Patrick Fabian On Gigantic, The Last Exorcism and Making Out with Xena
By J. Everette Perry
Patrick Fabian's captivating role as a preacher in The Last Exorcism (which just came out on DVD) takes the viewer on a manic ride from the opening sequences to its final unhinged moments. Audiences might also recognize Fabian from his role as a movie star father to Grace Gummer (daughter d' Meryl Streep) on the Nickelodeon series Gigantic, which apparently isn't too far-stretched from his everyday existence (he proudly showed me a photo of on his cell-phone of the blow-up pool he recently installed for his daughter.) Fabian also has a new series on CMT called Working Class, playing opposite Ed Asner and Melissa Peterman, and kindly took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with us about the subtle comedy of The Last Exorcism, wanting to forget his twenties and making out with Xena, warrior princess.
What did you think the first time you saw The Last Exorcism?
The first time I saw the completed film was at the Los Angeles Film Festival, under the stars at the John Anson Ford Theatre in Hollywood. I was thrilled with the audience's response to both the humor and the scare factors. I'd forgotten how funny the first part really is, and also how creepy the last half is. I couldn't stop smiling.
When you read the screenplay, did you get a sense of the film's humor?
Well, I auditioned before I read the screenplay, and that was certainly different. Daniel Stamm (the director) had me come in and improvise scenes. For the callback he actually had me write a sermon. After landing the role we sat down and discussed Cotton Marcus. A bit cart before the horse, but I think it worked.
How did you get into character playing someone like Rev. Marcus?
You know, I think we all have a little Southern Preacher in us, so I tapped into that. I love Burt Lancaster from Elmer Gantry. Also, I took a look at some of the big-time preachers of our day like Jim Baker, Jimmy Swaggart and Ted Haggard -- men of the cloth who ended up being all too human. However, I don't think Cotton was ever as mercenary as those gentlemen, the whole reason he's making this documentary is to try to make amends.
What was it like working with producer Eli Roth?
Fantastic. He knows his horror and he knows how to encourage everyone to "make it scarier". Without his interest in the screenplay, I don't know if it would've happened. His enthusiasm from the outset helped propel us along.
You have quite a few funny lines in the film. Do you have any standard lines or go-to jokes when you're in an awkward situation?
Jokes, not so much, but I will say things like, "Well, I guess that crossed somebody's line, didn't it?"
What was your favorite scene in the film?
Tough choice. The exorcism scenes were really intense, but in terms of what brought me sheer joy, we spent two days preaching from the pulpit with an outstanding group of local background artists that made me feel like a real man of God.
Has anything ever made you feel like you were possessed (in a figurative sense, of course)?
Owning the iPad on day one.
What scares you?
Drivers who text. And dark cliff roads.
Tell me about your new series, Gigantic.
It's kind of an Entourage for the teen set. I play a movie star Dad, Helen Slater is my wife, and the premise is that we just spent two years away filming a big movie in New Zealand and have just returned to Los Angeles. The show follows our children, played by Grace Gummer and Tony Oller, as they adjust to re-entry to a Hollywood existence.
What has been the biggest high and low for you being a celebrity?
Well, I don't know if I'm quite there yet, but during this promotion for The Last Exorcism, the biggest low is that people make assumptions about you and you really have no recourse. The biggest high is getting congratulations about the work I've done. Oh yeah, and getting invited to some really fun events. That wouldn't have happened before!
Can you tell me about your upcoming movie, Pig?
Henry Barrial is the director of this really cool Sci-Fi story about a man suffering from amnesia in search of his identity. I have a supporting part as a doctor. They're still in post-production, but look for it come out next spring or summer.
Have you ever wanted amnesia?
Yes, from my twenties. I also want all the money I blew in my twenties back.
You've been in a ton of television shows, what are your top three characters you've played?
Well, the most fun roles would be Ted in Big Love, because I got to bicker with Bill Paxton, Rafe in Xena, because I got to kiss Xena -- duh -- and "the Dummey Killer" in Pushing Daises. I got to speak Japanese for that.
What are some of your favorite TV shows?
Eastbound & Down, Mad Men, Modern Family and How the Earth was Made.
What is your favorite meal?
Chicken-fried steak
What websites do you go to?
Deadline Hollywood, the New York Times, Huffington Post and Patrickfabian.com. Come on, I had to!
What are your three favorite possessions?
My iPhone, my jean jacket and my acoustic guitar.
Where is a place you can go for peace?
Atop Mt. Hollywood on horseback. It has 50 miles of trails and nobody around.
What are your three fitness tips?
Stop smoking, drink green juices, workout 30 minutes every day.
What are your top three songs?
"The Spirit of Radio" by Rush, "Roll With the Changes" by REO Speedwagon, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana.
What are some films that really inspire you?
The Man Who Would Be King, Hannah and her Sisters, Amelie and Alien.
Photos by www.JEVPIC.com
Make up and hair by Dawn Haley
Beauty assistant Jasmin Gutierrez
Nail expert Shay Porter
Black shirt by Kill City
Pants by V-Moda
Jacket by Ben Sherman
What did you think the first time you saw The Last Exorcism?
