the envelope chat transcript- dec 8, 2006                             

Ryan Gosling has entered the room. 
Tom O'Neil: Hi Ryan! Welcome 
sarahashley21: Hey, Ryan. Welcome to the craziness. 
vivibuff: oohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh 
AussieExpat: Hi Ryan 
loganX2: hi ryan 
vivibuff: hey Ryan 
monkaholic: Hey Ryan!!! 
Francisco: hi ryan 
Lucia: hey 
Krizisten: Greetings from Delaware. 
letthieri: thanks for being here, Ryan 
AussieExpat: 
RYAN -- Tell us how you feel about all of the awards attention 'Half Nelson' is getting 
anna: from venezuela 
HelenaR: hello from Bermuda 
ETHELCHARLES: Hello Ryan from near London, ON (Toronto to be precise) 
Ryan Gosling: Its very encouraging for us 
Tom O'Neil: It's also gotta be a bit overwhelming, eh? 
Ryan Gosling: amazing to know u can make a film for so little money and people can see it and respond to it It's also gotta be a bit overwhelming, eh? 
Ryan Gosling: amazing to know u can make a film for so little money and people can see it and respond to it 
Tom O'Neil: Tell us how this film came to be and how you got connected with it 
ETHELCHARLES: Loved how you and sweet but tuff tyke Shareeka Epps played off one another. Good chemistry. It felt so real, so gritty. What was she like to work with? 
Ryan Gosling: yes, and unexpected..and inspiring yes, and unexpected..and inspiring 
anna: How would you feel if you were nominated for an Oscar this year 
Nis: He's not answering our questions. Only Tom's, if you hadn't noticed. 
Ryan Gosling: its rare to read something and feel like u met somebody when you finished reaidng it 
Ryan Gosling: some part of yourself... 
vivibuff: when are u gonna start filming the lords resistance?? And is Rachel gonna be in it?? 
AussieExpat: So how do you submit questions? some part of yourself... 
Nis: I suppose when we are prompted to. 
Ryan Gosling: and I loved that there was no clear character arc 
AussieExpat: Ah ok Can you tell us fun or curious stories about things that happened during filming? It's always fun to hear about behind-the-scenes stuff 
Krizisten: Wait for it.. 
HelenaR: is this machine automatied? i don't remember..i was smoking so much crack...ha 
AussieExpat: lol 
Tom O'Neil: HAAAAAAAAAA 
layladylay: wait..do you have to submit questions to tom? 
Krizisten: Me too! Me too! 
anna: lol 
Ryan Gosling: bear with me.. A method actor! 
Tom O'Neil: Ryan -- just look over the questions you see popping up here and answer any ones you find interesting 
MovieMusicals.net: I'm an actor in training. Ryan, when you land a part, what is your process in tackling the character? 
Lucia: Hey Ryan, which scene in Half Nelson was the most difficult to shoot? 
Krizisten: My question is, upon starting filming for Half Nelson, did you ever imagine all the buzz surrounding your name alone? 
I heard that in your next project you would be directing. What made you want to direct instead of acting? 
Nis: First, I’d like to say that I truly hope that you do get nominated for and eventually win the Oscar for your role in Half Nelson. And I hope it’s the first of many. Your recognition is way past due. Although sometimes I wonder if your fans want the whole world to know about our best kept secret. In the past, I’ve read that James Garner and Natalie Wood were your favorite actors. Are there any contemporary actors you admire or want to work with? SLOW DOWN, EVERYBODY! 
Ryan Gosling: lords of resistence - hope to start pre-production early next year and principal photog by summer 
sarahashley21: this is so hard to follow... 
loganX2: Can you talk about working with 
Shareeka Epps see is AMAZING! 
vivibuff: are u filming it in afrik? 
Ryan Gosling:the subject matter about lords is about child soldiers in uganda and I just was sure someone had to be making this film and nobody was so i felt like someone should...and so i guess it meant that i should. he subject matter about lords is about 
anna: What made you want to direct instead of acting? What about shareeka. tell us about her. she's a newbie actor, right? 
