The Prince Theatre in Philadelphia rolled out the red carpet for the film Extraordinary Measures. After all it couldn’t be more fitting since the film is based on local couple John and Eileen Crowley, of Princeton, New Jersey. DCM was there for our readers to talk to Brendan and John as they arrived in our city, walk the red carpet and screen the film together.

After a late, inspiration filled night; we met up again the next day again, at 2:30 in the afternoon for an exclusive interview. I had watched and listened to Brendan on the radio and television programs in our area all morning, I was exhausted. I could only imagine how he must have been feeling at that point. He entered the room full of life, sat down and declared he felt punch drunk. He had been with us the late night before and started in to the radio shows before the crack of dawn, progressed to the talk shows- and was now with us again...his dedication to his craft as well as his dedication to the Crowley’s and getting their story heard is astounding.

The film also stars Harrison Ford and Keri Russell.

Brendan Fraser: It was the first time last night that I saw it with an audience. Previously, I had seen watermark copies in a sterile space.

To be in a roomful of living, breathing people and feel as if they’re going on a journey that John and Eileen and their family had gone through. Ah (sighs)…. That’s why I do my job. That’s why I get the privilege of being part of this experience. That’s when movies are entertaining, sometime enlightening, sometimes illuminating.

Philly really helped me out. I learned a lot from the experience. And I’m not just brownnosing up to Philly here.

DCM: How accurately can you anticipate audience reaction? Critical response?

Brendan Fraser: Zero idea. Everyone has gadgets these days. In the age of tweet. With the best of intentions, no filmmaker or director sets out to make a dud.

DCM: Is it harder now to get serious roles?

Brendan Fraser: I like to work. That explains Monkey Bones.

DCM: You get something good out of all of them.

Brendan Fraser: This is something that I had never seen before. I don’t know when again I’ll have an opportunity to portray a living, breathing person, who is easily one of the most principled people that I have ever known. I’ve learned a lot. ……

(referring to John Crowley)

Brendan Fraser: He wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. Water around a boulder to get to his objective. He did what was seemingly impossible by galvanizing people who have talent. The film is about what a father will do for his children.

DCM: The film depicts a number of sneak attacks. Did that really happen?

Brendan Fraser: Yes. If you want more details on that, if you’re sincerely interested, pick up a copy of the book, The Cure. That was the source material for the film. How did this single individual raise millions of dollars and start a biotech. He succeeded in creating a a cure-(Corrects self) No it’s a- treatment for a very obscure disease. The answer is that his kids happen to have it. So…you understand what motivates him to get these results.

DCM: Do you prefer doing comedies or dramas?

Brendan Fraser: I like to work. You shouldn’t be comfortable. You should be working.

(referring to working with Harrison Ford)

Brendan Fraser: I think that when you get the neurons firing, putting the two of us together, We go toe to toe, but we’re not going to punch one another. Maybe, we may do some verbal sparring.
That sort of challenge is something personally that I crave.
That being said, in April, I will be in a film in which I am tortured and have mean games played upon by furry creatures in a movie called________.
The point is that I’ve had a very eclectic career. It’s all over the place.

DCM: For this emotional role, did you draw from your own experience as a parent?

Brendan Fraser: Yes absolutely. What wouldn’t you do?

You must detach yourself from the emotion, you’re not playing for an effect.
The science in this movie is real. It’s accurate. It’s all written by Crowley’s men.
There’s nothing mawkish or sentimental. It’s not a film that ‘s meant to play for an effect.
It’s not meant to be a hankie movie or a tearjerker. You have to realize that while they’re sick kids-they’re kids. Their minds are not effected (by the disease).

DCM: Your career trajectory suggests that it was carefully calculated by you…..

Brendan Fraser: Wrong. The science of chaos rules decisions by Brendan.

DCM: What would you like to do that you haven’t yet?

Brendan Fraser: I’m interested in producing, but not directing. there’s enough directors out there.

DCM: Did you spend a lot of time with the Crowleys? How did it effect your portrayal?

Brendan Fraser: I didn’t really appreciate how fragile they were. I had seen photographs of them in wheelchairs. Until I actually met them, I didn’t realize how constricted their bodies are. Megan has never felt sorry for herself. She puts others ahead of herself. She’s a remarkable individual. So is her brother. They deserve a chance to grow old.

DCM: Growing up, you were a big fan of Harrison Ford. How was he different than you expected?

Brendan Fraser: I didn’t expect him to be so grouchy!