When you think of the quintessential leading men of film and television, Burt Reynolds is one of the actors that ought to come to mind. Not only has he worked steadily within seven different decades – his earliest roles included turns on Gunsmoke, The Twilight Zone, and Riverboat – but he has been the recipient of major nominations (e.g. American Movie Awards, Academy Awards, Golden Globes) for film appearances in three different decades. And that doesn’t include his work on cinematic classics like Smokey & The Bandit, The Cannonball Run, or Deliverance.
Burt’s latest film is Elbow Grease, which premieres at the Sarasota Film Festival on Apr. 4. Starring alongside R. Keith Harris, Whitney Goin and Michael Abbott Jr., Elbow Grease features Burt as the wise-cracking father of characters Billy and Randy Barnes. Actor (and first-time director) Jason Shirley directed the film, in collaboration with former classmate and producer Paul Papadeas. It is recommended for fans of Eastbound & Down and Napoleon Dynamite, per early reviews.
Over e-mail, Burt tackled some Q&A for Downtown about Elbow Grease, the Sarasota Film Festival, and plenty more. More info on Elbow Grease can be found on the film’s Facebook page.
What do you wish more people knew about Burt Reynolds?
Burt Reynolds: I really love jazz. I’ve always been a big fan of big band music even back when I was a kid. I think they might know this, but also about how much I love Florida. That’s one of the reasons this [Sarasota] Film Festival needs to get quality productions like Elbow Grease.
A new generation of people arguably discovered you through Norm MacDonald’s impersonation of you on Saturday Night Live. Is that something that you found to be flattering?
B: I really did. If anybody can take the time and trouble and put in the effort to do something like that, you have to look at the fun side of it. I loved it. We even work together on the TV show, he played my son on My Name Is Earl.
How would you describe your latest movie Elbow Grease to someone who hasn’t yet seen the trailer?
B: It’s a really fun family film, quirky and relevant. I really like Keith, who plays my son. He’s a good actor and reminds me a lot of Mark Wahlberg.
The premiere of Elbow Grease is set for the Sarasota Film Festival. Is that an event you had attended before?
B: I have not made it over there yet, but I love that area. We filmed Cop & A Half in the Tampa Bay area and we did some exterior shots down that way.
You lived in New York in your early days as an actor, but have spent a lot of your career based in Florida. What is it that keeps you based down in Florida?
B: Well, it really is my home. I went to school here and I do love it. I think it’s important that people know where you’re from, it says a lot about them as a person. I love making movies in Florida, it’s a shame our legislature dropped the ball again this year with the incentives. They just don’t realize that a movie made here is a postcard for years to come, and it’s such a great, clean industry.
Having been in a lot of huge movies, when did you realize the need to also participate in independent movies?
B: Well, they wouldn’t have been huge if the story hadn’t been good, and that’s one of things I like about Elbow Grease. It reminds me a lot of Starting Over, that’s the closest to me off-camera than anything else I ever did, and I’m most proud of that picture. It wasn’t a big hit, but the story was solid.
Is there a kind of role or genre you haven’t yet done but still hope to?
B: Oh, sure. I know I’ve got a couple left in me. I’d love to work with Tom Selleck on Blue Bloods or Law & Order with Mariska Hargitay. I’d like to stretch and be something really diabolical – surprise a few people.
You were recently on Dan Patrick’s podcast. Have you yourself ever thought of hosting your own podcast?
B: I just got a cell phone. Why would I want to do podcasts?
The last movie I’m aware of you directing was The Last Producer. Do you have any plans to direct in the near-future?
B: I would love to. You know, before I got hurt, I was going to play football, then going on to be a coach, and the director of the film is very much like the head coach of the football team. When I teach, I’m also coaching. I teach class every Friday night in Jupiter, and I got some great kids of all ages and all kinds. They’re doing great shows. My girl Taylor Blackwell was just on Grey’s Anatomy last week and knocked them dead. I’m so proud of her.
Are there any plans for you to do another one-man show? Or did your book fulfill that need for you?
B: You know, the book is really something. It started to look like an encyclopedia, so I had to cut a lot out. But again, it goes back to the stories. I was able to talk about Florida, my friends, and my father. I think I will have to do another book, and another one man show I think it just whetted my appetite.
When you’re not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
B: Well, I teach on Friday nights. I also really enjoy that I read a lot. I’m reading Willie Nelson’s new book right now. I’ve known him for years, he’s such a great storyteller.
Did you have a favorite movie of 2015?
B: So you mean other than Elbow Grease, right? I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with the latest Jurassic Park. It was non-stop action and really had a good story. It was easy to follow, it was good entertainment.
Finally, Burt, any last words for the kids?
B: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview I really appreciate your questions they were thoughtful and to the point.
-by Darren Paltrowitz
