We Made a Movie with Eric Roberts and Here's What We Learned

It's a badge of honor in Hollywood, a rite of passage that unites actors, writers, and directors across the industry. We're talking, of course, about making a movie with the incomparable Eric Roberts.

As a Times columnist, I've had my fair share of close calls and near misses in the world of cinema. But nothing could have prepared me for the thrill of teaming up with the man himself, Eric Roberts, on a film project.

From the get-go, I knew that I was in the presence of greatness. Eric's reputation precedes him, after all. With a career spanning decades and a filmography that's longer than a phonebook, he's worked with everyone from Martin Scorsese to Stephen King.

As we set out to make our movie, I couldn't help but wonder: What's the secret to Eric's enduring success? Is it his talent? His versatility? His ability to bring a sense of gravity to even the most mundane roles?

Luckily for me, I had the chance to pick Eric's brain over the course of our shoot. And let me tell you, the man is a font of knowledge. From his early days as a struggling actor in New York City to his rise to fame in the 1980s, Eric's got stories for days.

But it's not all about the past, of course. Eric's still very much a working actor, with a slate of upcoming projects that would put a man half his age to shame. And yet, despite all the accolades and awards, he remains humble and kind, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer a word of advice.

As I reflect on our time together on set, I'm struck by one thing above all: Eric's generosity of spirit. Whether he's working with a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the industry, he gives his all to every project, every take, every scene.

It's a lesson that I won't soon forget, and one that I hope to carry with me for the rest of my career. After all, as any actor will tell you, the best performances are the ones that come from the heart.

In other news, Oscar-nominated actress Saoirse Ronan is back on the big screen with her latest film, 'The Outrun'. We caught up with her to talk about the movie, her character, and what drew her to the project.

'The Outrun' tells the story of Rona, a young woman who returns to the Orkney Islands after serving time in prison. As she tries to rebuild her life and reconnect with her community, she must confront the mistakes of her past and the challenges of her present.

For Saoirse, the film was a chance to explore a different side of herself as an actress. 'I was really drawn to the complexity of Rona's character,' she explains. 'She's a deeply flawed person, but she's also incredibly resilient and determined.'

Saoirse's performance in the film has already generated buzz, with many critics praising her nuanced and empathetic portrayal of Rona. But for the actress herself, the real reward was the chance to immerse herself in the world of the film.

'The Orkney Islands are a really special place,' she says. 'The landscape is just breathtaking, and the people are so warm and welcoming. I felt really lucky to have the chance to spend time there and get to know the community.'

As 'The Outrun' hits theaters, Saoirse is already looking to the future. With a host of exciting projects on the horizon, she's showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. But for now, she's just enjoying the moment and the chance to share this powerful story with the world.