Robert M. La Follette Sr. (2015)

The character artist lives and works in a world where he has to embrace ugly realities within the human condition.

Amy represents an innocence that the artist finds inspiring and endearing.

A potential muse, or reminder of an aspect of himself, that has been buried underneath much of what surrounds him.

I served in the military for 4 years - from 1981-1985.

During my service, I witnessed some minor skirmishes, nothing I would consider what is commonly known as "combat duty."

What I did learn in the military, despite not actually being in a war situation, is how to understand other men, and work with other men, in extreme situations, when they were stripped of everything but their character.

If I had to go to war (which, to some extent, Kenny, Devon and myself did in Lithuania making this film), these are the types of men I'd want to be with. These are the types of men I'd want to serve with.

These are the types of men I know would do everything to protect my life, and mind theirs.

It fortified the discipline necessary for me to build an effective, productive, responsible adult life.

Without it, without the military, I don't think I would exist now.

Find an acting teacher that you trust.

Study. Hard.

Do research in terms of film histories: black and white films, Film Noir, independent film through the 1970's. Also observe the mainstream films, movies, to assist in a comparative study of both methods of show.

In my opinion, there's a great deal of luck involved, in terms of representation (example: an agent / manager). Sometimes, a credible acting teacher can be a loyal conduit, or connection, to casting directors or theater people (depending on your geography - if you live in New York, it may also be a good idea to become friendly or familiar with those who cast plays off-Broadway, etcetera).

I would compare it to Las Vegas. Take everything that you own, sell it, take the money, go to Las Vegas, bet that money on the same number for the rest of your life.

That's the game.

And be diligent. Relentless. Do or die.

Gravity.

It was a great opportunity for me to understand the methodology and mentality present in daytime television and soap operas.

It was also the first time I received the level of accolades, or praise, within a mainstream vehicle.

I'm grateful to the fans that are still supportive of my return to General Hospital, who remember the impact I made on that show, and were not dismayed by the controversial element that I brought.

I get scared when I'm not making a movie.

But I'll answer the question.

Sometimes to immerse yourself in a character that is struggling with a psychological challenge can be infectious to the performer - contagious.

The difficulty I find with characters that people perceive as "extreme" is the mental turbulence that can arise when I manifest these characters.

Well, I think this is something I've recognized recently, in terms of an additional talent - my ability to get out of my own way, metaphorically, and assist in a situation or creativity that involves collaborating with other artists.

A producer of sorts.

Also, what I've witnessed recently within my work is the impact I make on fellow artists and actors, and the responsibility that I carry in relationship to those that are affected by my methods.

The intense orange dark chocolate bars that I keep in my freezer.

That's not a utensil, I'm just joking.

Being in the presence of human beings that have no room in their hearts for compassion, understanding, or charity.

It's hard to answer that question because there are so many different aspects.

Could you be more specific? Television, work experience with a show?

I would like to be invited into a situation creatively and professionally where a character could be developed, or created, that assists other human beings.

For example, a fireman is what comes to mind first.

A man with a family who risks his life to save others.

That would be the ideal character - at least, at the moment.

The white sandy beaches, the beauty of the ocean, looking at the stars at night.

Yes. I want to focus on, first off, OUT FOR JUSTICE and my relationship with Steven Seagal during the filming of that movie.

It was an unusual experience for me within the profession.

Generally, movie stars don't befriend supporting cast members.

When I was filming OUT FOR JUSTICE, my personal life was a mess.

Steven Seagal recognized that I was having some difficulties, and gave me crucial advice - and offered actual assistance in dealing with some of these problems.

He felt more like a family member than what I've experienced in my life with family.

I will never forget how he saved my life.

WATERWORLD, and meeting Kevin Costner, and flying to the island of Kona was a spectacular experience. Kevin Costner was extremely polite, and friendly. I was treated very well by everyone from the director, to the cast, to the crew. I almost felt guilty receiving a paycheck for this experience, or this job. It felt more like a vacation than a work experience.

Luc Besson is one of those rare occurrences (until recently) to work with a director who actually understands the craft of acting. And like a great acting teacher, can assist you in reaching a level of performance that you may not otherwise.

ANARCHY PARLOR.

I'm not just saying this because I'm supposed to say it.

I'm not that man.

I'm a defiant person. At some times, it's been to my benefit, at other times it's put me on the periphery of my realm, so I don't feel pressured to say this.

ANARCHY PARLOR is my first experience in regards to a film where there was a collaboration involved, as opposed to a dictatorship.

Devin Downs and Kenny Gage allowed me the freedom to be the artist, actor, performer - without limitations.

