| Johnny Walker |
”Homeboy” is the kind of film only a 100% Rourkeian should critique.
R.T./RourkeTrade is among an esteemed group of faithful loyalist who waited through the unjust
Hollywood Political Black-Balling of Mickey Rourke. How do I know? I was there. R.T. made the
duration of it a little easier to endure through his wit, knowledge, humor and sincerity. He has quite a
Mickey Rourke Multi-Media Library.
Hollywood Political Black-Balling of Mickey Rourke. How do I know? I was there. R.T. made the
duration of it a little easier to endure through his wit, knowledge, humor and sincerity. He has quite a
Mickey Rourke Multi-Media Library.
BRIEF SUMATION..
Mickey Rourke stars in this hard-hitting drama as Johnny Walker, a feisty boxer who finally gets his dream shot at a top
middleweight contender. The dream is short-lived and soon explodes into a harsh reality when his manager double-crosses
him. After his betrayal he is left a battered, burnt-out, smalltime wounded club boxer. When the now aging boxer from
Arkansas winds up at a run-down seaside resort, he is befriended by small-time entertainer and petty thief Wesley
Pendergrass (Christopher Walken ). He also meets and falls for ‘nice girl’ Ruby, played by Rourke’s wife at the time, Debra
Feuer, who runs her financially troubled amusement park carousel and pony rides.
When Wesley, the smooth-talking hood, tries to talk Johnny into going in on a the heist of a jewelry store, Johnny considers
the offer, but resists Wesley's plan to rob some orthodox Jews of their diamonds. Instead, he elects to enter the ring to help
the face of his failing boxing career, the alcoholic, punch-drunk, cowboy has one last shot in Asbury Park, New Jersey to
help out his girlfriend, keep her business open and to repair Ruby’s carousel.
middleweight contender. The dream is short-lived and soon explodes into a harsh reality when his manager double-crosses
him. After his betrayal he is left a battered, burnt-out, smalltime wounded club boxer. When the now aging boxer from
Arkansas winds up at a run-down seaside resort, he is befriended by small-time entertainer and petty thief Wesley
Pendergrass (Christopher Walken ). He also meets and falls for ‘nice girl’ Ruby, played by Rourke’s wife at the time, Debra
Feuer, who runs her financially troubled amusement park carousel and pony rides.
When Wesley, the smooth-talking hood, tries to talk Johnny into going in on a the heist of a jewelry store, Johnny considers
the offer, but resists Wesley's plan to rob some orthodox Jews of their diamonds. Instead, he elects to enter the ring to help
the face of his failing boxing career, the alcoholic, punch-drunk, cowboy has one last shot in Asbury Park, New Jersey to
help out his girlfriend, keep her business open and to repair Ruby’s carousel.
| Interview With a Rourkeian |
Tell me about the MR Wire.
RourkeTrade: The Mickey Rourke Wire was created to give fans a place to go and get the latest news on Mickey Rourke.
Years ago I had another version of the Wire up, and before that I had a site called Angel Heart. I stopped doing it for
awhile and found that I missed it. The new site is a message board with news, pics and plenty of topics for every fan.
Years ago I had another version of the Wire up, and before that I had a site called Angel Heart. I stopped doing it for
awhile and found that I missed it. The new site is a message board with news, pics and plenty of topics for every fan.
..and Yahoo! Groups?
RT: Yahoo! Groups is just a fun place to be. It's home of the legendary Mickey Rourke Forum run by three of the biggest
MR fans out there -- LaShane Arnett, Heather Kaplan and yourself. I run two groups as well, Domino Bounty Squad, for
the Keira Knightley and Mickey Rourke movie to be released in October, and Rumble Fish, a look at a classic movie
starring Matt Dillon and Mickey Rourke.
MR fans out there -- LaShane Arnett, Heather Kaplan and yourself. I run two groups as well, Domino Bounty Squad, for
the Keira Knightley and Mickey Rourke movie to be released in October, and Rumble Fish, a look at a classic movie
starring Matt Dillon and Mickey Rourke.
I really love your MSN Photo Collection!
RT: MSN Photos is an extension of the Wire. You will find links at the Wire that will lead you to photos posted there. The
photos are unique, rare and, best of all, down-loadable. Sharing with my site's visitors is fun. I also always credit the
photographer and the magazine that the photo came from so fans will know where to look if they want the magazine or
other photos from the photographer. It's also important to give credit where credit is deserved.
photos are unique, rare and, best of all, down-loadable. Sharing with my site's visitors is fun. I also always credit the
photographer and the magazine that the photo came from so fans will know where to look if they want the magazine or
other photos from the photographer. It's also important to give credit where credit is deserved.
So, how long have you been a fan of Mickey’s?
RT: I have been a fan since the late 80's.
What “did it” for you? (what project? movie? performance?)
