 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TV Guide Online
Tonight we are chatting with Jeremy Sisto about the new miniseries Jesus. Hi Jeremy! Thanks for coming tonight. Sisto: Hello, everybody. Thank you for tuning in. I hope that you tune in on Sunday. Question: What was your reaction when you were asked to play the role of Jesus? Was it the kind of role that you even remotely imagined yourself playing? Sisto: Utter excitement really. When I had read for it a couple of month's prior, I had no idea that it would go any further than that. Especially since I was 24 then and Jesus was 33. So, when I heard that they were extremely interested in me for the role, I was enthusiastic to pursue it, just to see where it would lead. I hadn't read the script, and I really hadn't seen any of the older movies about his life. But, I really didn't have an intimate understanding of the Gospels. I just really knew the story in broad strokes. When I read the script, I found that I related to the story much more than I thought I would. I understood the struggles he was going through, and was able to relate to the difficult choices he was being forced to make. So, I related to it on a personal level. When they then offered the role to me, I reflected on my meeting with the director and one of the producers Judd Parkin, and I remembered that we had connected really well. Then I looked at the cast, and was excited about the cast they had assembled. Even though I would have had to leave for Morocco the next day if I'd accepted, I decided to do it. I happened to be at a point in my career where I could make that kind of choice and accept the kind of challenge the role presented to me. Question: What kind of research did you do to portray your character of Jesus? Oh, you're also very handsome! Sisto: Like I said, I had to leave the following day, so I only had a little under a week to prepare for the role. And that included travelling to Morocco, and hair and wardrobe fittings. So, the bulk of my preparations went into gaining an understanding of this production's interpretation of the story. Along with us was a priest from the Roman Catholic Church, who was helpful in gaining better insight into where this interpretation originated. The director, Roger Young, is a very strong, direct, decisive man, and that was fortunate, because we didn't have time to mince words. I spent a lot of time with the Gospels and the New Testament while we were filming, and spent as much time with myself reflecting on what we were trying to do. Question: I have a strange question. Was it strange to go from Hideaway to Jesus? Sisto: Yes. There were three years in between the two roles that allowed me to adjust to the transition. But, I've been fortunate enough to explore many different sides of myself in film. Not that there's a side of me that cuts up young women, but that role and this allowed me to explore different aspects of my personality. And I hope there will be even more, so I can explore even more of my psyche. Question: Do you have any other projects you're working on? Sisto: I'm doing a film now with Jennifer Lopez and Jim Caviezel in which I play a wife abuser. He's a young man trying to resist his familial cycle of abuse. Question: OK, we all want to know...are you single? Sisto: I am indeed, for the first time in a long time. Question: Do you have a favorite character that you've played? Sisto: Each character I've played have meant something to me personally. Some have worked well, some haven't... but each meant something to me, because I was with them for extended periods of time. But, the role of Jesus was a good one. Question: What is your favorite thing to do in your free time like hobbies or whatever? Sisto: I do have a lot going on. I've written some screenplays and hope to direct. I also play music and I play in a band sometimes. I play guitar and sing. It all takes a lot of time... that's the thing. I also play basketball for release. I just got a ping pong table, that's a hobby isn't it? I read, I spend time with my family and friends. Question: How did you prepare for the role of Tim in The Crew and how strange was it to have "breasts"? Sisto: I actually was about to say Tim when I was asked who was my favorite character to play. I have a special place in my heart for him and that experience. I was 19, and it was my first real movie experience since Grand Canyon. I'd been out in LA for about a year and hadn't gotten any work. And this role came along right after I made the conviction to go after roles that were very different from myself, so I could better educate myself about the world. I spent a lot of time with transsexuals before, to prepare, and it was a really fulfilling experience. Question: Do you believe that this movie follows the story closely as told by the Roman Catholic Bible? Sisto: Yes, it does follow the Gospels. But, it has a strong take on them, very different from other films on the subject. There was an Italian company involved in the production, so part of our job was to satisfy the Roman Catholic Church. That's why there was a priest on set with us, to make sure that we didn't stray too far. And I am pleased to say that it is its own... reflection on the life of Jesus. The second night is different from the first night. Both have elements to them that are new, but the tone of each segment is very different, as they follow him at different points in his life. TV Guide Online: Thanks Jeremy! We'll be watching (starting this Sunday, folks!) Sisto: I hope you enjoy the film. Thank you for tuning in. And thanks for sending in your questions. Good night! :) |
 |
|