The first time I saw the completed film was at the Los Angeles Film Festival, under the stars at the John Anson Ford Theatre in Hollywood. I was thrilled with the audience's response to both the humor and the scare factors. I'd forgotten how funny the first part really is, and also how creepy the last half is. I couldn't stop smiling.
When you read the screenplay, did you get a sense of the film's humor?
Well, I auditioned before I read the screenplay, and that was certainly different. Daniel Stamm (the director) had me come in and improvise scenes. For the callback he actually had me write a sermon. After landing the role we sat down and discussed Cotton Marcus. A bit cart before the horse, but I think it worked.
How did you get into character playing someone like Rev. Marcus?
You know, I think we all have a little Southern Preacher in us, so I tapped into that. I love Burt Lancaster from Elmer Gantry. Also, I took a look at some of the big-time preachers of our day like Jim Baker, Jimmy Swaggart and Ted Haggard -- men of the cloth who ended up being all too human. However, I don't think Cotton was ever as mercenary as those gentlemen, the whole reason he's making this documentary is to try to make amends.
What was it like working with producer Eli Roth?
Fantastic. He knows his horror and he knows how to encourage everyone to "make it scarier". Without his interest in the screenplay, I don't know if it would've happened. His enthusiasm from the outset helped propel us along.
You have quite a few funny lines in the film. Do you have any standard lines or go-to jokes when you're in an awkward situation?
Jokes, not so much, but I will say things like, "Well, I guess that crossed somebody's line, didn't it?"
What was your favorite scene in the film?
Tough choice. The exorcism scenes were really intense, but in terms of what brought me sheer joy, we spent two days preaching from the pulpit with an outstanding group of local background artists that made me feel like a real man of God.
Has anything ever made you feel like you were possessed (in a figurative sense, of course)?
Owning the iPad on day one.
What scares you?
Drivers who text. And dark cliff roads.
Tell me about your new series, Gigantic.
It's kind of an Entourage for the teen set. I play a movie star Dad, Helen Slater is my wife, and the premise is that we just spent two years away filming a big movie in New Zealand and have just returned to Los Angeles. The show follows our children, played by Grace Gummer and Tony Oller, as they adjust to re-entry to a Hollywood existence.
What has been the biggest high and low for you being a celebrity?
Well, I don't know if I'm quite there yet, but during this promotion for The Last Exorcism, the biggest low is that people make assumptions about you and you really have no recourse. The biggest high is getting congratulations about the work I've done. Oh yeah, and getting invited to some really fun events. That wouldn't have happened before!
Can you tell me about your upcoming movie, Pig?
Henry Barrial is the director of this really cool Sci-Fi story about a man suffering from amnesia in search of his identity. I have a supporting part as a doctor. They're still in post-production, but look for it come out next spring or summer.
Have you ever wanted amnesia?
Yes, from my twenties. I also want all the money I blew in my twenties back.
You've been in a ton of television shows, what are your top three characters you've played?
Well, the most fun roles would be Ted in Big Love, because I got to bicker with Bill Paxton, Rafe in Xena, because I got to kiss Xena -- duh -- and "the Dummey Killer" in Pushing Daises. I got to speak Japanese for that.
What are some of your favorite TV shows?
Eastbound & Down, Mad Men, Modern Family and How the Earth was Made.
What is your favorite meal?
Chicken-fried steak
What websites do you go to?
Deadline Hollywood, the New York Times, Huffington Post and Patrickfabian.com. Come on, I had to!
What are your three favorite possessions?
My iPhone, my jean jacket and my acoustic guitar.
Where is a place you can go for peace?
Atop Mt. Hollywood on horseback. It has 50 miles of trails and nobody around.
What are your three fitness tips?
Stop smoking, drink green juices, workout 30 minutes every day.
What are your top three songs?
"The Spirit of Radio" by Rush, "Roll With the Changes" by REO Speedwagon, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana.
What are some films that really inspire you?
The Man Who Would Be King, Hannah and her Sisters, Amelie and Alien.
Photos by www.JEVPIC.com
Make up and hair by Dawn Haley
Beauty assistant Jasmin Gutierrez
Nail expert Shay Porter
Black shirt by Kill City
Pants by V-Moda
Jacket by Ben Sherman
Your Comment
Posted at 7:33 on Jan 14, 2011
Not only did he show me the photo on the cell phone of the blow-up swimming pool, but he told me that he did a home delivery in it. That's right he delivered his daughter at home in it. He say's he is keeping it until she is old enough to swim in it.
Patrick was just as fun in real life as he is on the big screen.
everette
Posted at 12:56 on Jan 15, 2011
Wow..i really didn't know much about patrick fabian until i read this article..He seems like a really down to earth funny guy and i hope to see him in many more films..He is so handsome
Posted at 9:58 on Jan 28, 2011
What a cool guy..and what great style he has...I really enjoyed the movie The Last Exorcism and im waiting for the sequel
Posted at 10:55 on Mar 26, 2011
wasn't he professor lasky in save by the bell the college years?