RT: The movie that did it for me was "Angel Heart." My older sister brought home "Diner" from the store one day. We
watched it, and I remember being really intrigued by the actor who played "Boogie." A few weeks later I rented "Angel
Heart." I was blown away -- the story, the look of the film, but mostly, Mickey Rourke's performance. From then on, I was
hooked. I have seen every Mickey Rourke movie multiple times.
watched it, and I remember being really intrigued by the actor who played "Boogie." A few weeks later I rented "Angel
Heart." I was blown away -- the story, the look of the film, but mostly, Mickey Rourke's performance. From then on, I was
hooked. I have seen every Mickey Rourke movie multiple times.
Why do you like "Homeboy" particular?
RT: I like "Homeboy" first because it is a great film. Then, of course, it has what I consider to be one of Mickey Rourke's
best performances. Then there is Christopher Walken -- who never fails to amaze me -- and a fantastic soundtrack.
best performances. Then there is Christopher Walken -- who never fails to amaze me -- and a fantastic soundtrack.
Do you have a favorite part?
RT: I really like the part where Mickey Rourke and Christopher Walken are sitting by the beach. Christopher's character
tells the story about the dinosaurs. I think there a bunch of fantastic scenes, but this one was very poignant, haunting and
moody -- qualities I like.
tells the story about the dinosaurs. I think there a bunch of fantastic scenes, but this one was very poignant, haunting and
moody -- qualities I like.
How many times have you watched/seen “Homeboy”?
RT: It would be hard to say, but I'll guess and say about twenty times. Although, it could be a lot more.
Rourke’s wife at the time, Debra Feuer, is his love interest. Can you detect the personal relationship through the film?
RT: I knew little about Mickey Rourke's life outside of his movies for the longest time. I can't say that I detected that they
might have a relationship outside of the movie. I thought they did have chemistry, though, and everyone knows that if a
couple is together in real life they don't have chemistry on screen. So, I guess that means they both did a great acting job --
they were the exception to the rule.
might have a relationship outside of the movie. I thought they did have chemistry, though, and everyone knows that if a
couple is together in real life they don't have chemistry on screen. So, I guess that means they both did a great acting job --
they were the exception to the rule.
This was Mickey’s 2nd acting experience with veteran Christopher Walken. Are the 2 men close?
RT: RT: I don't know if they are close. They certainly have respect for each other as actors. They were in the infamous
"Heaven's Gate" together, and have gone on to star in "Man on Fire" and the upcoming "Domino," as well.
"Heaven's Gate" together, and have gone on to star in "Man on Fire" and the upcoming "Domino," as well.
Can you relate to the ‘Johnny’ character?
RT: I relate to his character in that he is sort of an outsider. Other then that, though, I would say no. I have never been
involved with the boxing world, and I haven't found myself in the situations that the character is in in the film.
involved with the boxing world, and I haven't found myself in the situations that the character is in in the film.
Do you feel the movie represented Mickey and who he was in his life at that time?
RT: I don't think any character that Mickey Rourke has played truly represents him. This one certainly expressed his love
for the boxing world - a world he would again return to later in his career.
for the boxing world - a world he would again return to later in his career.
Do you think the movie should have been a bit longer to give more info on Johnny Walker? Rourke is credited for the
story, as Eddie Cook. Is this a compendium of his characteristics?
story, as Eddie Cook. Is this a compendium of his characteristics?
RT: I really think the movie was perfect as is. Though the character was seemingly uncomplicated -- Johnny Walker knew
about boxing and not much else -- there was something boiling under the surface and in the end he makes a somewhat
uncharacteristic choice: to give up everything to help someone else. I felt the fact that not much was said about the
character lent an air of mystery to the role, as well. "Homeboy" probably only represents one aspect of Mickey's life, that
of a club fighter.
about boxing and not much else -- there was something boiling under the surface and in the end he makes a somewhat
uncharacteristic choice: to give up everything to help someone else. I felt the fact that not much was said about the
character lent an air of mystery to the role, as well. "Homeboy" probably only represents one aspect of Mickey's life, that
of a club fighter.
Does his talent in the arts have a genuine presence in writing under “Sir Eddie Cook“?
RT: I believe when Mickey Rourke writes as Sir Eddie Cook that he writes rough sketches of characters and scenes based
on the premise of the story. Then another writer fleshes out the ideas into what we see as the finished script. I don't think
there is any doubt, though, that the premise of Homeboy came from Rourke himself. A lot of people don't realize it, but
Mickey has written or co-written at least six scripts: "Homeboy," "The Last Ride," "Bullet," "Killer Moon,"
"Penance" and the latest, "Pain." Of those, only the first three have made it to the silver screen. There used to be a great
website devoted to Sir Eddie Cook, but, unfortunately, that closed recently.
on the premise of the story. Then another writer fleshes out the ideas into what we see as the finished script. I don't think
there is any doubt, though, that the premise of Homeboy came from Rourke himself. A lot of people don't realize it, but
Mickey has written or co-written at least six scripts: "Homeboy," "The Last Ride," "Bullet," "Killer Moon,"
"Penance" and the latest, "Pain." Of those, only the first three have made it to the silver screen. There used to be a great
website devoted to Sir Eddie Cook, but, unfortunately, that closed recently.
What is your favorite movie written under this pseudonym?
RT: I'm going to have to say "Homeboy." I think it is one of his great movies. There is a lot of fan interest in "Pain,"
though.
though.
