Saving Private Ryan

Ryan Phillippe stars in "Stop Loss," a movie about soldiers forced to serve an extra tour of duty in Iraq. He spoke with Nicki Gostin:

Did you talk to soldiers when you made the movie?
Yes, we went to boot camp with some enlisted men. We would spend nights in the bunks and outdoors, and sit and talk and trade stories.

When you were around the campfire did you make s'mores?
No, you don't make s'mores during boot camp.

Is it considered girly?
Yeah, a little bit.

You were in "Flags of Our Fathers." Wasn't this, like, your 27th boot camp?
No, but I'm like a veteran when it comes to war movies. I sent a letter to ["Flags" director] Clint Eastwood saying, I heard you're making this movie and I would love to do anything in it.

Did you draw little love hearts over the i's in Phillippe?
No, the letter was typed.

You started out in soaps. Nice career progression.
Saying no is the only real power an actor has.