The Hollywood Reporter on the Deficit Gig, 12/20/00
Full Article at The Hollywood Reporter Online
The Hollywood Reporter on the Deficit Gig, 12/20/00
Full Article at The Hollywood Reporter Online
Not surprisingly, Romano’s favorite actors are DeNiro and Pacino, and Rocky is among his favorite films.
“Sylvester Stallone is someone I look up to, in the way he wrote the first Rocky,” Romano, 23, says. “He was struggling. I’m in the same position he was 10 years ago. I’ve seen that film 100 times.” Romano’s interest turned to writing and drama about two years ago. His first work is to be produced in late May at the Lee Strasberg Theatrical Institute in Manhattan.
Truth is, the actors came to the project, mostly to work with director Terrance Malick, 54, considered one of the best directors in Hollywood even though he has made only two other films - 1973’s Days of Badlands and 1978’s Days of Heaven. Both were lauded by critics, but the latter failed to find box-office success.
Malick has not directed a movie since.
“This is a film of some aspiration, and I think people sensed that.” says Stevens. “And definitely (actors) were attracted to the idea of working with Terry.”"While there were so many of these prominent actors that wanted to be part of the film, we felt there was a point that it would take over the film in a way we didn’t want,.” Stevens says, “So we wanted to find a blend of these accomplished actors and the newer actors.”
Lawrence John Romano, of Mount Vernon, has the style of Robert DeNiro, the training of Al Pacino and the ambition of Sylvester Stallone.
His looks - the dark hair, eyes, and mysterious persona - are early DeNiro. His training - weekly acting classes in Manhattan - is with Charlie Laughton, Pacino’s personal acting coach. His ambition - to star in a play or movie he has written - mirrors Stallone’s success with Rocky.
Not surprisingly, Romano’s favorite actors are DeNiro and Pacino, and Rocky is among his favorite films.
“Sylvester Stallone is someone I look up to, in the way he wrote the first Rocky,” Romano, 23, says. “He was struggling. I’m in the same position he was 10 years ago. I’ve seen that film 100 times.” Romano’s interest turned to writing and drama about two years ago. His first work is to be produced in late May at the Lee Strasberg Theatrical Institute in Manhattan.
His knowledge about acting and writing comes from his heart, his gut and the streets of the Bronx. “There weren’t a lot of scripts coming from a guy like me, a New York street kid. So I decided to write about things that are close to me.” he says.
