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Steve Martin at this year’s Toronto Film Festival
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A low-budget, black comedy like director David Atkins' Novocaine seldom gets the chance to promote itself to a room full of international press. Then again, most low-budget, black comedies can't claim comedian Steve Martin as their leading man.
Earlier this fall, Martin came to the Toronto Film Festival in support of Novocaine's premiere. Small films like Novocaine frequently get lost among the celebrity-filled photo-ops, glittery red-carpet arrivals, late-night parties and tell-all interviews. A film festival like Toronto can be a circus. Luckily, Martin was on hand to turn the Novocaine press conference into an impromptu, stand-up comedy performance.
The product: Writer/director David Atkins' film noir revolves around Doctor Frank Sangster (Martin), a low-key dentist who gets caught between his reliable fiancée (Laura Dern) and a smoky femme fatale (Helena Bonham Carter). As the plot involving drugs and murder deepens, Martin's dentist finds himself wanted by police.
The Pitchman: To try to follow the line of reasoning here. Funnyman Martin plays it straight as the deadpan Sangster. Basically, Novocaine provides an encore performance for audiences who enjoyed Martin's dramatic work in David Mamet's The Spanish Prisoner. Meanwhile, Martin, the dramatic actor, turns goofy for a hilarious press conference that should become a HBO comedy special.
Comic Support: In front of the press, director David Atkins provides plenty of background laughter. For added effect, Helena Bonham Carter shakes her frizzy hairdo every time Martin delivers a comic zinger.
Martin, on acting in an independent movie: "I really wanted to do a low-budget movie. Then they tell you what you're going to get paid and you say, 'What?' "
On playing a dentist, again: "I consulted all dentists for Little Shop of Horrors. So I haven't really had a dentist since then."
On the Internet rumor that he's a Mormon: "I saw it once on the Internet. I was wearing a T-shirt in a movie, and it was interpreted that I was wearing garments like a Mormon. There are other rumors, too. There's the 'I'm gay' rumor, and I've been distributing that at every opportunity."
One reporter asks: "Steve, do you think you're funny?" Martin sums up his thoughts like this: "I think I have to."
Another reporter yells out: "Hey Steve, is there any one area of show biz you still want to explore?"
Martin's response is quick-witted and enthusiastic: "Uma Thurman!" ©
