Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Q&A: After `300,' Gerard Butler is still battling
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Asia Pacific
World
Search
Search:
Q&A: After `300,' Gerard Butler is still battling
By JAKE COYLE,AP Entertainment Writer AP - Wednesday, August 26
NEW YORK - In the new action film, "Gamer," video games have conjoined with reality, and gamers can control the lives of real people from the comfort of their couches. It can sound a little like today's Hollywood: teenage boys rule the world.
ADVERTISEMENT
The star of "Gamer," Gerard Butler, has seen his star rise thanks to that very demographic, who have cheered him in "300," Guy Ritchie's "RocknRolla" and the 2001 TV series, "Attila," his early breakthrough.
But the Scottish actor has proven just as appealing to women. He's been labeled a full-fledged sex symbol after performances in the 2007 romance "P.S. I Love You" and this summer's romantic comedy "The Ugly Truth."
In a Hollywood increasingly bereft of stars, the charismatic Butler has been pegged as an ascendant A-lister. It's an unlikely fate for the 39-year-old, who was once days away from becoming a lawyer. Dragged down by too much partying, he was fired and immediately reconsidered his life and career.
This fall, he'll co-star with Jamie Foxx in "Law Abiding Citizen," the first film Butler has produced. He's also recently been filming "The Bounty" with Jennifer Aniston in New York, where he lives most of the time.
___
AP: What's the last year or so been like, as fame has come quickly?
BUTLER: It's been a mixture of learning to adjust to slightly different realities in terms of your career, how you're viewed by the industry and the public and in terms of how you're viewed when you walk down the bloody street. It's been a mixture of coming to terms with that and then relaxing into it and really enjoying it.
AP: It appears that you wear fame well. You've artfully denied tabloid rumors about you and Aniston with sarcasm.
BUTLER: That got me into trouble once in Britain when they were asking me about James Bond. I was so sick about being asked about James Bond _ it was before Daniel Craig had taken the role. They said, "So is it true about Bond?" And I said, "Yeah, I'm in talks with (producer) Barbara Broccoli. I told her that if Ann Widdecombe can be my Bond girl, then I'll do it." Now, Ann Widdecombe was at that time mid-70s, hugely overweight, very little hair. Thought it was funny but the next day in the Scottish papers _ they took one part of it and said: "Gerald Butler is going to be the next James Bond." That's when you think, "Should I just lose my sense of humor completely?"
AP: Have you seen a change in the scripts you're offered?
BUTLER: What I notice is the scripts have become, one, of a far higher quality, and, two, more diverse. It's not all action, it's not all comedy, it's not all romantic comedy. I'm getting all sorts of scripts from heavy dramas to maybe a black comedy to even a musical.
AP: Have you admired the arc of anyone's career in particular?
BUTLER: Paul Newman, Steve McQueen could do a drama with a really cool edge to it, but then also do comedy. ... The kind of career trajectory that I've had, a more modern example, would be a Mel Gibson.
AP: Movies like "300" and "Gamer" tout a violent vision of tough-guy masculinity not seen in many films these days. Is that a subject you're drawn to?
BUTLER: I am very much a man and I naturally bring a masculinity to those roles. Mike Chadway in "The Ugly Truth," for example, could have been played in many different ways. ... But I also think I'm attracted to roles where guys get to talk about the mythical struggle of guys and what it is to be a man.
AP: You've also become a sex symbol, a role you've made light of but acknowledged is mostly to the good.
BUTLER: I joke with that because it's way better to be appreciated than to not be appreciated. For anybody to blow it off and dismiss it, they're either insane or they're just not being honest or they're being extremely arrogant. ... As you're saying that, my natural response is going to be, "Well, I don't really see it." But then again, I do _ just on the street sometimes.
AP: It's probably about then that you wish you had become a lawyer.
BUTLER: Yep, I have nightmares about that every day! Why aren't I still doing the law? (Laughs.)
AP: You came so close. That must have been a dramatic turning point.
