abound, Wilson grew to utilize the medium of film in scenes created especially for what has been called the most melodramatic of rock operas. "There was a real freedom in being able to play those intimate moments. Certainly when you're playing a romantic character, you can really whisper and use a dynamic that you never could on the stage. It was very liberating."

As one of the foremost lyric tenors of present-day musical theatre, Patrick Wilson had an added advantage in joining the cast of "Phantom" -- he had built-in understanding. "The blending of pop and musical theatre is what the spirit of the 80s musical is. It wasn't 'Oklahoma' and it wasn't 'Rent.' It was taking a classical voice and making it sound pop. I knew [Andrew Lloyd Webber's] scores probably better than anyone on the set. I could sing songs from every show he's ever written. I felt comfortable."

The crossover from theatre to film has been a smooth one, thanks to director Joel Schumacher. Wilson waxes "As an actor all you want is confidence. That's the kind of director [Joel] is. He gives you that freedom to feel like you're offering a lot. Getting this movie was the most stress-free experience. That's really a testament to Joel and Andrew having faith in [me] and having faith in themselves."

But, please don't think for a moment that Wilson has turned his back on Broadway. In fact, plans for his return to the Great White Way are materializing as we speak. "I do [want to come back to Broadway]. Yeah. I kind of want to do a play. I've been talking about possibly doing 'Barefoot In the Park.'" A long-running musical, however, will have to wait. "I don't feel the need to go back and do a show for a year. I'd rather do something for six months. I've done three musicals on Broadway. I'll go back to musicals."

Whether it be in comedy, musical, drama or otherwise, the very talented Patrick Wilson is certain to continue his ascent to full-fledged stardom. His next project definitely falls into the "otherwise" category -- he'll play a 32 year-old man who meets and takes home a 14 year-old girl in David Slade's Sundance entry, "Hard Candy." Until then, we'll have to content ourselves with his swooning performance in "Phantom" and keep our fingers crossed for "Barefoot." Won't we, Patty'