A gentleman through and through!
In summer of 2011, I visited the LA Film Fest for a screening of The Guard. Writer-director John Michael McDonagh and Mr. Gleeson appeared at its conclusion. Having loved the film, I worked up the courage to participate in the audience Q&A, asking if the two would collaborate again. Mr. Gleeson mentioned seeking funding for Calvary, and offered story details.
After exiting the theatre, I approached Mr. Gleeson and thanked him for taking time to speak with everyone; as Id hoped, he was a perfect gentleman. When I mentioned that In Bruges inspired me to visit the famed Belgian city, and climb its trademark bell tower, he jokingly replied a lot of steps, isnt it? He was even nice enough to ask where I was from, and briefly discuss my career aspirations as an editor. He believes editing is a noble profession and that its the most complicated part of filmmaking (based on his experiences observing editors at work). I ended our conversation by wishing Mr. Gleeson luck with Calvary's financing.
It was a wonderful experience to have a conversation with this incredibly talented actor. I babbled a bit, but I think I was professional enough to have made a good impression. Mr. Gleeson was kind enough to speak not only with me, but at least half the screenings audience; he seems like a very friendly, down-to-earth person.