Billy Bob Remembers Davy Crockett

[neferetus]

Christian Ruelle (Mr. Peabody on thealamofilm site) found this interesting piece on Billy Bob Thornton.

Billy Bob Thornton was interviewed for the March issue of the British film magazine Empire, and spoke about his feelings on The Alamo. Here's the excerpt from that interview.

EMPIRE: Of all the characters you've played since Sling Blade's Karl Childers, which do you have a particular affection for?

THORNTON: Jacob in A Simple Plan, Hank in Monster's Ball, and I loved Davy Crockett in The Alamo.

EMPIRE: Why Davy Crockett?

THORNTON: When you grow up where I grew up, you play, you pretend to be Davy Crockett, and here I was grown up and playing him for real. It was a great legacy too: John Wayne played him, then Fess Parker played him and then I played him. It's like, "Wow, I'll always be known as the guy who played Davy Crockett for this generation."

EMPIRE: Were you disappointed that The Alamo tanked?

THORNTON: Yes, I was, very disappointed. That was all propaganda at Disney. There was in-fighting at the studio, everyone wanted Michael Eisner out and people wanted the movie to fail. Test audiences loved it - not the initial test audiences, but when they had the final cut, they loved it. So it was largely political horse she-hit. I liked the movie, it's a very emotional, good movie.

[Greg C.]

glad to hear that mr crockett hisself liked it.

[Bromhead24]

I think he was the best crockett of all the films...IMO

[alamoal]

Billy, you just promoted yourself from an OK fan (in my book), to the top of the heap. I don't know how accurate your portrayal of Crockett was, but I get a sense that it at least gives the essence of the man. I wish I could convey that to you. Someday I hope to.

[Bromhead24]

I would say, from all the Crocketts portrayed in film, BBT is the best hands down ;D

[Greg C.]

bromhead24 said:

I would say, from all the Crocketts portrayed in film, BBT is the best hands down ;D

i'll second that.

[neferetus]