I couldn't think of another time you and Philip Seymour Hoffman have worked together --

LL: It was our first time.

- and you're both so prolific and in-demand. Was it something you'd both always wanted to do?

LL: I was just thrilled when it was a possibility. I think we both wanted to work with each other, we're both from a similar background, we have a similar philosophy about work and how to go about it, and so we were really well matched. And he's a really good guy. I have enormous admiration for how he conducts his life and the decisions that he makes and how he conducts himself. He rocks, as far as I'm concerned. [laughs] He just rocks, that Phil Hoffman!

That should be the line on the poster!

LL: The whole review! "He Rocks!"



You've had a great roster of male co-stars -- I'm thinking of Sean Penn in Mystic River, Liam Neeson in Kinsey, Gabriel Byrne in Jindabyne and many others. How do you feel these match-ups bring out the best in each of you?

LL: Well you always hope to work with someone better than you because they will push you in a way that nobody else can and you have to keep up. It's like people who play tennis always say they prefer to play with someone who's a better player.

I've worked with some fantastic people, and worked with several people multiple times: Liam twice, Richard Gere twice, Paul Giamatti twice, Gabriel three times. What that gives you is a foundation of trust and fun so that when you go back and do another job together, you can start where you left off. And the potential to go a little deeper and a little further is there.

There's a lot of awards buzz around The Savages, particularly around the actors because they are such great roles. What's your take on all that? Is it enjoyable or a distraction?

LL: You know, it's very nice that people would even think that. That's not bad, that must mean that the movie must not be bad! [laughs] Whether it happens or not, who knows? I've been fortunate enough to go through it and you certainly don't forget that period of time; it's fun and hilarious and overwhelming. You have to be careful about where you sort-of place it in your priority. You shouldn't devalue it but at the same time you shouldn't take it too seriously. But it's a kick; it just is!



Presumably the best thing about it is that it allows you to keep working and do a better quality of work.

LL: Well you hope. But it depends, you know, for some people it will change their lives completely and propel them into a whole other stage of their career and for other people it will stop it dead in its tracks. So it's not always a guarantee for future success. You don't know how that will sit with someone.

And I still feel that the best way to go is to go and be nominated and not win. I think that's pretty good!

Is that when you practice your "I'm-so-happy-for-the-winner" smile?

LL: Oh no, that's relief, actually! [laughs] I can't imagine if you actually had to go up there and make a speech, I'd be scared to death!