MovieChat Forums > The Way of the Gun (2000) Discussion > Ryan Phillipe really made a transformati...

Ryan Phillipe really made a transformation for this role

posted 8 years ago by PrimeMinisterX (8859)
5 replies | jump to latest

It's kind of hard to believe that the same guy who played the skinny pipsqueak in Cruel Intentions played Parker in this film just one year later. It was a real transformation, from young metrosexual to grizzled criminal.

I actually heard a story that he was dead-set on playing the role and kept pestering Chris McQuarrie to cast him. McQuarrie thought he was all wrong for it, however, and told Ryan to "go be in a movie people are actually going to see."

Ryan wouldn't take no for an answer though and put on 25 lbs and grew a beard and McQuarrie, impressed by his dedication, went ahead and put him in the movie.

[–] Wuchak (8855) 5 years ago

Interesting bit; thanks.

[–] PrimeMinisterX (8859) 5 years ago

No problem.

I still think this is the most interesting film of Chris McQuarrie's career. It's a shame it's not more well-known.

If you can get a hold of the disc then watch it with his commentary. That's where I got that bit of trivia.

[–] spacecomedy (2062) 4 years ago

Great performance by Philippe. Shame he didn't get more chances for gritter roles like this. His career could've followed a path more like Steve McQueen's.

[–] PrimeMinisterX (8859) 4 years ago

Agreed. I think he's a talented dude, but for some reason once he hit his 30s he just started slowly sliding into obscurity. I still keep up with him and have watched a handful of his recent efforts. I hope that one day he is able to find his way back into higher-profile roles.

[–] MavKilledGoose (876) 3 years ago

I'd listened to the commentary and heard the same story. Phillippe gave it a solid effort, but I still think he's miscast. He's too young and his abilities are too limited. I never bought the accent or the tough guy persona.