BUTLER: The most incredible turning point. I'm not exaggerating when I say seven days from qualifying after seven years of my life and I was let go. I couldn't deny any more that I had issues in how I was living my life. But I also was in many ways set free from what did feel like a prison sentence for what my soul was. Obviously, I was meant to be here.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: Entertainment & Lifestyle
The Who's Pete Townshend at work on new musicalAP - Wednesday, August 26
'Thriller' co-star becomes Jackson creditorAP - Wednesday, August 26
Orthodox Church condemns Madonna gig in BulgariaAFP - Wednesday, August 26
Bulgaria's church deplores Madonna concertAP - Wednesday, August 26
Caillat has a 'Breakthrough' with sophomore CDAP - Wednesday, August 26
Most Popular – Entertainment
Viewed
Jackson killed by drugs cocktail: court
Global stock markets up, hit 10-month highs
NASA begins filling Discovery's external fuel tank
Homes of former Porsche executives searched: report
France to claim exclusive Mediterranean fishing zone
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Wednesday, 26 August 2009 Afghan bomb blast kills 36: police
extends reach into Arab world with Maktoob buy
Oil hits $75 for first time in 10 months
British PM upbeat after talks with Israel's PM
High bidder 'can't pay' for crypt atop Monroe
Frenchman hurt by 'exploding iPhone'
Israel's Netanyahu says seeking settlements formula
| International
|
Analysis: Iraq's premier must work to keep job
Yahoo to launch Arabic portal with Arab partner
Russia says nothing suspicious found on Arctic Sea
| International
|
Diplomats: Iran's enrichment program stagnates
Britain threatens to cut Internet for online pirates
UK, Israel warn Iran over nuclear program
| International
|
Iraq recalls envoy to Syria over truck bombings
Biel tops Pitt as 'most dangerous' celebrity on Web
European court raps Italy over G8 Genoa protests
| International
|
Iran resumes mass trial of opposition figures
UK proposes cutting Web access to file sharers
Head of troubled Darfur peacekeeping force resigns
| International
|
Karzai ahead in early Afghan election results
Qaeda-linked group claims bloody Baghdad attack
Netbook pioneer Asustek eyes recovery; bets on China
Iraq suspends decision to pull down blast walls
White House, Congress projects record deficits
Remains found in Alaska could be 1,000 years old
NKorea report says a senior military official dies
Transients board locomotive in Colo., get arrested
NKorea invites US envoys for talks, report says
Union wants ban on lithium batteries in cargo
Calif. school still closed after pipe bomb attack
Official: Explosion hits southern Afghan city
Official: Huge explosion hits southern Afghan city
Obama reappoints 'bold' Bernanke as Fed chairman
Pakistani Taliban say chief Baitullah Mehsud dead
Chinese president visits restive Xinjiang region
China mine blast kills 14: govt
3 dead in barn after standoff in northeast Tenn.
Karzai, Abdullah at 40 percent in partial returns
Man convicted in brutal slayings of Tenn. couple
Malaysian court puts caning of woman on hold
Hikers rescued in Alaska after journey into wild
Papa John's founder finds his beloved 1971 Camaro
Russia, Mongolia create uranium joint venture
HCL Technologies quarterly profit surges 110 pct
Daewoo to make $1.7 bln investment in Myanmar
Jessica Biel tops list as most risky star in cyberspace
| Entertainment
|
Pete Townshend plans new musical Floss
| Entertainment
|
Canada police know woman with accused model killer
| Entertainment
|
Orthodox Church condemns Madonna gig in Bulgaria
Los Lonely Boys to release 1969 tribute EP
| Entertainment
|
Bulgaria's church deplores Madonna concert
Caillat has a 'Breakthrough' with sophomore CD
LaToya Jackson appearing on '20/20' next month
Budget impasse forces Shyamalan movie from Pa.
Q&A: After `300,' Gerard Butler is still battling
Head of troubled Darfur peacekeeping force resigns
Russia seizes Norwegian yacht: border guards
North, South Korea hold rare talks on split families
| International
|
US ranks 28th in Internet connection speed: report
US inches toward dialogue with NKorea
Zimbabwe's Mugabe treated in Dubai hospital: paper
| International
|
NASA calls off Discovery launch
New ETA arms caches found in France
Iraq focuses bombings blame on operatives in Syria
Sony adds wireless e-reader as Kindle rival
Profile of swine flu begins to emerge: study
GM still wants to sell Opel: sources
Top reformist confesses in Iran political trial
YouTube to share ad money with more video makers
U.S. limits visas in Honduras, stepping up pressure
| International
|
Sony unveils new e-reader in Kindle challenge
Oil price hits ten-month peak at 75 dollars
Indonesian police arrest suspect over hotel blasts
| International
|
Australia Aborigines ask U.N. for refugee status
| International
|
Multitaskers distracted by everything: study
Iran puts leading reformers on trial over unrest
Chavez threatens break with Colombia
| International
|
Armstrong twitters up Dublin bike ride
Bomb kills 40 in Afghanistan's Kandahar: police
The Pirate Bay back online after fine threat
German prosecutors seek life for 'veil martyr' killer
Argentine farmers call new anti-government strike
| International
|
Iraq and Syria recall envoys over bombing claims
Sony adds wireless e-reader as Kindle rival
Sony unveils new e-reader in Kindle challenge