RYAN: Do you keep in touch with co-stars after filming ends? If so like who? When was the last time u spoke with Shareeka? 
Ryan Gosling: Contemporary actors - my favorite actor is probably gene wilder..i would love to work with him...but after half nelson, i would love to work with 
more non-actors. I really grew alot working with 
non-actors. I hope to use alot of non-actors in lords 
I heard a little myth that Mandi will be 
featured in your directorial debut, I'd love to see the 
work that comes from her as well. Any truth to this? 
Nis: Thank you. Maybe we will work together someday then! 
vivibuff: is rachel gonna be in that movie?? 
Kelli Weston has entered the room. 
letthieri: Do you have any more projects that involve abstract storytelling in the works? 
Ryan Gosling: Shareeka is a raging alcoholic...kidding again..she is also really incredible...one of the best actors i have ever worked with..she treats herself and her character with no preciousness...she is brutally honest and only wnats to ..feel as though whats happening is really happening
Ryan : Is there a chance that any of your future movies will be filmed in New Orleans? 
Ryan Gosling: Abstract storytelling..not sure 
Lucia: Hola Ryan, this is Lucia from SPAIN, my question is that if you are ready to pay all these people you've been taking bets on the Oscar nominations, because we all believe you are going to be nominated?  Have you ever been asked this many questios..rapid fire? yeah I laughed out loud at that raging alcoholic bit! 
Krizisten: Good question. 
Kelli Weston: This may have already been asked, but I just got this working, so please bear with me, but will Rachel be in 'Lord's Resistance?' 
loganX2: Other than the crack smoking, how did you prepare for Half Nelson? 
Ryan Gosling: lars and the real girl is about a recluse who falls in love with a sex doll..and has this delusion that she is alive and talking to him...i guess thats abstract on some level 
Tom O'Neil: and here I just thought she was a mere alcoholic I cant wait to see Lars and the real girl 
Krizisten: How was the transition from doing Half Nelson and then going to Lars? 
letthieri: thanks for answering. I'll check it out. 
Ryan Gosling: new orleans...no plans to shoot there but i would love to one day 
Toronto Follower: What has happened with RAW - your refugee support efforts? 
anna: Witch actor is going to play the lead character in the movie you’re directing? 
AussieExpat: Oh so would i, i would love to meet you one day. 
vivibuff: how about coming to south america? Thanks for answering 
moneymoneymoney: how to did you find out about your victory at NBR yesterday, winning 'Breakthrough Actor'? 
good question, money -- 
sarahashley21: Ryan Gosling as a breakthrough actor? 
Interesting! 
Ryan Gosling: RAW - i found that its very difficult when you get involved in foundations..lots of legalities...we wanted to try to create a situation where 100 percent of the money goes to the refugees and need to find out a way to do that 
moneymoneymoney: thanks, tom. I thought he was already established? Something new. 
Ryan Gosling: In the meantime, I am making a film about the LRA because that's what i feel i can do to help.. 
vivibuff: well u should come to Colombia 
vivibuff: i'm inviting u!!!! 
Ryan Gosling: NBR - I was surprised...we never expected anyone to see Half Nelson let alone be involved in an awards ceremony related to it... 
vivibuff: its a beautiful place how did you hear about the NBR results? Where were ya? Who told ya? 
Ryan Gosling: VIVIbuff - can i stay at your house in columbia? 
vivibuff: yeah!!! 
anna: lol 
vivibuff: u can!!!!! 
Nis: Does it matter to you whether you win an Oscar? 
vivibuff: my mom is ok with that!! 
letthieri: R. Fleck cited Paul Auster among his influences. EVer read any of his stuff? 
Krizisten: So Ryan, do you ever feel completely overwhelmed when it comes to doing back to back films, as well as your involvement in various foundations? you must have had some indication, given how ecstatic all of the reviews were on your performance -- had you gotten your hopes up early in the game upon seeing those? even in the slightest? 
