Exclusive! Interview with Shutter Island’s Curtiss Cook!
Interview by Britt Hayes
Even though Shutter Island has gotten pushed back to next February so the studio can save a little cash, the excitement for Scorsese’s newest film hasn’t died down. I recently got a chance to interview Curtiss Cook, a supporting actor for the film, and all-around cool guy, who plays Trey Washington, an orderly in the mental hospital. Curtiss is a great guy and had a lot of interesting things to say about working on the movie:
BAH - How did you get involved with this project?
Curtiss – Hey, first off I just want to thank you for this interview, I read your website and I really enjoy what you do. This project came to me like most of my others…I get the call from my agent and/or manager saying “Curtiss you need to be at such and such a place at such and such a time.”…Then I haul myself, sides in hand 75% memorized, read for casting, and hope for the moon. Then I try my damndest to forget all about it.
What was it like working with Martin Scorsese?
Can I say amazing?!?!! And I mean it. I know you hear actors all the time saying, “Oh yeah he or she’s a genius,” yadda, yadda, yadda, but Marty (he said I could call him that) is that guy who comes over to you at the beginning of the day, and looks you in the eye and says, “Good morning Curtiss,” which sounds like a little thing but in the end speaks volumes to an actor or to anyone. It’s sad to say there are a lot who just don’t do that. And you haven’t lived as an actor until you’ve heard the words “So we’re coming around on you next…is there anything you need?” coming from Marty Scorsese. It was wonderful, truly career changing.
Tell me about your character in the film?
Okay, I play Trey Washington, he’s an orderly in the hospital for the criminally insane. His job is to make sure the marshals that come to investigate the escape are well taken care of. I’ll say no more…I would underline that last bit but that would be a little too pretentious…
Any particularly interesting or funny stories from the set?
I could tell you about the day I thought I saw a snake in the wardrobe trailer and ran out naked, then tripped over the electric cable, causing one of the water machines to fall and blow out two rows of lights on the set where Leo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo were doing one of the most dramatic scenes of the film, but I’m sure you’ve read about that already so why be redundant? We had great times really, everyone was super cool.
What was your favorite moment working on the film?
Truly, for me, it was waking up in the hotel room, going down to the car, and going to the set. As an actor you don’t get a lot of time to work your craft, and this was one of the first times I actually said to myself, “You are working on a real Hollywood film with the top talent in the world…you have a real character…the people are cool, and on top of that they are paying you to do this.” I just love the work…all of it…every inch of it.
Have you read the Dennis Lehane novel? If so, thoughts on the book to screen translation?
I did read Dennis’ book, and because of this have gone on to read two of his others which were sent to me. Talk about the ability to hold you in suspense all the way until the end. Damn he’s good! This was the first time the character I was playing was in a book first, so needless to say, I went to grab the first copy I could get my hands on. I highly recommend you read this book and the screen translation is wonderful!
Have you seen the finished movie yet? What do you think of it?
No I haven’t seen the finished movie, but I have seen a few scenes and I’ll tell you, you have no idea…I mean really!
Was there anything from your life that you were able to bring to the character you play? Any connections there?
Now I’m-a get all “actory” (don’t know if that’s a real word)…Anyway, as an actor all I really have is who I am – the good, the bad, and the ugly. I found myself a lot of times going against the grain of most of the other cast with my choices, and Marty seemed to welcome that. Hope I answered your question.
Are you going to let your children watch Shutter Island? Do they get to see their dad’s work, or do you keep them from it?
I have 5 children, yes I said it: 5. Ages from 18-5, and the two youngest probably won’t get to see the movie, but the older ones better get out there and buy those damn tickets!!! Yes, buy ‘em!
Who has been your favorite actor to work with to date? Director?
Okay I could get very PC on you, but let me think on this…I’m going to have to get back to you on that, it’s really difficult to name someone.
What are your upcoming projects?
Busy, busy, busy…I have two other movies in the “can”, as they say: City Island, with Andy Garcia, and Order of Redemption, with Tom Berenger. As I’m writing this, I am sitting in my trailer for the new CBS drama The Good Wife, with Julianna Margulies. I’m the guest star in the fifth episode. Also, I’ll soon be starting production in Europe with Vauxhall Crossed, so as of now I have a lot going on. Please keep an eye out for me!
Since this is a horror site, tell me about your favorite horror film.
The one and only The Shining. Even to this day when I see those two little girls in red…Man shit…I ain’t ashamed to say it…they scare me. Okay, okay did I say that???
Well, that’s it for the interview. We probably would’ve held back until closer to the release date, but since it was pushed back, we figured it would be nice to throw any bit of information at you we could. Curtiss was a great interview, and I look forward to the chance to interview him again someday.
