John C. Reilly on faux-drama comedy

Editor’s Note: Actor John C. Reilly conducted a telephone conference with college… Editor’s Note: Actor John C. Reilly conducted a telephone conference with college journalists from around the country. The Pitt News’ Mike Smith joined in to ask him about current projects, future plans and his acting process.

He hasn’t seen his father in ages, and after an emotional reunion, the boy asks his old man to play catch. The scene is as dramatic as any John C. Reilly has ever done, until the end when he asks his son, “I’m sorry, what is your name again?”

But according to Reilly, that’s exactly the type of balance they were looking for with Dewey Cox, the lead character in “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.”

“I’d try to play the scene as emotionally honest as I could,” Reilly said.”Then at the end of the scene I’d take PCP and run out in my underwear.”

The new film hits theaters on Dec. 21 and stars Reilly as Dewey Cox, a rock icon struggling through the ups and downs of life in the spotlight.

The film is a parody of other recent musical biopics, most notably “Walk the Line,” which traced the life of legend Johnny Cash.

But with “Walk Hard,” since the title character doesn’t actually exist, Reilly and screenwriters Jake Kasdan (who also directed) and Judd Apatow (of “Knocked Up” and “Superbad” fame) had a bit more freedom to make Dewey Cox a memorable musician.

For Reilly, his past experience in music, drama and comedy helped him create Dewey Cox.

“I’ve been preparing my entire life to play this part,” he said.

Although the Academy Award-nominated actor has played several dramatic roles in the past, including those in “Magnolia,” “The Perfect Storm” and “The Hours,” he most recently came into the spotlight for his comic portrayal of Cal Naughton Jr. in the Will Ferrell vehicle, “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.” According to Reilly though, it was the music that drew him to the role of Dewey Cox.

“The real preparation for this movie was in the recording studio,” Reilly said.

The actor spent nearly six months recording 40 different songs for the character, but each one mattered.

“Each time we recorded a song, we had to make a decision about the character,” he said, “with how the lyrics were going to reflect what the character was going through at the time.”

The egotistical Dewey Cox was a joy for Reilly to play. When the screenwriters were in the process of shaping the character, Reilly helped create ideas for Dewey, drawing on his own experiences. He also pitched his own ideas to the songwriters.

So who exactly is Dewey Cox? According to Reilly, there were plenty of character attributes that he tried to portray.

“Even though he made bad decisions as he went along, he always had this goofy optimism,” Reilly said, adding that he enjoyed playing someone “who was so oblivious to his own narcissistic side.”

“Walk Hard” also features an array of today’s hottest comedians and musicians. In addition to SNL stars Kristen Wiig, Tim Meadows and Chris Parnell, the film also features musicians such as Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and Jack White of The White Stripes, who portrays Elvis Presley in the film. Reilly said working with White, who he considers his favorite current artist, was a thrill.

“Walk Hard” makes light of the musical biopic, parodying several other musicians throughout the film. According to Reilly, though, it’s not meant to be disrespectful – everyone involved in the film is a music lover.

After “Walk Hard,” Reilly will continue with comedy in 2008. Next summer, he’ll be teaming up again with Will Ferrell in the comedy “Step Brothers.” Adam McKay, who also directed the duo in “Talladega Nights,” directs the film.

Aside from discussing future projects, Reilly delved into the different processes of comedic and dramatic filmmaking.

“It’s almost constantly evolving, like every hour, with what people find funny,” Reilly said of a comedic film. “Comedy, even more than all other types of films is really open to innovative young people with new points of view.”

Reilly said that he doesn’t like to repeat himself when taking on roles, so his future as an actor holds countless possible characters.

Asked which of his projects are his favorites, Reilly replies: “The ones I haven’t done yet.”