Jackman gets flushed

In Dreamworks upcoming release, "Flushed Away," we are taken inside the depths of London's sewer system where the mice definitely play. This CGI film, using the style of "Wallace and Gromit," will provide an enjoyable adventure for audiences everywhere. Leading the voice-over talent is X-man turned preppy mouse Hugh Jackman. Lad and I had a chance to talk to him about his career and his involvement with the film.

Q: Was this your first animated film? And how did you prepare for that role?

A: Well, obviously I had to do some accent work. I have an English accent and we had to work on that. I have a darling coach. I can't remember how many sessions we did, but probably 30, 40 or something like that. It sort of evolved over like two or three years. I want to say it was at least three sessions before I truly had the character.

Q: Did you get to help create you character?

A: Absolutely. We've been working on the film for at least two years. What happens, you go in and you start working on the character, then they start animating a little bit. Then you start working on the voice a little bit, and then they start animating the voice a little more. It's a very gradual process. But the character evolves quite a bit from where it is now, from what you see.

Q: How was this role different from others?

A: Well, first of all, just doing animation is a very different thing. You have to rely on your voice and not your facial expressions. And playing an Englishman who lives his very private life, and doesn't really ever get out -- it's probably something I never really done before.

Q: What kind of personal touches do you give the character?

A: Uh, It's like several melded into one right now. I'll give you one, there's that little song, where I'm sitting on the dock. We ad-libbed that song.

What happens is, you walk into the studio and they switch a button. The tape is running. So, you just sort of basically go. You read the script, you ad-lib. It's sort of part you and part script. But, the script was always written. The script is there.

Q: Do you see more animated features in your future?

A: I can see more animated features in my future. I hope so. I hope I get asked. I really enjoyed doing it. It's great to have a film my kids can see.

Q: Have you seen the completed movie?

A: I have seen, what they've told me is 90 percent complete.

Q: Whose idea was it to throw in the Wolverine costume?

A: I know, I laughed when I saw that. That was a surprise to me. I didn't know. That wasn't my idea. That was their little "in" joke. There are not many people who'll pick that up but I thought that was a very clever thing. The great things of these films, is their whole world is down in these sewers made out of human trash. It's so incredibly clever how they do it all. You have to see it twice just to catch all the gags.

Q: Do you prefer acting on stage or in the movies?

A: Good question. I love acting in both. And if I can be greedy I'll always do both. But if I had to give you my top 10 moments as an actor, all of them would be on stage.

Q: How is the film adaptation for Wolverine coming?

A: We have the final draft on that script. So now we're going to go out and find a director and find some time to shoot it. We'll probably get to it in about a year.

Q: Can you tell us anything else about the X-men, and where it's going?

A: I don't really know a lot more beyond "Wolverine." I'm sort of helping to co-produce it. The studio may have other things in the works. I've heard of a young "X-men" movie, like "X-kids." I heard rumors of a young Magneto spin off. Like I said, these are all rumors.

Q: You seem to keep quite busy. If you have free time, what do you like to do?

A: I have two kids and a wife. I love just hanging out with them. I'm a big water fan, I love diving and surfing and swimming in the ocean whenever I can. I'm a big sports fan. I watch movies.

Q: Do you think being a public figure has changed who you are?

A: I think the biggest change that's happened to me is being a father. Once you're a dad you start to think more about your decisions about your job, and what you're doing and about the way you live your life. Everything you do impacts on them. And basically, kids follow what you do and not what you say. That's been a bigger thing for me than my career.

Q: If there were an ideal movie that you would sit down and watch with your family, what would it be?

A: "Flushed Away!" Good question.

Q: Do either of your kids have your musical talents?

A: Yes. My daughter is 15 months and it's too early to tell, but my son definitely has musical talents. That's for sure.

Q: What's your favorite movie that you've acted in?

A: That's a good question. Probably "X-men." Probably all of them have been my favorite. I love the character.

Q: Obviously you're very talented. Did you ever give Doug Ray Scott a call and say thank you for passing on "X-Men"?

A: I did speak to him actually. Shortly after I was cast. He was very cool about it. He said it's the business. It's a great script. Go in there and kick some ass.

Q: If you weren't acting, what would you be doing?

A: Maybe a journalist. I always thought the best job in journalism would be Matt Lauer's job on the "Today Show." I thought that'd be kind of cool. He gets to travel a lot and meet a bunch of interesting people. But what I learned about it is that he actually works very, very hard. I don't know, maybe that kind of job.

~Adam Burnham is the advertising director for the Southeast Missourian.