Interview: actor Richard Jenkins of The Visitor

by John P. Meyer

Yes, there's a lot of background noise captured in this audio recording of my interview with actor Richard Jenkins. Feel free to take this as a reflection of the continual low- (and sometimes high-) level buzz going on constantly during this whole SXSW affair.

As mentioned elsewhere, I can't yet post a review of The Visitor because its theatrical release is scheduled in North Texas for May 2. But here's a hint: you won't want to miss it.

In the meantime, you can tantalize yourself with the trailer, here on the film's official website. And, of course, you can listen in on the podcast.

Here are highlights of my 10-minute talk with Richard Jenkins:

* On his lunch break, he walked around downtown Austin for two hours, taking in the sights

* "You just don't think about those things while you're doing it" - re. the motivational underpinnings of an acting role

* He played the drums when he was younger - took lessons for five years, in fact

* "I've never done a role this big in film." (He considers this the role he's been waiting for his whole career.)

* Re. dir. Tom McCarthy: "He's really smart... he's a wonderful writer."

* He actually visited one of the nondescript ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detention facilities portrayed in the film

* "I have no job... but there's three movies coming out that I did." (Listen in to find out which)