We got a chance to not only interview the women of Out of Order, but the actor who plays the person from whose viewpoint the story’s really told–Eric Stoltz, who plays Mark.
In Out of Order, Mark is one-half of a screenwriting couple whose other half, Lorna (Felicity Huffman) is having what amounts to a breakdown. Frustrated and saddened by his struggling marriage, Mark finds himself unwillingly attracted to soccer mom Danni (Kim Dickens) and getting the come-on from neighbor Annie (Justine Bateman).
For more information on the series, visit the Out of Order site on SHO.com.
Stoltz gives us his take on the show, how he feels about being in almost every scene, and what the best and worst things are about working primarily with women.
Hollywood.com: What is your take on what the show is about?
I’d say it’s a tough but funny and oddly imaginative show rooted in
relationships… about successful people who want to stay in love, but
don’t really know how to do it.
What inspires you about the character of Mark?
I like that this guy wants to do what’s right, but he’s kind of a jerk at
times. He does things that are, shall we say, a little dubious–and
doesn’t
apologize for his behavior, which is questionable at best. He’s visibly
flawed and kind of sad, but has a sense of humor about what he’s going
through. And he’s a redhead, which is nice.
What is the one thing about a script that has to grab you when you read
it?
If I actually want to finish reading it, and can’t put it down–that’s
usually a good sign. Of course, that’s no guarantee that it’ll be any
good,
but it’s a good first step.
How difficult is it being in just about every scene?
It’s kind of tough. I now have a much deeper respect for people who do
plays for two years, or long-running television shows. It’s such hard work, and
your life kind of gets put to the side for a while. It’s hard not to get
consumed with the role and the stories, and I don’t know that that’s such
a
healthy thing.
How much of an “insider” view of Hollywood will we get with this show?
Is it
pretty close to real life in showbiz?
I do think this is a pretty accurate inside view of how kooky the film
business can be, yes. It’s filled with all kinds of talented beautiful
rich
people who don’t necessarily do the right thing, but at the very least
they
dress well.
What is the best thing about working primarily with women?
These women, Ms. Huffman, Ms. Bateman and Ms. Dickens–are all terribly
terribly funny and smart, aside from being beautiful and unavailable, so
it’s been a real joy coming to work. We’ve all known each other for years,
which really helps. Also, Justine and Felicity had both just given birth
right before we shot the movie so they were both constantly nursing and
bringing the babies on the set, which is really nice. It’s hard to take
what
you’re doing too seriously when you have to stop every few hours so that
your co-stars can feed their adorable babies.
Worst thing?
These women all get far too many days off. When they’re not there, it’s
just
a drag going to work. And I’m jealous that they’re so well rested.
What are do you think constitutes a “perfect” marriage?
Goodness. What a question to ask an actor. No idea. Separate bathrooms?
The ecstasy scene in the pilot episode is really believable…was any actual research
involved?
Not by me. I’d rather pretend. You don’t damage any brain cells that way.
Is there a story out there you would like to see turned into a movie?
Sure, all kinds of them, but it’s a tough time for films right now. It
seems
that movies are turning to comic books for inspiration, while cable tv has
become the place to do more complex and interesting stories, which is
nice.
You’ve acted, directed and produced–do you have any aspirations to
write?
Nope!
Out of Order airs Mondays, 10 p.m. ET/PT
Click here for our interviews with the women of “Out of Order.”
