Interview: Fulvio Cecere

Interview by Clint Morris

Interview with Fulvio Cecere
Star of the movie Cinderella Man.

Fulvio Cecere poses (right) on the set of Cinderella Man with director Ron Howard

He mightn't be the most popular A-list entertainer right now, but actor Fulvio Cecere says there are two sides to Russell Crowe, and one of them is a benevolent, diligent and easy-to-relate-to character.

"Russell is a bit of a mystery and enigma", says the actor, currently co-starring with Crowe in Cinderella Man. "He can be the most generous and gregarious person ever and then there can be days that you don't want to bother him. I don't profess to know him that well but I'd have to say that overall my experiences with him have been great.

"I do know that he is one of the best actors I've ever worked with," says Cecere, "and I believe that he is one of the best actors of our generation. Just watch Cinderella Man for proof.

"As for the phone throwing incident: well, he does have a temper but haven't we all secretly wanted to throw something at someone when they annoy us? I'm not advocating violence or that type of behaviour, but I can understand the frustration."

Cecere says it was the attraction of working with masters like Crowe that appealed to him about co-starring in the boxing epic.

"I auditioned for the part of Sporty Lewis while I was working on another show in Toronto. I left Toronto but flew back there to meet and audition for Ron Howard," confessed Cecere.

"The audition went very well and much later received the call that they wanted me in the movie but would I do the referee Johnny McAvoy? I basically thought about it for a second - Hmmm…would I like to work with Ron Howard and Russell Crowe? - and said yes."

In preparation for his role as Referee Lewis, Cecere says he had to get to know some of the chaps who do it for a living. "We had one day of 'Ref School'. I was the only actor out of seven refs that were there. They put me in the ring, gave me some pointers and said I was good to go. It felt very comfortable being in the ring. They were a good bunch of guys. Legendary trainer Angelo Dundee was the consultant and meeting and working with him was one of the highlights of working on the movie."

Another highlight was working with Director Ron Howard. "I've worked with so many directors and I'd have to say that he has to be one of the nicest men I've ever worked with," says the actor, whose other credits include Assault on Precinct 13, The Perfect Score and The Bone Collector.

"[He's] a gentleman and a kind human being. He was very prepared and meticulous. He has a keen eye and is a great judge of character. Very open-minded and listens to his actors. And very approachable. A great thrill to work with him."

Cecere says he's got a few favourite moments in the film, but one is when "James Braddock [Crowe] goes to the Social Assistance office for some money to help his family. It is very powerful and emotional. Beautifully shot and not a word of dialogue. And of course the fight scenes with yours truly.

"The fight scenes in Cinderella Man were shot in Toronto, Canada at the former Maple Leafs Garden. The Garden was a famous Canadian Hockey arena. I believe it was one of six arenas that were built to the same specifications as the original Madison Square Garden in New York, where the Braddock-Baer fight took place."

Not surprisingly, the actor is a little disappointed that the film hasn't opened stronger in the U.S. "Yes, I am disappointed that it hasn't opened bigger. But, the reviews and critical response have been stupendous and I noticed that it has been holding steady of late. I think in the long run it will do very well. And it will definitely be well represented at next year's Oscars."

Cinderella Man is merely the latest in a long of credits for the Canadian actor. Has he a favourite role? "I would have to say that Johnny McAvoy ranks right up there. Another favourite is Fred Durkin in the 'Nero Wolfe' series."

Television is somewhere you'll spot him regularly. He recently appeared on an episode of the TV hit 'Dead Like Me.' "Dead Like Me was great. I liked the concept and the show. It was the second time I worked with Mandy Patinkin. I think he's an excellent actor. I love television. It reaches an enormous amount of people worldwide and the fans are fiercely loyal to the shows they enjoy. It is one of life's institutions. Too bad that there's also a lot of crap on it!"

Finally, anything he'd like to say to those in Australia about this movie - to spur them into seeing it? "I would like to say to all Australians that if you want to see one of the best movies of the year, this is it! If you believe in the power of great story telling, great acting and beautifully shot cinema then you must see this movie. It is brilliant and wonderful. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed working on it."

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