Sony adds wireless e-reader as Kindle rival
| Technology
|
YouTube to share ad money with more video makers
| Technology
|
Attorney: Alleged Iowa coach shooter incompetent
Car bomb blasts in Afghanistan kill at least 41
Tongans hold funeral service at sea for ferry dead
Chicken owner shoots own leg while hunting opossum
Taiwan FM offers resignation over typhoon blunder
Indonesian police arrest suspect over hotel blasts
'Drats!' Valve trouble postpones shuttle launch
US inches toward dialogue with NKorea
Most China organ transplants come from death row
Obamas visit top adviser's home, then go to dinner
Rocket launch: SKorea fails to contact satellite
MEMO FROM MARTHA's: Chief golfs with his chef
Karzai, top rival run about even in Afghan returns
LA school board approves school choice plan
N.Korea may invite U.S. for nuclear talks
New park offers X-rated views of NYC hotel guests
California Catholics try TV to draw churchgoers
Video allegedly shows 'executions' in Sri Lanka: report
Workers at home where chaplain fell criticized
Drunk man found at grocery store eating avocados
China Life first half profit up 15 percent
Toyota to cut production capacity at Japan factory
Toyota to slash world production capacity: reports
Seoul shares up 0.4 pct; NCSoft, Korea Beral spike
S.Korea Aug consumer sentiment hits 7-yr high
Air China sees first half profit more than double
Chris Brown sentenced in LA for assault
| Entertainment
|
Korea Hot Stocks
Sale falls through on crypt above Marilyn Monroe
| Entertainment
|
Seoul shares open up; NCSoft, Samsung Techwin gain
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Epson pleads guilty to price-fixing, to pay 26 mln dlr fine
Extract distilled from human stupidity
| Entertainment
|
India says Delhi talks aimed at building WTO consensus
NJ court appearance for comic Artie Lange delayed
Sale falls through on crypt above Marilyn Monroe
Chris Brown sentenced in Rihanna assault case
Ga. judge: Accused Miley Cyrus stalker 'a danger'
Billboard names Beyonce as 'Woman of the Year'
Argentina legalizes personal marijuana possession
Abdul to host 'VH1 Divas' Sept. 17 concert special
B'way's 'West Side Story' has a minor lyric change
Paisley, Underwood return as hosts of CMA Awards
Karzai widens lead in Afghan vote
French hostage in Somalia freed 'without violence'
Karzai leads in Afghan poll, run-off indicated
| International
|
Google Maps tracking traffic flow
German firms most bullish since crisis began
Russia admits mystery ship may have had suspect cargo
Advertising giant WPP profits slump in first half
Toll in Kandahar bomb at least 40: police
Abbas to call election if talks with Hamas fail
| International
|
Singer Chris Brown sentenced for Rihanna assault
Iran's Khatami says trial confessions invalid
| International
|
Bomb kills 40 in Afghanistan's Kandahar: police
Iraqi Shi'ite party leader dies, successor eyed
| International
|
Swelling US deficit threatens Obama reforms
Forensic experts unearth 60 Bosnian war victims
| International
|
French hostage escapes from rebels in Somalia
| International
|
Russia eyes landmark purchase of French assault ship
| International
|
Madagsacar leaders still deadlocked over top job
| International
|
Pakistani forces launch air attack on Taliban
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
Nokia to launch mobile financial service
| Technology
|
Nokia bets on Linux in iPhone battle: sources
| Technology
|
House gets guerrilla ad treatment
| Technology
|
IBM, Indian outsourcers win services deal from BP
| Technology
|
Official: Dalai Lama to visit Taiwan
Thai tennis star launches new herbal Viagra
Malaysian opposition wins bellwether vote
Kennedy successor to be chosen by special election
Upstart party has already changed Japan politics
Sen. Kennedy's death leaves 1 Kennedy sibling
Hope, reality collide in post-Katrina New Orleans
Ted Kennedy: Senator, family patriarch, dead at 77
Koreas to hold first Red Cross talks in 2 years
Text of Obama statement on Kennedy
UN says ex-rebels breached Nepal peace agreement
Israeli PM resists US pressure over settlements
Interrogation probe steams those on right and left
Most lawmakers and analysts welcome Bernanke news
Russia deploys air defence over N.Korea missile tests
AP IMPACT: Politics can drive stimulus priorities
Schwarzenegger mourns loss of `Uncle Teddy'
Pakistani Taliban seen as regrouping
House gets guerrilla ad treatment
| Entertainment
|
Taiwan dollar ends slightly lower on outflows
CNOOC says 1H profit down 55 pct on lower prices
S.Koreans most upbeat since 2002 but president cautions
Thai interest rate unchanged amid recovery doubts
Japan trade surplus rises for second month
Pakistan's medium-term outlook still fragile
SKorea to ratify EU free trade deal soon: Speaker
Indonesian police detain suspect in hotel bombings
Disputed time in Jackson case could be key
'Prince of Jihad' arrested in Indonesia: police
Mongolia tax repeal clears way for $4 bln mine
Peter Horton: 'thirtysomething' lacked big 'but'
Vietnam says inflation slowing
US race row raises questions over Bollywood spin
Seoul shares post highest close in 13 months =2
In greying Japan, youth may turn out to rock the vote
Mexico players fight for pre-Hispanic game site
'Bamboo schools' bring hope to Nepal's poor
Lee Young-ae marries businessman in US
"Extract" distilled from human stupidity
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights