Chris Gauthier – Blackway

By starrymag | June 22, 2016

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

 

A) I’m working on something now that’s really cool, but I’m not allowed to say yet…Sorry. Though I did just finish a hallmark film called The Last Christmas and a short film with friend and collaborator, Seven Stiller.

 

Q) What made you originally want to be a part of the film Blackway?

 

A) I had heard that Rick [Dugdale] (my pal from childhood and producer of the film) was coming up to shoot a film. I had missed out on working with him on one of his previous releases and was thrilled to get an audition. It only sweetened the pot that I got to do a scene with Sir Anthony Hopkins!

 

Q) Was there anything you added to your role as Chris that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

 

A) Not as far as lines went. His stuff was pretty expositional. I think, if anything, I tried to bring a little nuance of his past and a little sympathy to a smaller character. It helped that Sir Anthony was into and encouraged a good fifteen minute chat on their history – a highlight of my film career to be sure.

 

Q) What was the most challenging part of your character portrayal?

 

A) It was probably getting past the fact that I was working with such an icon, but once we met and chewed the fat a bit, I could see that our goals were similar in that we both wanted lend ourselves to the story in a smooth and unobtrusive way. He has such an easy/effortless style that is so good. Again, I feel so grateful for the opportunity.

 

Q) What was it like to film near where you grew up?

 

A) It was fantastic! Rick and I had grown up in the same area together and eventually became friends with the common interest of becoming actors. We would work scenes together and often talked about doing film there. So, to see it happen is pretty powerful.

 

Q) Was there one piece of advice that director Daniel Alfredson gave during filming that you took to heart?

 

A) “Flip the burger better.” Just kidding! Not so much advice that he gave, more just an admiration of his style…He has these cool stark tones as if something ominous lurks at all times. It’s a subtler, beautiful version of the aesthetic I grew up loving. He’s very gifted and a generous man.

 

Q) Was there anyone you didn’t get to work with that you’d like to have or maybe wished you had more scenes with?

 

A) Alexander [Ludwig]! He was sort of in the scene I was in, but we didn’t interact. I worked with a very young Alexander on one of his first films The Sandlot 3. I’m a huge fan of “Vikings” and feel like he’s killing it on there and in his career. Kind of neat!

 

Q) What was it like working with film icons like Sir Anthony Hopkins and Ray Liotta?

 

A) I’ve answered a bit about Sir Anthony and regret to say I didn’t get to work with Ray Liotta. He’s definitely one of the cooler anti-heroes in film history. Goodfellas was one of my faves!

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming?

 

A) I was only there a short while, but will treasure all of it from chatting with a legend, shooting in my “backyard” and working with Rick and other friends. I will hold it all dearly.

 

Q) The premiere of Blackway was at the Starlight Drive-In. Talk about that magical night.

 

A) It was unreal. I was able to bring family with me and have them experience a Hollywood style party. It was a truly lovely evening.

 

Q) You grew up with the producer of Blackway, Rick Dugdale and talked about making films together when you were in your teens.  Does being part of this film feel like you have achieved one of your goals?

 

A) Yes!!

 

Q) Have the two of you kept in touch all these years?

 

A) We chat every now and then if he’s coming through town. I don’t get down to LA that much as I find there can be a number of great roles for character actors in Vancouver and my family loves it here.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive directly that way?

 

A) Totes!! I love that stuff!! I try to respond to everyone, too.

 

Q) Many sci-fi fans remember you from your work on the series “Eureka.” What did you take away from your experience on the show?

 

A) It was the longest stint I had on a show. It taught a lot; everything from on set decorum to problem solving. It was a highly rewarding experience being such an imaginative show. I miss it very much and the peeps. There some great peeps in that one!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you so very much for your support. It really means a lot to me. And I really hope to get to say that to you in person one day. Thanks for listening to me!!!