Ben McKenzie was an unknown when he was cast in "The O.C." But after the show became an overnight hit, so did the actor--especially with the program's female viewers. The 27-year-old McKenzie recently made his film debut in the independent film "Junebug." McKenzie plays Johnny, a struggling young man who lives in North Carolina with his parents and pregnant wife (Amy Adams), and receives a visit from his Chicago brother (Alessandro Nivola) and wife (Embeth Davidtz). With the "Junebug" DVD coming out this week, McKenzie spoke to NEWSWEEK's Ramin Setoodeh. Excerpts:
NEWSWEEK: As an actor, what's it like to transition from a television show to a movie?
Ben McKenzie: It can be difficult if you want to satisfy all sorts of aims--the studio's demands, the director, the screenwriter and yourself. But because this was an independent film, the process was different. It was made easier by the fact that the core group of people involved was motivated by the same things. The script was so good, we just wanted to help the story. The downside was that we weren't sure it was going to go anywhere.
What do you mean?
The movie is made for $700,000. There are dozens if not hundreds of movies made for that a year. Most of them don't get into festivals like Sundance that allow you to find distributors.
Did you have to audition for the role?
Absolutely.
But you're the guy from "The O.C."
It's somewhat silly to get on a high horse and say you're above the audition process. I'm always willing to read for something I care about. In some senses, an audition is a way of figuring out if you are right for a role.
When did you first read the script?
In the spring of '04. Or maybe, late '03. The movie came together in the last month or two [before shooting started]. We needed to get certain names--the financing is always tricky. These movies are viewed, unfortunately, as having limited box-office potential. But then we shot in the spring. It went to Sundance. After that, it was a great ride. It was pretty much immediately picked up and distributed and in between went to Cannes, which was great.
Did you get a gift bag?
I did. There's a trip to Tahiti somewhere that I haven't used yet. I'm sure that the value of the gift bag far exceeded my actual pay on the movie.
So you took a salary cut?
Everybody worked for scale.
The movie was filmed in North Carolina, right?
Winston-Salem. Not particularly the glamorous part of North Carolina. We got half of a city block.
Did you have a trailer?
No. The reason we got this block is that the city had a landfill problem--a landfill had overflowed in the block next to it. So the landowners were furious with the city--property values were dipping--the city bought the block from them. They gave us that block. We all shared a house with a dressing room.
Were you recognized?
The greatest part about being in North Carolina is that even if someone recognized you, they'd be so confused by the fact that you're in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The thought process would be like: "Is that that guy. No. It couldn't be."
Plus, you had facial hair for the movie?
Yeah. I certainly wasn't my character for "The O.C."
Are you going to do more movies?
I hope so.
What kind of acting do you prefer?
Good, as opposed to bad.
Will there be "O.C.: The College Years?"
I have no idea. There seems like there will be a year, we're on the last year of high school and there's a fourth year planned. Beyond that I really couldn't speculate--depends on many, many things.
Do you think the move to Thursday night helped the show?
I think it's a challenge. But I think overall we responded to it.
Do you watch "Laguna Beach?"
No. But those guys are out and about a lot. One of the guys came up to me. He was like, "I don't know if you watch this show 'Laguna Beach,' but it's based on your show." I was like, "Oh. That's great."
But your show is better.
Well, I don't know. I haven't seen "Laguna Beach."
Is there going to be a big cliffhanger this season?
I imagine.
Are more people going to die?
Gosh, I hope so.
Not Ryan, though?
I doubt my character will die but you never know.
You think they'd actually kill Ryan?
Probably not, as I think about it.
Did you ever watch "Saved By the Bell?"
Yeah.
Who was your favorite character?
Screech.
Why?
That performance was real and honest and there was a lot of truth there. I don't know man, he was funny.
Did you ever watch the episode where Zack and Kelly got married?
I never saw that one. Did you think we'll end in a marriage, is that what you're getting at?
Yeah. Will Ryan pop the question to Marissa?
I've always pushed for the big marriage that the whole entire audience has always seen coming. Ryan and Seth walk down the aisle hand in hand.