Patrick Wilson is quickly becoming one of Hollywood's most
accomplished actors, showcasing his talents in a multitude of demanding and
diverse roles in films like the Oscar-nominated Little Children, Andrew
Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera and the award-winning HBO production
of Angels in America.
Now, Wilson headlines Columbia Pictures' new suspense-thriller Lakeview
Terrace opposite Samuel L. Jackson, Kerry Washington and Jay
Hernandez. A recent No. 1 box-office
hit in the U.S., Lakeview Terrace will be shown exclusively at Ayala
Malls Cinemas (Glorietta 4 & Greenbelt 3) starting October 29.
In the film, interracial couple Chris and Lisa Mattson (Wilson and Washington) have just moved into their new suburban house when they become the target of their next-door neighbor. A stern, single father, this tightly wound LAPD officer (Jackson) has appointed himself the watchdog of the neighborhood. His nightly foot patrols and overly watchful eyes bring comfort to some, but he becomes increasingly harassing to the newlyweds. These persistent intrusions into their lives ultimately turn tragic when the couple decides to fight back.
Wilson says he didn't hesitate when he was offered the role. "I loved the script when I first read it. I'm interested in projects that are not only challenging to the actors, but that also touch the social conscience and maybe make people think a little. I would never set out to do a movie just to make a statement," he continues, "but it's nice when you do a movie that reflects the world as it really is and when you play characters that are flawed. It's a character-driven story and also really enjoyable to watch."
The actor also praises director Neil LaBute's ability and willingness to explore the complexities of the interactions between the story's three principals. "He knows how to capture flawed relationships and take you where these characters are going," says Wilson. "He keeps driving the characters forward. He always knows what they want. There's also a real directness and rawness in his writing that I love. He gives men especially really rich characters."
Although Samuel L. Jackson was familiar with Wilson's acting work, the two had never actually crossed paths. "It was great to watch him find things and realize that he could relax and just do whatever he wanted with us and with me," says Jackson. "And I guess because we connected in that way, we were able to let go in a very interesting process when we had our really angry stuff."
Wilson is no newcomer to film, but working with a movie star of Jackson's caliber initially proved intimidating for him. "Our rehearsal process was probably about two minutes of saying hello and talking about golf," he remembers. "At the beginning, actors can be like two fighters trying to get used to each other in the ring, you know? The first rounds are just sort of dancing around and trying to get used to each other. He's been in so many movies and so many of his characters are so present in my consciousness."
Lakeview Terrace is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.