I recently saw "Flight" and Q&A with director, Robert Zemeckis, and writer, John Gatins. It's a decent film with an amazing cast, but among all these huge names like Don Cheadle, John Goodman, and Denzel (big enough you know who I'm talking about with just his first name) there was a standout performance from a not well known character actor - James Badge Dale. You are forgiven if you have no idea who he is.
During casting his role was "Cancer Guy" and according to IMDb he is "Gaunt Young Man." If you've seen the film, you'll know who I am talking about because it is quite possibly the most memorable scene of the entire film. He only had one scene, one speech, and a few lines - but, it's not one you will quickly forget.
The story of how he got the role all the way to how he prepared for it is filled with juicy tidbits every actor should know.
LESSON NUMBER ONE
James was called in for a different role - Lang, the lawyer role that ended up going to Don Cheadle. He went in to read with Casting Director, Victoria Burrows, and asked if he could also read for "Cancer Guy." This was a strange request - not only was Cancer Guy a smaller part, it was also written for a much younger guy. She acquiesced and he was amazing in it.
Lesson: Don't be afraid to make requests in the audition room. It is your time. Don't demand to read for another part, but it is okay to ask. The worst that can happen is they'll say no.
LESSON NUMBER TWO
Mr. Zemeckis said as soon as he saw the tape he knew this guy had to do this part. He said he made different choices than everyone else and made it interesting.
Lesson: Ah, back to the age old thing about making choices. You know this, I know this, but it deserves repeating: MAKE STRONG, CLEAR CHOICES in all your auditions.
LESSON NUMBER THREE
James finds out he got the part a while before he is set to film. It is only one scene and he is scheduled to shoot only one day. He then begins to prepare for this role like he would any other, just like if he was the lead. He loses weight and makes himself look like a gaunt cancer patient. I don't know him personally, but I am willing to bet he did a lot of research and knew everything he could about his character - even though we only see him for this one brief instant of his life.
Lesson: Treat every role you are given with the respect it deserves - do the research and don't write it off as "just a small part." You wouldn't want your surgeon to go in saying, "it's just a tonsillectomy, I'm gonna phone it in today."
In the end this is about being a PROFESSIONAL actor and doing your work every step along the way from audition to finished project.
YES, Michelle! I, too, thought that Mr. Dale's was the best performance in the film. You could hear audible gasps in the audience at the end of his scene. What I couldn't help but notice was the bold choice he made in that scene. It was not to play it depressed, weak and maudlin, which might be an actor's first thought for a guy at the end of his life, but bouyant, resigned to his fate, accepting, and with a sense of humor and play. That gave LIFE to what might have been an otherwise downer of a character and surprised the audience with a knock-out of a performance! My dad was right: There are no small parts, only small actors! Can't wait to see more of James Badge Dale!
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