Actor Kevin Spacey, star of “American Beauty,”
spoke to a crowd of UCLA students Tuesday afternoon during a
45-minute question-and-answer forum at the Festival Theatre
following a preview of his new movie “The Life of David
Gale.”
Spacey wooed the crowd with comedic timing while answering
questions with wit and wisdom. Bruins asked him everything from how
he chooses his scripts to what he’d be willing to die
for.
“I’d kill right now for a good buzz and a
joint,” Spacey said.
The liberal humanitarian aspects of Spacey’s personality
were evident in his choosing to make “The Life of David
Gale,” a film bringing to light the fuzzy morality and legal
practices surrounding the death penalty.
Comfortable and surprisingly not condescending when talking to
students, Spacey at one point spoke candidly to a theater student
on the importance of striving to become a better actor as opposed
to becoming famous.
“Too many people spend the early part of their careers
with one eye on what they’re doing and one eye on where
it’s going to get them,” he said. “I think the
moment you split your focus you’re (screwed). You’ve
got to love what you’re doing, you have to dedicate yourself
to it, believe in it, and focus on that.”
Spacey seemed genuine stating that he enjoyed coming to college
campuses more than any other kind of promotion. He talked about
Jack Lemmon mentoring him on the importance of giving back once you
make it to the top.
“For me, the greatest thrill is sharing with a younger
generation, because frankly, I’m generally more inspired by
the younger generation than by people who are settled, complacent,
and just keep showing up, doing their gig, and making their
money.”
He spoke again on the importance of a well-rounded story above
all else, saying he chooses scripts based solely on content, even
if it means a less prominent role for himself.
“I just read the story, and if I like the story I take it
to the next step. If I don’t like the story, just
fundamentally, then I shouldn’t do it,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter how much money, or who’s in
it.”
Spacey sought to inspire, which he did in his speech if not in
his film. The students gave Spacey a standing ovation as he left
the theater, and afterward, most had positive things to say.
“The movie was all right. But I’ve been to
screenings and met people in films, and the truth of the matter is
that Kevin Spacey was the most insightful. He talked to us about
the art of theater and the art of film as opposed to just dropping
names,” said Matt Frankel, a second-year theater student.
A third-year theatre student Eric Lane agreed, “His words
make me want to stay in the business.”