Ryan Gosling: Oscar buzz is catching me by surprise...but i want to capitalize on it..i am making bets with everyone who thinks I will..I just don't know that I will and could win big from everyone betting i will 
anna: If you could choose an actress to work with, who would, you choose? Do you ever get tired of talking about movies movies, people going on about them 
Lucia: Ryan: I've heard that some actors like Tim Robbins and Gary Oldman have worked with Spanish directors, even Gary Oldman had to memorize a script in Spanish, do you have any projects to spread your acting skills over the world and work with foreign directors? If so, who would you like to work with? 
Tom O'Neil: good strategy, ryan 
Ryan Gosling: Paul Auster...yes, I've read him 
Lucia: are you ready to pay all these people you've been taking bets on the Oscar nominations, because we all believe you are going to be nominated? 
Ryan Gosling:NBR - I found out ..got a call from Walter Salles actually..he called to let me know before anyone else 
vivibuff: im sure ur gonna get nominated u did an amazing job!!!! 
sarahashley21: Maggie Gyllenhaal, among other actors, have given you praise for your work in Half Nelson. Is it ever humbling, hearing you're getting praise from your peers, rather than just the critics? 
Krizisten: More importantly, how does your mom feel about all the oscar buzz, it's been a long road for her as well? 
Tom O'Neil: Is your schedule clear during awards season to attend all of these award shows? 
vivibuff: u deserve one!!! 
Ryan Gosling: Foreign directors - Walter Salles....lots of others..just a matter if finding the right projects 
vivibuff: who are u taking to the awards? 
Nis: I honestly believe that you deserve the Oscar. I don't think many actors are as sincere as you especially at your age. You're amazing! 
loganX2: Ryan did you happen to see the doc Ithuteng (Never Stop Learning)? Amazing. 
Tom O'Neil: yeah, who will you take to these award shows? 
anna: Would you do a romance movie again? And who would you like to be your famale co-star? 
Kelli Weston: I agree with Nis. You deserve it. 
Krizisten: I'm free during awards season, legal, and free. Just saying. 
HelenaR: <--- Mixed feelings about the Oscars 
Ryan Gosling: My peers - absolutely means a lot when actors I respect recognize my work because they really know. Same as when an author gets reviewed by book critics. 
Tom O'Neil: I know that joy .... and PAIN 
AussieExpat: Ryan : How did you get into character for Half Nelson, i dont know if you would call it a dark character but for someone who is dealing wtih drugs etc? 
Ryan Gosling: Never Stop Learning ..no
Stinger: RYAN: How old were you when you decided u wanted to become an actor? 
Ryan Gosling: Got kicked off..I am back..do you recommend that doc? 
anna: Would you do a romance movie again? And who would you like to be your famale co-star? 
HelenaR: is the Oscars where you want to be right now in your career, is that what you have looked forward to? 
Nis: I love the scene in Half Nelson when the young lady finds the teacher at the motel and you just nod your head. It was so ...just a really great scene
Tom O'Neil: Sorry about booting you off -- sometimes this wacky room does that to us 
Ryan Gosling: How old was I?...Well, I have been doing it since I was about 12...not sure if I knew at that point but knew on some level that there was some place for me in the film biz 
Kelli Weston: What is your technique? 
Tom O'Neil: Is your schedule clear to attend all of these award shows in Jan and Feb? 
Tom O'Neil: And who will you bring to the ceremonies as date? 
vivibuff: yeah 
Krizisten: In previous articles, you say you're still waiting on a real job. Is that still true to this day? 
Ryan Gosling: A romance ..would depend on the film..would love to do something with Rachel again.. 
africa and her work with the youth in Saweto (??). 
AussieExpat: Aww 
AussieExpat: how cute 
Anna: thank's! 
Alicia: I just wanted to tell you that you were absolutely brilliant in Half Nelson 
Krizisten: You've made us all insanely happy,thank you! 
AussieExpat: gorgeous couple 
vivibuff: great chemestry with rach 
Krizisten: In previous articles, you say you're still waiting on a real job. Is that still true to this day? 
loganX2: What was the most difficult scene to do in Half Nelson? 
