Opening this weekend is writer-director Peter Landesman’s JFK assassination drama Parkland.  Produced by Tom Hanks, the pic revolves around the chaotic events that occurred at Parkland Hospital in Dallas on the days surrounding President John F. Kennedy's assassination.  Parkland Hospital is where Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald, and Jack Ruby all died.  Rather than focusing on one person, the film looks beyond the assassination and even President Kennedy to examine the surrounding figures on that infamous day and their roles in one of the most important events in American history.   Parkland is loaded with a great cast featuring Zac Efron, Paul Giamatti, Billy Bob ThorntonJacki WeaverJames Badge Dale, Mark Duplass, Marcia Gay Harden, Jackie Earle HaleyRon LivingstonColin HanksTom WellingJeremy Strong, and David Harbour.  For more on the film, read Matt's review or watch the trailer.

At the Toronto International Film Festival, I landed a video interview with Giamatti (who plays Abraham Zapruder).  He talked about getting ready for the role, whether anything surprised him while researching the part, how he's changed as an actor, whether he gets residuals from the wine industry (for the Sideways fans), and more.  In addition, he talked about his surprise at the level of interest in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, how the sequel might be leading towards the Sinister Six, whether he is signed for Spider-Man 3 and 4, how he got involved in Downton Abbey, and more.  hit the jump to watch.

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Paul Giamatti:

  • Does he still get residuals from the wine industry.  Talks about how the merlot industry wanted him to do an ad campaign for them.
  • How did he get ready for the role where they're trying to do a real portrayal and not dramatize the events?
  • What did he learn that really surprised him.?
  • How has he changed as an actor from the way he prepares for a role to how he is on set?
  • Is he surprised by the level of interest in the Spider-Man sequel?
  • How the sequel might be leading towards the Sinister Six.
  • He confirms he signed a multi-picture deal.
  • Says he's in the 3rd film but not sure if he's in the 4th one.
  • Talks about how he got involved in the 4th season of Downton Abbey.

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