Dad and lad: Sam Elliott gets animated

~An interview with the 'Barnyard' actor by the Southeast Missourian's advertising director, Adam Burnham, and his son, Konner

What happens in the barn stays in the barn, or so the trailer says for the animated cow-movie, "Barnyard." Lad and I had a chance to talk with one of the voices in the film, actor Sam Elliot. Elliot plays the fatherly Ben, who tries to teach his son the rights and wrongs of being a cow.

Q: So it looks like you have done voice-over work before. In 1967 you were a part of an animated "Jungle Book" movie.

A: Oh god, yeah. You know what, I had totally forgotten about that. It was a German production and I played this snake in it, you know. And I never did see it and it was only one day when I worked on it, it wasn't anything as extensive as "Barnyard," that's for sure. Boy that's amazing; that was a long time ago.

Q: How does voice-over work compare to acting in live action movies?

A: It's challenging on a couple of levels, but the biggest challenge is that you're doing it there on your own most of the time. There was a couple of situations that I worked with the other actors, but I was on my own most of the time.

Q: How much is the character of Ben based on you?

A: They wanted me for this part. And initially when I got it, I thought this would be fun to go in and create this character. But he said just play it straight and be yourself, so it was a little disarming on some levels, but that is what he wanted. I guess that's my baggage as an actor.

Q: Is Ben like you as a father?

A: You can't help but overlap it a little bit. My daughter is going to get a hoot out of it.

Q: How will families react to this movie?

A: That is the biggest upside to this thing, is that it's such great family fare, and I've done some previously, but it's really smart, has some great music and it's a beautiful thing to look at. It's a good piece and it's not just for kids. I don't know about you guys, but I drug my daughter to all of those animated movies and there were times when you're sitting there and thinking "when is this thing going to be over." Not so with this one. It moves fast and it's really smart.

Q: Is there a lesson to be learned in the movie?

A: There comes a time in one's life when you gotta step up and grow up, and I think that's really what this is about.

Q: So will your autobiography be called, "From Cowboy to Cow"?

A: (Laughs) Yah, how about from singing cowboy to singing cow.

Q: So you sing in the movie?

A: Yep. It was fun and a singer/songwriter named Tom Petty wrote it. So if there is a scary element, that's it. Fortunately it's not me, it's this cow up there.

Q: So are you at a point in your career where you still actively look for parts or do you let them find you?

A: No, I'm always looking for a good gig, you know. But the important word in that phrase was good.

Q: Do you think you will make another Western?

A: It's been a long time and I am really ready to find a good one.

Q: I see you are involved in another Marvel film, "Ghost Rider."

A: Yah, I'm excited about that. They're in post and you know how it goes with that CGI stuff -- it takes forever. I've seen pieces of it. It's a pretty exciting piece for me. I think it's going to be good. I always hope they're going to be good; you know nobody sets out to make a bad movie. It's pretty dark, has to do with the devil and all that. It stands a chance of really being good.

Q: And are you going to be a part of the rumored "Hulk" sequel?

A: You know when the first one came along, that was part of my deal. They tie you up for any sequels along the way. I always wonder until it happens, until I'm sitting in the chair.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I am a hard-core gardener. That started when I was a kid. I like diggin' out in the dirt.

"Barnyard" opens today.