Ryan Gosling: I am done filming so I will be back now in LA for a little bit before my next film 
Stinger: RYAN: are you a workaholic or do u like "downtime" between movies? 
Krizisten: And your next film is what? 
Ryan Gosling: When I say a real job, I mean a more stable one.. 
anna: what are you going to do in Chrismas? 
Krizisten: I think you've found a pretty stable job. 
Nis: Would you ever do television? 
Tom O'Neil: We're looking to hire a babysitter around here at The Envelope 
moneymoneymoney: are you feeling a lot of pressure to, now that you have done some smaller projects, do a bigger, more commercial film? you mentioned that a bit in GQ this month. 
Tom O'Neil: Give us a few good recommendations and the job is yours 
AussieExpat: Ryan : HOw did you get into character for Half Nelson? I love your intense acting. 
I need a babysitter for me 
sarahashley21: When you look back to the beginning of your career on the show-that-shall-not-be-named, to now, what goes through your mind? 
Ryan Gosling: The most difficult scene to do in HN was the sceen where Dan OD's in the bathroom because Shareeka was so uncomfortable with it.. 
Kelli Weston: Do you have any rules when it comes to acting? 
vivibuff: i don;t need one but u could babysit me!! 
vivibuff: LOL 
i don;t need one but u could babysit me!! 
vivibuff: LOL 
Krizisten: I'm going to keep all derogatory comments to myself. 
Tom O'Neil: why was she uncomfortable? 
HelenaR: lol @the show that shall not be named 
AussieExpat: Call me crazy but that was one of my favourite scenes 
Kelli Weston: Mine too 
AussieExpat: Love the acting 
Alicia: was that difficult working with someone so young and such a heavy topic? 
Ryan Gosling: Any rules..hmm...there should be less rules..anyone should be able to do anything at any time..no such thing as the idea of the character would or wouldn't say that...nobody is any one way 
Kelli Weston: I also loved the classroom scenes, did you enjoy filming those? 
loganX2: Are you still going to do "a good heart" with tom waitts? 
Lucia: Any new year resolutions?
Ryan Gosling:sometimes u learn more about your character by doing things out of character 
AussieExpat: Hmm interesting 
Nis: I thought alot of that movie must have been uncomfortable. And for a lot of it I had to suspend belief, so I can see that. 
Ryan Gosling: Yes, classroom scenes were terrifying because the kids in my class..it was their summer vacation and they could leave whenever they wanted... 
what do you enjoy to do when your not working? 
Ryan Gosling: so i felt a lot of pressure to keep them interested and keep them in the classroom.. 
HelenaR: Ryan Gosling why would they leave 
Tom O'Neil: I hope you gave them all stars on foreheads for hanging on 
AussieExpat: lol 
Krizisten: I know you shadowed a teacher while living in Brooklyn, in what ways did Dan reflect the teacher you shadowed? 
Ryan Gosling: they could sense my desperation to keep them entertained..I danced like a little monkey once.. 
Tom O'Neil: and i sure hope you feel some deep remorse over what you did to THAT POOR CAT what you did to THAT POOR CAT 
AussieExpat: LMAO 
Alicia: lol 
anna: hahaha 
Nis: Can you do the dance now? 
AussieExpat: would have loved to seen that 
Krizisten: Poor Cat. 
HelenaR: yes monkey dancing = walk out 
vivibuff: oh porr cat!!lol 
mark80: in which ways was the role in HN challenging to you, why did it appeal to you at that poiny in your careers? 
Kelli Weston: I'd stay for that dance 
Krizisten: monkey dancing = youtubbbbe 
MapleLeaf: Do you think award ceremonies focus too much on big budget films with A-Listers at the expense of well made, lower budget indies? 
Tom O'Neil: how does a monkey dance? 
anna: How do you feel about magazines commenting on your dating life and paparazzi taking photos of you? 
