Christian Kane

Christian Kane on "Friday Night Lights," "Angel," and His Music Career

From Rebecca Murray,Your Guide to Dramatic / Romantic Movies. Interview from the World Premiere of "Friday Night Lights" Christian Kane’s in two big movies opening on the same day - the character-driven football drama "Friday Night Lights," and the Queen Latifah comedy, "Taxi." Catching up with the busy actor/musician at the World Premiere of "Friday Night Lights," I had a chance to find out what prompted him to take a supporting role in "Friday Night Lights," how he feels about having two films he appears in open on the same weekend, and, of course, the rumored movie inspired by the TV series, "Angel."

INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTIAN KANE:

So you play like a ’good old boy’ type character in “Friday Night Lights.” How close is that character to you?

Well it’s real close. I played in 4th, 5th, and 6th in Odessa and I’m actually mimicking a guy who used to coach me in football in Odessa.

Does he know that? Is he around? No, he doesn’t know that. I haven’t talked to him in years.

This is a pretty small role and it’s not your usual type of character. Why’d you take the part?

Because I begged Peter Berg to be in this movie, because I grew up with the actual guys. I grew up with the actual guys that this movie’s about.

Had you read the book?

Oh yeah, it’s a Bible in the midwest.

Is it? I heard from the author they don’t really like him in Texas.

Maybe, maybe.

Did you get that feeling?

I did get that feeling, but at the same time I think Peter came in and met with the guys - some of the guys, I’m not sure met with all of them or not - but I know that he went in and met with most of the guys. I know that he met with Boobie Miles.

Doesn’t Boobie actually appear in the movie in some parts?

He does. And so I know that Peter tried to do the cleanest job that he could. I don’t think that... Maybe the book is off-color to their taste but at the same time, Brian Bosworth wrote a book that nobody liked but was pretty much true to life. I’m a big Bosworth fan.

How do you feel about “Friday Night Lights” opening opposite “Taxi” and you’ve got a role in both movies?

(Laughing) Yeah, I know, right? And my role’s a lot bigger in “Taxi.” It feels cool, it feels good.

Is one role closer to your heart than the other?

I’m not going to choose but you know what? I love both of them. Like I said, I asked Peter numerous times to be in this movie so just for him to give me this little shot, it was great. But “Taxi’s” good, I love “Taxi.”

You’ve been filming “Her Minor Thing” with Estella Warren so there’s a little bit of a Peter Berg connection there, isn’t there?

(Laughing) A little bit, maybe. No, we were filming in Sacramento and Peter came up to see Estella. Peter was there and I was like, “Peter, man, I’ve got to be in your movie.” He was like, “Well...there’s nothing.” Then he found a role and was like, “Man, I wish you’d come play this.” I said, “Absolutely. Whatever you need.”

What’s Peter Berg like behind the camera?

Unbelievable. He’s probably the best director I’ve ever worked with.

Is it because he’s also an actor?

Because he’s an actor too, and he has a vision. He really has a vision and it’s something that he’ll take you... Man, the only thing I can say is that I trust him. Sometimes you really don’t do that as much.

Are you still getting questions about “Angel?”

No... No, I’m done.

No questions about an “Angel” movie?

No, I heard about that. That’s bulls**t. I’m dead anyway so it doesn’t matter (laughing).

They always bring characters back to life that they like.

That’s true. I guess that’s the only place you actually have to die to become a series regular.

Are you still working on your music?

Yeah, we just had a show. I’m getting ready to go out to London and do a couple of things.

How are you balancing your film roles and your music?

Well, it’s not that hard. It’s a lot of fun. It’s really not that hard to be truthful.