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My Luscious Locks

Some of you, those who read my last two entries, may have noticed that my hair is much shorter now than it was last winter and then exclaimed to yourselves, "Why Matt? Why would you cut off your luscious locks?" Don't fret, the hair came off for a reason: I wanted to meet Johnny Depp.

When first I heard that Michael Mann was going to be filming a 1930's gangster movie in Wiscosnin starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale, I was impressed with my home state just a little bit more. Then I started hearing rumors about Joan Philo's casting company looking to cast extras for the movie. They had a huge casting session at the Monona Terrace in Madison, but I didn't think I'd have any chance to make it so I didn't go.

Feeling a little sad that I'd missed such a glorious opportunity, I kept up with my school work and drowned my sorrows in books. My thoughts about the movie dwindled over the next few weeks before I got an email that would change my life, as well as my hair. In my inbox sat: "PE casting: need photographers. Not completely sure what this was, I clicked it open. Inside was my golden ticket into the movie business. They were looking for real photographers to play ones in the movie. I sent Joan Philo's casting company a few pictures of myself. A few days later I was called by the company and informed I had finally hit it big, and would be a Hollywood star. Or, maybe just an extra, I can't remember.

They invited me to a hotel in Madison, where I got fitted for costume, met some really amazing people who work on movies all the time, and lost my luscious locks. Before long I was in Darlington, Wis. pretending to be a 1930's photographer. The scene took place in the old courthouse. I can't say much about the filming process because I promised I wouldn't, but it's long and boring (and I met Johnny Depp). In Darlington we did the same scene maybe 40 or 50 times.

That's me in Darlington. I'm in the middle.

Feeling I'd completed my work in movies forever, I quickly got my haircut. I didn't exactly look too good (as seen below).

Nasty and straight-up awkward. I'm on the left.

Weeks later I got another call from the casting company telling me I needed to get another haircut because I'd be filming in Madison. My second haircut turned out better than the first, and my costume was way cooler. We filmed in Madison on a really hot day. I had to be at the set at 4:00 a.m. A bit early for my taste, but hanging out with the other extras was a blast.

We filmed four scenes. The first scene was supposed to be taking place in fall, so all the extras were fitted with long wool coats. The sun was a scorcher and at least one extra passed out from the heat. Eventually Mann decided to change when the scene was taking place, so we got to take off our nasty jackets. The scene was a press conference of sorts with Christian Bale and Billy Crudup's characters. I played a photographer once again.

Me and my buddy on the set.

Here's me standing by Christian Bale.

This is what the scene looked like from the steps of the Capitol. I'm in the front middle somewhere.

We filmed three other scenes which I got to participate in different ways. Everyone got a bit grumpy when we passed into the 16th hour of filming. My feet ached and I smelt horrible, but I had extras to pass the time with and made it through alright. We wrapped the day around 10:30 p.m. I hope that's the only time I have to work for 18.5 hours.

It may have sucked at the time, but it's something I'll never forget. Really incredible experience. And it made me realize that I have no place in the acting business.

And I guess hair grows back. Make sure and look for me when the movie comes out sometime next summer. I'm that young looking guy with the really old camera.