Ryan Gosling: The teacher I shadowed was a big influence on me..but in a more tangible way, the elastic bands on my wrists was an idea I took 
AussieExpat: Private life should stay that...private 
Alicia: agreed 
Kelli Weston: What was it like working with Sir Hopkins? 
sarahashley21: Can you tell us anything about Lars and the Real Girl? The pictures they've released look rather...interesting....costume-wise! 
Alicia: I can't wait 
Ryan Gosling: Sir Hopkins wa a real thrill for me 
Ryan Gosling: i am a huge fan of his 
Ryan Gosling: and an even bigger fan after working 
with him 
HelenaR: funny celebs having fans 
Toronto Follower: Your acting styles are very similar - simple plain truth 
AussieExpat: nuh uh 
Alicia: who would you love to do a film with next? 
loganX2: Had you seen the movie short before shooting Half nelson and was it weird playing a character that someone else had already played (even though in a small way)? 
Kelli Weston: I read this somewhere that you made the comment you're not a celebrity, you're an actor 
Kelli Weston: Really respect that 
Ryan Gosling: I had seen the short 
Ryan Gosling: and it was hard because I felt the actor playing Dan had done such a great job 
AussieExpat: Ryan : On the half nelson DVD will there be any behind the scenes? I am really interested in that type of stuff? 
Ryan Gosling: I had to find a way to put it out of my head..i wanted desperately to steal the majesty of his hairstyle 
Alicia: Is there a specific actor or actress you want to work with that you haven't worked with before? 
Kelli Weston: were the scenes with anthony mackie especially demanding or no 
Aida: RYAN : Have you ever visited any of your fansites? 
Krizisten: Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden were pretty new to the writing and directing, so I've read, did they take ideas from you when it came to any uncertainty? 
Ryan Gosling: he is in half nelson and plays the substitute teacher mr light 
loganX2: That was a SPECIAL hairstyle 
Kelli Weston: I mean in particular the confrontation scene 
coolwhipp100: from rachel mcdams to shareeka epps, you've had a wide range of female costars, who would you like to work with in the future? 
Ryan Gosling: The confrontation scene ..well, anthony is a great actor and you know its exciting when you are going into a scene with someone like him. 
Ryan Gosling: I also knew i would learn alot about my character in the way he handled those scenes. 
Ryan Gosling: I try not to read reviews 
Kelli Weston: Can you give some more detail about Lord's resistance 
do you have plans for Christmas? 
hpnyc7: Ryan - A Wall Street Journal article mentioned that Rachel is playing a nun in The Lord's Resistance...can you talk a little about her role in the film? Was this film adapted from a book? 
Tom O'Neil: good idea -- avoid reviews 
mark80: it's such a good scene, because there is no anger, just mutual concern about the kid, but seen in different ways 
Where you excited to be one of GQ men of 
the year. btw I loved that photo shoot. a pie in the 
face is alway classy. 
Krizisten: Is there someone in your life you look out for the way Dan did? 
mark80: and it plays naturally 
AussieExpat: I love those GQ shots 
AussieExpat: lol 
loganX2: I meant were..not wherer..i have problems 
Nis: Do you still play guitar? 
vivibuff: yummy desserts!! 
loganX2: oh nevermind 
AussieExpat: Made me hungry 
Ryan Gosling: Part of the screenplay for lords is based on a great book called innocence list by jimmy briggs..i would encorauge everyone to read that book..i was extremely affected by that..and motivated to make the film after i read it 
Kelli Weston: lol 
sarahashley21: How did that GQ photoshoot end up happening in that way, was it planned to just smoosh it all over your face or are you just a huge fan of pie all around? 
Ryan Gosling: it is abouty child soldiers all over the world 
Krizisten: Like I said before...comments to myself. 
AussieExpat: wow 
Alicia: oooh 
Ryan Gosling: I can imagine a more pressing issue than the idea that there are armies of children fighting eachother 
AussieExpat: Yeah 
Nis: There is another movie coming out that is about child soldiers in China, I think with Jonathan Rhys Myers. I would love to see you work with him! 
