April 26, 2009

Broderick is not a reiki master

But he is the star of the new film ‘Wonderful World’

By Dorothy Robinson, Metro

INTERVIEW. Matthew Broderick has a confession to make — he hasn’t seen any movies at the Tribeca Film Festival this year. The star of the new Broadway show “The Philanthropist,” Broderick says that he “only gets Mondays off at the moment.” So, luckily, he’ll be off tonight to catch the world premiere of his new film, “Wonderful World.”

Q: What was it that attracted you to the role of Ben in “Wonderful World”?

A: Well, my good friend Josh Goldin — we’ve been friends for 20 years — was doing it. We were in a movie that wasn’t very good called “Out On a Limb.” Although it was a horrible experience, we connected and he wrote this and I thought it was really funny and touching and original.

Q: Any danger in working with a friend?

A: No, not really. The whole thing included people who wanted to be there. We weren’t there because we were making money. I mean, there was the usual crankiness, but other than that, it was fun.

Q: Your character is a big misanthrope. Do you feel any connection with that?

A: I can’t say that I’m particularly an optimist, but I think I’m happier than Ben. However, I can relate: It’s very easy for me to be grumpy. But he’s just so miserable and pissed at everyone.

Q: How long ago did you film the movie?

A: I think it was last summer?  I don’t know. Google it.

Q: OK. But is anything on your Wikipedia page actually correct?

A: Oh, of course not. They have on there that I’m that person who can heal people with their hands. What do you call them? A reiki master?

Q: You aren’t?

A: I can’t do that. Maybe if I tried — but I honestly don’t know what it is. I appreciate the thought, though.