Ken with an interview of William Fichtner for the recently released FINDING STEVE McQUEEN.
FINDING STEVE McQUEEN is set in 1972 and covers what is to this day the largest bank heist in American history. There’s a great podcast, by one of the writers (Keith Sharon) of the movie regarding the real events found here.
You can get the movie via Amazon here.
I enjoyed the movie and loved William Fichtner’s role in it as Enzo Rotella. Enzo was the leader of the real life gang from Ohio that completed the successful heist.
The interview was via phone and we had to have the worst possible connection. While transcribing, I lost two questions and answers and a lot of add-ons that Bill was kind enough to share. I think it’s at least presentable now, so without further ado, Mr. William Ficthner.
William Fichtner: Hey Fred, how you doing?
Freddy Beans: I’m doing great man, how is your day going?
WF: I’m doing good man.
FB: By the way, is it Bill or William? Which do you prefer?
WF: Call me Bill. I only go by William in the credits.
FB: (Laughs) Bill it is. To start things off, can you give me a synopsis of FINDING STEVE McQUEEN and your role as Enzo Rotella in it?
BF: Yeah, sure. FINDING STEVE McQUEEN is inspired by the true story of the largest bank heist in United States history. I believe it happened in 1972. (He’s correct, look.) It was carried out by a bunch of criminals from Youngstown, Ohio. I play Enzo Rotella, who was the leader of that group. There’s open debate or theories on where they got the information from but they figured it was worth going out to California and pulling off this job…And so, they did.
FB: No need to delve further. You were great as Enzo by the way. The mannerisms and everything you threw into the character, really helped sell everything.
What was your favorite aspect of shooting this movie?
BF: Have to be the cast and Mark Steven Johnson who directed the film. Sometimes a crew just comes together and they end up keeping in touch. This is one of those. I’ve worked on a lot of films in my life. I’ve worked with incredible people. You’re grateful for the experience but you may never speak to them again. It’s different with this gang. We tend to keep in touch a little bit. That’s what it was like during shooting the film and it carried over. It was a unique experience where we all sort of embraced the period of it, the 70’s thing. It was kind of cool. There were a lot of factors but yeah, I really had a great time with this crew in particular.
FB: That’s awesome! Besides, it’s hard to not like a movie with a running 69 GTO right? Just seeing that up on the big screen was enough for me.
BF: Exactly!
FB: I think the groups’ closeness came across in the film, really helping to empower it.
Playing the flipside of that first question, what was the worst/hardest aspect of this shoot?
BF: Ya know, to be honest with you, I don’t even remember a hard part of making it. It was a pretty great experience. I can’t even remember anything difficult or that I would call hard.
FB: Nothing wrong with honesty Bill.
How disappointed are you that Antonio Brown didn’t go to the Bills? (laughs)
BF: I’m not sure that would have been the right move for the Bills. Everything is filling out right now. A lot of unknowns, but I’ll tell you. The AFC is going to be a lot better next year.
FB: Clearly! The Steelers lost Bell to the Jets too. So he’s staying in the AFC and actually going to play this year.
You played Roger Van Zant in HEAT. It’s one of those beloved action flicks that also happened to star Pacino and De Niro in it. Did you realize how big a hit it would be while making it or were you as star struck as the rest of us?
BF: Well, everybody at the time knew. We saw what was going on, especially with Michael Mann directing it. He wrote an incredible script. It was one of those movies that just felt, special.
FB: No doubt. I even have friends that use it as just a way to showcase the amazing sound in it.
You’re known for more than movies. You’re also known in the gaming world. How did you fall into the Ken Rosenberg gig from Grand Theft Auto?
BF: That was so long ago Fred. I really don’t remember. My agent said “You got an offer for something.” It was at least 15 years ago. I still lived in New York.
FB: I know it’s a blink and miss part in THE DARK KNIGHT. I was wondering what it was like to work with the whirlwind that was Heath Ledger, in what I would categorize as his apex film?
BF: Yep, I had a cameo. What I do remember, is the first day Heath was on set. We worked together and I remember thinking, Wow! I really, one actor appreciating another, love what this guy is doing. It was pretty obvious, even then, that it was special.
FB: You played David ‘Sully’ Sullivan, in THE PERFECT STORM. I loved the book by Sebastian Junger. I thought the movie did a pretty great job with the source material. What was it like working on that set? Or was it as miserable as it looked? (Laughs)
BF: (Laughs) The thing I’ll always take from that, is what an honor it was to tell that story. For three weekends we shot in Gloucester, Massachusetts. There were directly affected family members there. Guys that have been on the Andrea Gail. We were so welcomed. It was one of those experiences that was truly humbling. I was very appreciative and grateful we were given a chance to tell this story and honor these guys. Everybody felt that way. It was a really memorable and humbling experience.
FB: Love that answer! Thank you for sharing that, Bill.
What’s your favorite horror movie?
BF: Oh god, I don’t really watch horror movies. I kind of always remember THE EXORCIST. I don’t know if you call that a horror movie or not?
FB: That’s definitely a horror movie. I’m a horror movie buff so I always spring the question in my interviews. It’s kind of my gig.
What was the worst job you’ve had, acting or otherwise?
BF: God, the worst huh? I’m trying to think on this one. Man, I don’t know. I was always so grateful to have a job. I usually find something in everything that makes it all worthwhile. I truly do.
FB: Sounds like a smart life path to me.
Who living or dead inspires you the most?
BF: Oh, my mother. Always. There’s no expiration on that response.
FB: By the way, you’re only the second person I’ve interviewed that responded with their parents. I thought I’d end up tossing the question due to redundancy. Boy was I wrong.
BF: (Laughs)
FB: You just assume that would be the common answer, right?
Is there anything you’re working on that you’d like to let our readers know to look out for?
BF: Yes. I made a film called COLD BROOK (He co-wrote, stars and directed) that I can’t wait for people to see. And don’t watch any bootlegs. I’m still trying to sell the film. (laughs)
FB: (laughs)
BF: You take care Fred.
FB: You too Bill. It’s been an absolute pleasure my man, thank you.
Til next time Kids
Ken Lewis (AKA: Freddy Beans)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreddyBeansWrites/
Instagram: freddybeans13
Contact me: freddybeans@gmail.com
