I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry - Adam Sandler interview
Interview by Rob Carnevale
ADAM Sandler talks about the message behind his new comedy I Now Pronounce You… Chuck & Larry and why it has taken so long to bring to the big screen.
He also discusses his attitude to filming a pro-gay movie, the negative reaction of critics in America and working with Kevin James and Jessica Biel…
The script for Chuck & Larry had been around for 10 years? Why has it taken so long for someone to develop into a film?
Adam Sandler: I don’t know why the hell nobody did it. I couldn’t believe nobody did it. I read it, I thought it was funny and it has a good message. It was an easy premise – two guys who aren’t gay pretending to be gay so they can get married.
Alexander Payne [of Sideways fame] co-wrote the script. How much of the material is his?
Adam Sandler: I don’t know who wrote what. There were like a hundred writers on it and these guys got the credit, and they did a great job. The script was very funny when we read it, we put our own stuff in there also but it came with some great stuff.
Is the message of the movie about more tolerance to gays and being less bigoted?
Adam Sandler: Absolutely. I have some gay friends and there’s nothing in our heads to make us feel uncomfortable. But there are people out there who feel that way and this movie is about those kinds of guys. Two guys who are a little bit close-minded and a little bit stupid. They walk in different shoes for a while, and realise it’s difficult for no reason and they become wiser and realise how dumb it is to be that way.
Do you think the film will make a difference?
Adam Sandler: I’m sure it’ll make a difference in some people’s lives. But I don’t think there will be gay people talking about this movie 50 years from now and saying: “And then Chuck & Larry came out, and it all changed!” But I think it’s meant to do the right thing.
Did Ving Rhames enjoy playing such an outrageous character? And is that his backside on show?
Adam Sandler: Yes it is [laughs]! He enjoyed it very much. He dived right in there and he committed 100% to this character. I think Ving has a friend who’s gay who he was doing an impression of – a guy who hid it for a while, and when he felt comfortable he showed a different personality.
In real life, given a tolerant social planet, would you marry a movie actor?
Adam Sandler: I’d stay away – the divorce rate is high with those guys. I think I’d marry a rabbi.
What has the reaction been from the gay community towards Chuck & Larry?
Adam Sandler: We did make sure that the gay community would be happy with the movie because that was the intention. It had to have a good message and show how ignorant some people can be. I have gay friends, my wife’s aunts are gay, and they like the movie; my gay friends like the movie… It could be because they’re related to me and they’re my friends, I don’t know. I had a nice thing the other day in California. I was in a gym and a guy came up to me and said: “Hey, I saw Chuck & Larry – I wanted to say thank you, I’m gay and it meant a lot to me, that movie.” That was great.
Do you think you’re more in touch with your feminine side now?
Adam Sandler: I’ve always been pretty open to anything with my feminine side. I think the only thing holding me back from fully opening up is flexibility. My legs are tied!
Some reaction in the States has been negative from the critics… Does that bother you?
Adam Sandler: That’s a common thing with my movies. The only time it bothers you is when it persuades people not to see it. I hear this a lot from people who read The New York Times. “I saw your movie – I actually liked it.” They’re fighting against the person who wrote about it. That’s the only negative; some people read the review and then walk in with a chip on their shoulder, or if they persuade people not even to see the movie at all, that’s a pain. I don’t take it personally and I don’t get that hurt by it.
On occasion, I’ll read a bad review and know what the guy’s saying. And sometimes my mother will call me up and just spout out: “This man said you’re retarded.” But I go: “Don’t worry about it, Mom.” It’s like a slight business problem, but it doesn’t hurt me mentally.
How did Jessica Biel fit into the set?
Adam Sandler: Very nicely. She’s a funny, smart girl – and very pretty. I think 99% of the crew was excited every time she showed up on set.
And you share a great chemistry with Kevin James. Is there any chance you might do another movie together?
Adam Sandler: We’re producing a movie that Kevin’s writing right now. He plays a security guard in a mall and there’s a hostage situation and he becomes the hero. It was one of the best times I’ve ever had – I’ve shot a lot of movies so far and me and him had fun constantly and hopefully we’ll get to do it again.
Read our review of Chuck & Larry
Read our interview with Kevin James