Speakeasy with ...Goat

The Men Who Stare at Goats’ four-legged scene-stealer is no kid

Part PSA and part celeb gnash — be on the lookout for Goat. Goat (last name unknown) is creating buzz among the Hollywood heavyweights with the hilarious scene grabs from A-lister George Clooney in their latest film The Men Who Stare At Goats. While most would illustrate a prejudice toward Goat and his mild mannered ilk, Goat has swayed public opinion of his kind through sheer talent and an inhuman work ethic.

Recently Goat indulged the press with a series of one-on-one e-mail interviews to discuss the film and his newfound celebrity status. Goat fans can follow the actor’s exploits on his Twitter page. Direct messages to Goat via Twitter were unfortunately not returned prior to the interview. The Men Who Stare at Goats opens nationwide Fri., Nov. 6.

With such critical acclaim from your stage performance in Animal Farm, how was the experience for you to leap off the stage and work as an actor in your first feature film?
If I’m being honest the transition was not difficult at all. When you possess real talent, it doesn’t matter whether it’s on the stage, in a film or even in a barnyard somewhere. It’s really about having the ability to bring a character to life and bring joy to an audience. I am just so happy that with this film more people will be able to share in my talent and see what I was born to do.  

I would imagine your approach to acting is somewhat different than that of human actors, can you elaborate on your acting techniques?
Yes, I would agree it is a different process. For one, our vocal chords are quite different from humans’, I’ve been training my voice to hit a higher “bah” octave and this has allowed me to also be considered for musicals. I almost beat out Ewan McGregor for the role in Moulin Rouge but they went a different direction apparently.

In the film you’re working with some heavy-hitting, award-winning actors. Were you at all star-struck, or was it the other way around?
You know, I have always admired these guys. I’ve loved George since he was on the “Facts of Life” and the fact I’m now working with him is just fantastic. I just can’t get over his overalls, he was always ahead of his time.

Clooney is known to be quite the prankster on his movie sets. Did he pull any pranks on you? If so, did you retaliate?
All I can say is this: Goats have been known to do some pretty nasty things when provoked.

In the trailer, we see you take a fall after Clooney’s character uses his mental powers on you. That’s very demanding on any actor, did you perform your own stunt in that shot or did you have a stunt double?
Oh, I do all of my own stunts. I believe it’s incredibly important for any actor to take part in all aspects of the craft. I enjoy pushing myself and this was a particularly challenging scene as my equilibrium isn’t great to begin with.

From your Twitter feed, it seems you have adjusted to life in L.A. with ease from all the parties and whatnot. Do you miss your East-coast lifestyle? 
I do miss certain things but winters are pretty harsh on my coat, this sunny so-cal weather has been great for growing out my beard.  I think it adds a certain panache.

Your mother was a hard working immigrant. How does she feel about your career choice?
It really has taken a long time for my family and friends from the old farm to understand my life. But with this movie coming out and all the attention that is now surrounding me I think they are starting to get it. The fact is, I was born to be a star.  

Hollywood is a tough nut to crack for first-time actors, especially in the dog-eat-dog world of animal actors. With so few roles for goats in recent films, do you think the studios will take stock and create more roles for farm animals? If yes, how do you think this will affect potential roles for domestic animal  (dogs and cats)?
I actually take offense to that phrase “dog eat dog.” I had a nasty run in with a farm dog when I was a kid. Long story.

There’s a lot of stereotypes out there about goats and other animals. What do you have to say about those misconceptions and prejudices?
Listen. Some goats like to eat everything in sight. Some goats are mean and hate people. It doesn’t mean we aren’t talented. And that is what I am all about … talent. Plain and simple.    

I saw your signature online, analysts would say that you have a lot of confidence and are extremely creative. Is this true? What else can you tell us about Goat, the goat?
I am like an onion with many layers that the fans will just have to uncover one layer at a time.