By Shane A. Bassett
What’s your favourite film of all time and why? “The Matrix for sure, partly for its sci-fi escapism, but also for that scene when Neo and Trinity walk through the metal detectors. I can watch that on repeat!”
What’s the first film that you remember seeing as a child? “Predator. It was at the drive-in with my brother and I hid in the back seat to get in for free.”
Who are your favourite actor and actress and what do you like about them? “I really like Robert De Niro in anything; his portrayals are appealing because they’re so diverse. Naomi Watts was excellent in The Ring, while Claudia Karvan is great too. The movie they were both in – Strange Planet – was a nice surprise.”
Do have a preferred genre? “Action, always action! But I’ll watch anything.”
What are your munchies of choice at the candy bar? “Malteasers…a lot of Malteasers! Sometimes I indulge in a mega popcorn and choc top.”
You’ve met The Queen and Nelson Mandela. Have you had any brushes with Hollywood types at games? “After losing a game in filthy conditions in Ireland last year, the team was sitting in the dressing room with heads down and a familiar voice at the door says, ‘Bad luck, fellas.’ It was Russell Crowe, but no one else clicked as he was standing in the shadows, so he just walked out again!”
Have any of your coaches used a movie or a scene from a movie as inspiration before a big game? “In my college days we were sat down, the TV was cranked up and Rocky IV came on. Also more recently on a tour bus we watched Ali G In Da House…it wasn’t exactly inspiring but it put the players in a good mood!”
Are there any fellow players who remind you of a particular movie star? “George Gregan would like to think of himself as another Samuel L. Jackson. Brendan Cannon rates himself as a Russell Crowe lookalike…no one else does!”
Are there any Aussie films that you’ve enjoyed? “Mad Max, The Dish and especially The Castle were memorable. Was Lantana an Aussie movie? That was sensational too.”
Is there enough gossip behind the scenes of rugby union to fill a Hollywood screenplay? “Yes, definitely, but it usually concerns sexuality.”
Have there been any films that you’ve seen that haven’t lived up to expectations, or that you’ve liked more after thinking about them for a bit? “Monsters Ball…not good at all, during or after. Training Day was brilliant because there was no hype, and I loved it. Vanilla Sky – it was so hard to get into but I pushed through it, and then just as Noah Taylor came onto the rooftop to explain everything to Tom Cruise, the screen went black and when it came back on, the sound dropped for two minutes and it was over.”
What rates as the worst sequel you’ve ever seen? “The Karate Kid 2. That was painful.”
This article was first published in 2003.
