How would you describe "Tigerland"?
It's about the last stage of basic training. It's not about Vietnam. It's really about taking teenagers from a basic Judeo-Christian ethic - where their churches, synagogues, and their families and schools teach them to be gentlemen and be compassionate - and then be drafted, where you say, "Forget all that". In eight weeks, they become senseless mass murderers, or they'll be put in jail. That's what it's really about.
Where did you find Irish newcomer Colin Farrell?
I saw 40 young men in three days. Colin was the last one in the door. He wanted to fly himself in from Dublin, which I'm always loathe to see happen. The chances of an Irish kid getting the part in an American film, and usually they don't have much money...but he was fantastic, a great actor.
You've since cast Colin in "Phone Booth", a 90-minute thriller set entirely in a booth. Do you think the more prominent actors you approached - like Jim Carrey - dropped out because it was just them on screen for a whole movie?
I think many prominent actors - no names - almost did it, but got cold feet. They were scared. When you go with an unknown, which Colin is, there is less pressure. If you're a huge superstar, the pressure is different. They have nobody else to cushion the movie - there's no wisecracking best friend. No tricks. It's just an actor in a booth.
Do you have any military experience yourself?
I was too young for Korea, and I was probably too old for Vietnam.