Alicia: concur 
Tom O'Neil: yeah, that's a shocking thought 
sarahashley21: reminds me of that movie, Jesus Camp 
Lucia: how do you feel about people dedicating their time to make fansite about you? do you visit them? 
mark80: and in which ways can this film help avoiding that to keep on going 
what happened with CHE? 
coolwhipp100: what "teacher" from another movie speaks to you? 
christou: We are dying to know if rachel is gonna play in your movie lords of resistance 
letthieri: Seen any movies this year that you really liked? 
Kelli Weston: have you seen the science of sleep? 
Kelli Weston: how did you like it? 
Ryan Gosling: What teacher..Mr Miyagi? 
Alicia: he is the best 
Krizisten: Wax on, wax off. 
Ryan Gosling: Science of Sleep..I have 
loganX2: Now that Lars has finished have you shaved the "porn stach" off or are you going to keep it? 
Krizisten: THANK YOU. 
Alicia: please do 
Krizisten: Someone feels the same way I do. 
AussieExpat: Ryan : Have you seen Rabbit Proof Fence? Its an Australian movie that really had an affect on me. 
Ryan Gosling: Rabbit Proof is incredible 
AussieExpat: Oh yeah i love it 
AussieExpat: very touching 
Ryan Gosling: Alright, I can take one more question and then I ahev to run 
AussieExpat: awwww 
moneymoneymoney: are there any performances of your's that you wish you could just buy up all the proofs and destroy them? a performance that you wouldn't get caught dead giving today? 
Kelli Weston: Have you seen the Last king of scotland 
AussieExpat: nice chatting though 
Alicia: thank you!! 
Thanks a ton, Ryan. Nice to see you 
interacting with fans! 
vivibuff: just wanted to say happy holdiday 
One Love: thanks ryan! 
Nis: Would you ever do tv? 
vivibuff: say hi to rach 
Alicia: you are the best and you have great fans 
Lucia: how do you feel about people making sites dedicated to you? 
Kelli Weston: thanks and happy holidays 
Aida: RYAN : I just wanna say thanks for taking the time to chat with us 
vivibuff: wll be waiting for u in Colombia 
Krizisten: Thank you for answerey were thrown at you. Give us a shout 
when you win the Oscar. 
Ryan Gosling: I did do TV...alot of TV..I grew up on TV 
loganX2: Thanks for giving us some of your time. And good luck. If you arent nominated I will personally beat each acedemy member. 
Alicia: MMC 
Ryan Gosling: It taught me alot 
mark80: thanks Ryan - good luck 
AussieExpat: You are an amazing actor, i look forward to many more movies that you film, produce and direct 
Lucia: thank for the chat Ryan!! thank you! Whatever you do, it's fantastic! I missed the TV years! Awww. 
Krizisten: And it did you good. Good luck with everything, stay an actor rather than a celebrity. 
AussieExpat: THANK YOU...MERRY CHRISTMAS 
Alicia: yes actor 
HelenaR: check, good luck and all 
Ryan Gosling: I feel very lucky to have had that experience.but I also started feeling like the tv shows I was on only existed to sell add space...and so I wanted to try and transition into making films 
vivibuff: merry chrsitmas!!!!!!!!!!!! 
Krizisten: Yes, and Merry Christmas.Stay safe. 
christou: happy hollidays 
AussieExpat: Drive safe 
Nis: well, you've definitely righted that wrong! 
Alicia: happy holidays 
happy holidays 
Kelli Weston: Good luck to you 
Krizisten: Such a brilliant man. 
Alicia: yes he is 
AussieExpat: has he gone yet? 
AussieExpat: lol 
lol 
Krizisten: lol 
AussieExpat: i need to go but i wanna say bye 
Toronto Follower: We are proud of you here. A template for actors..only the best to you 
AussieExpat: lol 
Ryan Gosling: Alright gotta go. Thanks so much everyone. For all your support of the film. It's really encouraging to knwo people are out there that are interested in the same kinds of stories that I am. Happy Holidays. Bye everyone.