Their ability to see me as a creative force, rather than a symbol of destruction, or a nefarious culprit, has given me inspiration to continue doing what my acting teacher, Anthony Abeson, taught me regarding the creation of characters other than myself.

Anthony used to tease me - "Robert, I wanna see a situation in a film where you win the girl."

I think in ANARCHY PARLOR we've achieved that. In our own way.

In real-life, I wonder if either woman would find me a suitable companion.

It's a movie. Out now.

Steven Seagal.

From ANARCHY PARLOR -

It's not very dramatic. It just was fun.

It's not often that an actor gets to tattoo his director. On the neck.

Also, I took a particular affection for the way Kenny and Devon directed me meticulously. The meticulous nature of the scene where Artist does a hand-poked tattoo on the beautiful face of Tiffany DeMarco. It was extremely enjoyable. Every moment. And with respect to Sarah, my time with Sarah on-set increased my knowledge regarding the mechanism of tattooing, using instruments correctly, and the delicate manner in the way she instructed me was refreshing.

I almost considered an alternate career in tattooing.

I'm glad.

Thank you.

Navy.

To limit yourself. And be manipulated by the judgements of those who do not understand or love you unconditionally.

1.) I miss them.

2.) Aside from ANARCHY PARLOR? BIRDMAN with Michael Keaton.

All things are possible.

Yes.

December.

And why?

When I was a kid, things were a bit confusing.

But some of the cartoons, on the television, around the holidays, made life seem hopeful.

"The Little Drummer Boy" was my favorite.

Thank you so much.

I'd love to work with Tiffany DeMarco again.

There are a couple of people that come to mind.

Another actress would be Ashley Laurence from HELLRAISER. I think she's a brilliant actress, and very beautiful and classy. You just don't see that much anymore.

And I'd like to work with Jeremy Renner. And Denzel Washington.

Tim Roth. Edward Norton. And Michael Keaton.

The way I feel about tattoos is the way I feel about blood.

Meaning: blood is an essential element in the fabric of humanity.

Tattoo, or the expression of feelings, to me is an element synonymous with life-force, life-blood, that drives the individual forward into understanding who they are.

First, it depends on where I am.

I think certain people's reactions or ability to recognize me in public comes from what they relate to in entertainment, what they find interesting in entertainment and films.

Different communities have different tastes. Given the nature and the mythology of stories I tend to appear in, seem to affect those people around the world, in various communities, that can relate to the rebellious nature within themselves, and those who feel themselves to be a misfit or the underdog in whatever community they are in.

The people I've described generally thank me for being what they perceive as courageous enough to communicate what they perceive as real. What they can identify with.

In other communities, that may not understand the reasons behind radical self-expression and are affected by mainstream media, they tend to trivialize or marginalize my contribution to the art form.

You're welcome.

I'm a huge fan of comedian and director Woody Allen.

Yes, I would do it all over again.

It's a rare occurrence within the realm of television to be in the presence of genius.

Ryan Murphy being the master helmsman, and also just a really nice man. He made my experience on that show a joy.

Yes.

I'm not sure why.

I try to be hospitable.

I try to give fellow actors the respect they deserve.

It might have something to do with what my acting teachers taught me regarding preparation. The quiet time, the method of disassociating from others so that one can focus.

That process, from the outside observer's point of view, might seem bizarre, or intimidating.

Or weird.

Between those two?

Those are the two choices?

ANNIE HALL.

We filmed HUMAN CENTIPEDE 3 inside the United States, which was a familiar backdrop for me. I didn't find the location to be intimidating at all.

When you leave the United States and go to certain parts of Europe... there is good cause to be concerned in terms of your well-being.

The production - not just myself, but the production of ANARCHY PARLOR - endured trials and tribulations that would have collapsed most productions.

Despite some of the challenges we all faced - cast, crew, directors, producers - not only did we survive, but I think my feeling is some of the locals assisted us in our cause, and now have a great affection for us because of the way we endured that circumstance.

I miss Lithuania.

Cool. That's very cool.

I'm currently working on part 2, or the continuation of LIFE SENTENCE, the book I wrote that was published recently. I've thought about writing poetry - or I felt compelled to write poetry. It seems to be one of the most authentic ways I can communicate my feelings.

Based on this question, I may put pen to paper very soon.

Lately, a lot.

And I'm grateful for the platform, as I am discovering (being kind of an old timer) how relevant it is, in terms of interacting with people in general, and also those who support the arts.

As I spoke earlier regarding collaboration, I want to assist the two men who I feel who have been the most supportive - Kenny Gage and Devon Downs - in continuing to be brutally honest in the way we communicate stories, and uncompromising in how we do it.