Do you feel the movie has something to do with him leaving acting biz to pursue a boxing title?
RT: I have heard that making "Homeboy" inspired Mickey Rourke to return to his first love -- boxing. Even though he had
done some of his best work in films during this period, he had become pretty disillusioned with acting. Three years later he
went from club fighter on the silver screen to throwing real life punches in the ring. I think Mickey Rourke has all the talent
in the world as an actor, but he always longed to be in sports, especially boxing. For a long time this conflict created
tension in his life. I think he had to go back to boxing to become the actor he is today.
done some of his best work in films during this period, he had become pretty disillusioned with acting. Three years later he
went from club fighter on the silver screen to throwing real life punches in the ring. I think Mickey Rourke has all the talent
in the world as an actor, but he always longed to be in sports, especially boxing. For a long time this conflict created
tension in his life. I think he had to go back to boxing to become the actor he is today.
If you had the opportunity what would you ask Mickey about his Johnny Walker character?
RT: I think the question has been answered by the fact that Mickey Rourke gave up acting to go back to boxing. While
Johnny Walker is a fictitious character, those are Mickey's dreams being played out. Although, Mickey was a boxer before
he got into acting, too, so: how much of the character was autobiographical at the time?
Johnny Walker is a fictitious character, those are Mickey's dreams being played out. Although, Mickey was a boxer before
he got into acting, too, so: how much of the character was autobiographical at the time?
You created the Homeboy petition to get the film on DVD. Why hasn’t it been available on DVD?
RT: I think it's just been forgotten, to be honest, and the fact that it never had a U.S. theatrical release hasn't helped. I am
hoping with the resurgence of Mickey's acting career someone will want to get the rights to it and release it -- if for no
other reason than to make money off it. It will make fans happy, though, either way.
hoping with the resurgence of Mickey's acting career someone will want to get the rights to it and release it -- if for no
other reason than to make money off it. It will make fans happy, though, either way.
I‘ve heard Homeboy labeled as “Mickey Rourke's decade-old vanity project.” Your thoughts?
RT: I think that was probably said by some lazy journalist with a chip on his shoulder. I feel Mickey Rourke was trying to
make a film that he really cared about. The fact that it didn't do well ultimately led to Mickey feeling even more
disillusioned with acting.
make a film that he really cared about. The fact that it didn't do well ultimately led to Mickey feeling even more
disillusioned with acting.
Is that Eric Clapton music I hear? How did that come about?
RT: Mickey Rourke was an admirer of Clapton's work. Luckily for everyone involved, Clapton agreed to do it. The two
worked closely in the studio together to get the right sounds and became friends. The soundtrack is outstanding. All these
years later, Mickey made a special appearance at Eric Clapton's Crossroads festival introducing one of the bands. They are
still friends to this day.
worked closely in the studio together to get the right sounds and became friends. The soundtrack is outstanding. All these
years later, Mickey made a special appearance at Eric Clapton's Crossroads festival introducing one of the bands. They are
still friends to this day.
How is Homeboy so concise, sentimental and tender in spite of it’s sparse dialog?
RT: I think that while essentially this is a boxing film, underneath it is a story of acceptance, love and redemption. There
are also forces at work to corrupt Johnny Walker, and while he is no saint and perhaps too naive, he exposes a heart of
gold under his rough exterior.
are also forces at work to corrupt Johnny Walker, and while he is no saint and perhaps too naive, he exposes a heart of
gold under his rough exterior.
His character.. the subdued talk, awkward walk, dropped jaw-line.. Is it Novocain or pure heart?
RT: What Mickey did was compose a complete symphony, much like he did in "Barfly." Instead of one-note acting, he
creates a multi-dimensional character -- one who talks, walks and acts differently than any Mickey character or Mickey
himself. The way he holds his jaw throughout the movie is such an accomplishment. I'm not quite sure how he pulled that
off, to be honest.
creates a multi-dimensional character -- one who talks, walks and acts differently than any Mickey character or Mickey
himself. The way he holds his jaw throughout the movie is such an accomplishment. I'm not quite sure how he pulled that
off, to be honest.
I read Rourke sued to stop the release of the feature, claiming that the money and creative control promised to him was
never delivered. Is there any truth in that?
never delivered. Is there any truth in that?
RT: That was reported by the New York Times. While the last few years have shown us you can't trust the New York Times,
I think in this case it probably is accurate. I also read that Mickey Rourke was unhappy with the finished project -- a claim
that Mickey makes about a lot of his movies. Hopefully, at some point, we'll see this wonderful, forgotten gem on DVD
where it belongs. No Rourke collection is complete without it.
I think in this case it probably is accurate. I also read that Mickey Rourke was unhappy with the finished project -- a claim
that Mickey makes about a lot of his movies. Hopefully, at some point, we'll see this wonderful, forgotten gem on DVD
where it belongs. No Rourke collection is complete without it.
Thanks, Kathy!
Rourketrade
You can find R.T. online at The Mickey Rourke Wire   and his Yahoo! Groups Rumble Fish, Domino Bounty Squad and
MSN Photo Grouop
MSN Photo Grouop
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