No more the teen... Ryan Phillippe.
Even teen idols grow up. A former soap heart throb, Ryan Phillippe's latest role is as a young FBI recruit in Breach, a terrific slow-burner of a thriller. He plays Eric O'Neill, who acts as the bait to trap suspected double agent Robert Hanssen, played by the brilliant Chris Cooper.
It's based on a real-life spy case that rocked America - though I can't say I knew too much about it. For British audiences, it's an old-fashioned piece harking back to the 70s conspiracy films and reminded me of John Le Carre's spies, all those briefcases left in the park. It's a great film about institutions and offices, too, with the FBI building playing a major role. I tip Cooper for another Oscar and we'll talk to him next week, but first it's the turn of young Ryan.
Phillippe has come a long way since Cruel Intentions and the tabloid troubles of his marriage to Reese Witherspoon and he talks to me about his career - including Gosford Park and Crash - and his next moves.
I've also got Steven Mackintosh for you - he's one of the most underrated British actors and always good when he's on screen. His new film Sugarhouse is no exception as he plays Tom, a city boy dipping into an underworld he knows little about just to get a gun. It's a small budget film, big on entertainment if you ask me, but then I like this kind of thing, when it's done well. We talk about Lock Stock, middle class and the lure of violence.
Finally, I got a chance to meet another character actor I've long admired, if only for the whiskers. Tom Skerritt is instantly recognisable and has been in Alien, MASH and Top Gun, which celebrates 20 years now with a DVD re-issue. I have a fascinating career talk to Tom about Tom Cruise, Altman, Redford, Cheers and moustaches.
Three big interviews with three leading actors - Film Weekly, eh?
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