TORONTO — With his new movie “Before We Go,” Chris Evans is both filmmaker and actor. Last week, we asked readers what they would ask Mr. Evans, whose directorial debut has its premiere in Toronto on Friday. He sat down with us to answer a select number of those questions about his life and career. Here are those responses.
So, you express so much about how theater was a huge part of your family and how it’s shaped/inspired you to pursue acting. That being said, if there’s time to make dedication for such a thing and the right opportunity might come along, would you ever consider doing a Broadway production or even an off-Broadway production? — Marisa, Mount Vernon, N.Y.
Yes, definitely. I like pursuing new endeavors. That’s part of the reason I wanted to direct. I like to create things. I’m a Gemini. I’m always looking for something new. And I certainly miss the theater. So who knows what tomorrow will bring?
Is there a type of character or movie you have not yet explored and that would be a challenge for you? — Joane Lamoureux, Montreal
I’ve always wanted to play someone who’s very verbal. I really like people who have the gift of the gab. I like characters that are very eloquent, articulate and confident in what they’re saying. Especially coming off Captain America, who’s very internal and intimate, I’d love to play someone who wears their emotions on their sleeves, potentially to a fault.
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My question for you is actually for my 13-year-old son, Ryan. He is currently enrolled in theater at his middle school for his third year. He loves it, but it seems whenever it’s time for that first line of dialogue, he gets nervous and is very quiet and rushes through it. By his next line and following, he’s dynamic. It’s just that first line that gets him, and when it’s a competition, it’s often pointed out. What advice would you give to him to get past that butterflies-first-line moment? — Ally Woods, Fort Worth
If you start making too much of a big deal about that first entrance, you’re in trouble. For me, I really try and dilute the initial experience. So if I do things like a talk show, backstage I try and find conversation with people and start the behavior, whatever is required of me onstage, before I walk out.
What was the most challenging role you have played? — Dani Cardina, Brooklyn
I’ll say Captain America because this is so not me. I’m very candid. I’m very loose. I’m very honest. I’m very open. Captain America is very internal. He struggles in certain social situations. Granted, I struggle in certain social situations. But for the most part, the way I find peace is by being aggressively honest. I think Steve Rogers is not that way.
As a director, how do you know when a script is ready to shoot? —Deanna Salas, Chico, Calif.
You never do. The funny thing about directing is that you have your own opinions, but it’s a collaboration. Directing is a group effort. Even though you might think something works, the smartest thing you can do as a director is try and weigh the opinions of the people around you.
What film that you’ve acted in do you wish you could have directed? — Emily Wright, UK
Maybe “London”? I did a movie called “London.” And by no disrespect to Hunter Richards. I love Hunter. But that was one of those movies I really responded to as an actor and I loved the verbal element. In my mind, I had such a strong interpretation of how I thought the movie would go. Again, not because I thought Hunter did anything wrong, but just because I had a really deep connection to the character and the dialogue and it may have been a fun experience to explore that as a director.
Did you enjoy the directing process, and what was your most memorable experience? — Caprice Phillips, Little Rock
I’d say the first day of actually shooting a movie and seeing slates that have your name on them. Calling “action” and calling “cut.” It was kind of overwhelming and simultaneously wonderful, but very intimidating.
What sort of stories grab your attention as material you’d like to direct vs. material you like to act in? —Michelle Buchman, Boston
I like human stories. I like stories about situations we can relate to. I like movies like “Ordinary People” or “Terms of Endearment.” Mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, boyfriends, girlfriends. The stories to me that are worth telling are almost simple ones, but very relatable.
Is the experience of directing a more liberating experience or more terrifying than acting? — Natalie Foote, Reading, UK
Both. It’s beyond terrifying. There’s a million reasons to be scared. But it is incredibly liberating because it’s your project. Every decision has to be funneled through you.
What’s your favorite scene in this movie? — Eva Y., Germany
Well, without ruining too much, I like our final scene together. It’s the most clear understanding of what the movie’s about and shows a beautiful relationship between the characters.