Lou Diamond Phillips Acts, Talks About Acting at CAIFF

After watching Lou Diamond Phillips stagger, shoot, punch and attempt to wrench justice for his character’s flawed parenting skills as David in Takedown, it’s almost surreal to hear the actor laugh and speak with gratitude about his career.

In person at Moraga’s California Independent Film Festival, Phillips comes across as your ideal next-door-neighbor: a friendly guy who likes a good beer, and could bust your door down if you ever lose your keys.

In a Q and A following the screening of director Raul Inglis’ film, Phillips talked about how he got his start as an actor.

“I did not fall into this,” he said, “I was not discovered, wearing a tight t-shirt at Schwab’s.”

Phillips said being an actor was his dream: one that started when he was president of the high school drama club in Texas, continued as he majored in drama in college and, fortunately, became a professional reality at the age of 19.

“I was a working actor right out of the gate,” he said, speaking of his first film, Angel Alley.

He acknowledged the advantage his looks held, laughing as he described carrying a red bandana and a jacknife in his car for auditions because he was frequently cast as the bandit.

Asked which film was his favorite, Phillips’ answer was immediate:

“I don’t have a favorite," he said. "There are many roles that speak to me as an actor. I’m grateful that I’ve never been a one trick pony. I’ve been fortunate that my career has never been defined by one film—by one role.”

Phillips said the script for Takedown was attractive to him after reading only a few pages. The screenplay is an alarming story of human trafficking, corporate corruption and tragic interactions between men and women of all ages.

“I was hooked in five pages,” Phillips told the audience. “The reason being is that I have daughters. I knew this guy; I knew his pain.”

Film festival goers got to know the lighter side of Phillips when the discussion turned to food. An admitted “foodie” and co-owner of New York’s Tribeka Grill with Robert DeNiro, Phillips was enthusiastic about his recent stint as a judge for The Iron Chef.

“It’s like a sporting event.  And those two meals I had; you’d pay a thousand dollars for each one!” he exclaimed.

An audience member asked him if he preferred television, film or stage acting.

“I prefer being employed,” he said, receiving an appreciative laugh.

He continued, saying actors today had an American Idol mentality and an instant expectation for fame.

“But if you say ‘yes’ to a project, you need to bring your A game. No matter how big or small the job. As quick as it comes, it goes away,” he said, snapping his fingers for emphasis.

Phillips has just finished filming another independent film and mentioned his upcoming appearance on an episode of television’s "Chuck."  He will honored with the Maverick Award at CAIFF’s Gala Luncheon.