'Dan In Real Life': Behind the Scenes

On the Rhode Again

Sometimes Hollywood extends to the unlikeliest of places. Like historic Jamestown, Rhode Island, where Steve Carell, Dane Cook and an enthusiastic ensemble spent a chunk of last winter filming the heartwarming new dramedy 'Dan In Real Life.' Moviefone dropped in on the set one frigid December evening to chat up the comedic stars and catch them in action.

More About the Movie

This Old House

Most of the film -- about a widower and father of three (Carell) who unwittingly falls for the girlfriend (Juliette Binoche) of his brother (Cook) during a family getaway -- takes place in a colossal century-old summer home on the Rhode Island shore where nearly every room in the house was shot. "It has a real history to it," said Carell of the house, built in 1911-1912. "It will add to the feel of the film." Something tells us it'll also add to the real estate value for one lucky real-life family.

Jamestown Bond

The most striking thing this spectator found on set what was just how closely the shoot resembled an actual family reunion. Kids -- and there are a lot of them -- goof constantly. The actors who play their parents, aunts and uncles break occasionally break into song in between takes (much of the supporting cast has Broadway backgrounds). It wouldn't be surprising to find an impromptu game of charades break out, either. "We keep each other laughing and absolutely entertained," Cook said. Of course this actorly bonding was carefully precipitated by writer-director Peter Hedges ('Pieces of April'), who had the cast spend a couple weeks together in the house pre-production, getting to know one another, cooking as a group and playing your average family get-together games like Scrabble.

In the Name of the Father

Though the film is an altogether family affair, Carell is clearly star of the show. His name is in the title, after all. "I've never played a Dan before," the actor said after being teasingly pressed him about the challenges of playing a character with that name. "I've played Michaels, I've played Evans. I don't think I've ever played a character with one or fewer syllables. So I had to go back to my roots as an actor. I always start with the name of the character and try to base a lot on what the name of the character is. I look at letters and configurations. Backwards it's 'Nad.' And there's lots of permutations of three letters together. Usually I run through those before I even start reading for the character."

Dan the Man

The film's title alludes to a parenting column Carell's Dan pens in his local New Jersey paper and that's up for possible syndication. Problem is, Dan is struggling mightily to control his own daughters, two blossoming teens and a 7-year-old. "He's a guy who is trying to make his way after losing his wife and just doing the best job he can," Carell said. But the actor, somewhat reserved on set but incredibly friendly during our interview, downplays the art of preparation and drawing parallels between himself and Dan: "I hate talking about character development because it sounds so pretentious and assholey. I don't really think there's a rhyme or reason to it. I just try to make it as natural as I can, especially with this sort of movie."

The Love Triangle

"Mitch is a guy who is always bringing home a different girl to try to impress the family but none of them have really lived up to their standards," Cook said about his New York City aerobics instructor. "Until Juliette Binoche steps in, who he's just brought to meet the family by surprise." But low and behold, Dan beats his family to the punch. Dan and Marie meet at a nearby bookshop where they instantly click and fall for one another in almost a surreal fashion. This, of course, sets up the most awkward of situations when they're re-introduced to each other minutes later at the family home.

The Dane Attraction

The film is somewhat of a departure for 'Employee of the Month,' Entertainer of the Year Cook, who also strayed from his broad comedy routine earlier this year in the psychological thriller 'Mr. Brooks.' "I know a lot of my fans are used to seeing me in the standup world, so I think for both Steve and I, it's a way for us to show our different sides of creativity," Cook said. "And they don't make movies like this. Not at this level. There are independent films that do it, but to be with a large company like Disney and do a movie that's small and simple and poignant, it feels like we are making something really special."

Music Men

The scene they're filming on this particular night is the Burns Family Talent Show (interesting side note: the family in Hedges' last film, 'Pieces of April,' were also Burnses). One kid does a multitude of barking dog impressions, another tells jokes ("What's a worm's favorite city?") that will later have the cast remarking he could be a tourmate for Cook. Carell and Cook have already shot their talent scene: "I actually sing a cover of 'Let My Love Open The Door' by The Who and Dan accompanies me on guitar," Cook explained. "It's really an interesting and wonderful moment in the film because you get two things happening simultaneously. They're both dueling and helping each other, and it's also the first time Dan's character comes out his shell and plays guitar or sings since his wife passed away." And it's the first time we'll see Carell sing since 'Anchorman's' 'Afternoon Delight.'

Fun With Dane and Steve

As anyone who's ever been on a movie set can attest to, the shooting process is long and oftentimes uneventful. So how do actors like Carell and Cook entertain themselves on location in Rhode Island? "Mostly sleeping and eating," said Carell, adding, "Just getting to know [the cast], that's been my fun when I'm not actually working or shooting or learning lines or rehearsing." Or rearranging the letters in 'Dan.' Cook said he's always busy. "My work is what makes me feel fantastic. I'm working on my website or constantly trying to push myself creatively to new ideas and concepts. But I guess when I'm putting all that aside and I just want to get away from it all, I play some video games (on XBox 360). I'm a big gamer. And I love playing guitar. I've recorded some songs." Sounds like the family talent show gave someone a confidence boost.

Best of the Chest Part II?

Now for the question on everyone's mind: With '40-Year-Old Virgin' fans everywhere clamoring to see Carell get his chest waxed again, will this be the movie? "I can say with a certain amount of conviction that will never happen again," he said. "That was actually my own idea in the first place so I only have myself to blame. But in this one, I may go for the full Brazilian. Honestly, I think that's what the people are clamoring for." -- By Kevin Polowy

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