Actor Dermot Mulroney
was honored with an American Independent Award at this year's Philadelphia
Film Festival. Immediately after the ceremony was the premiere screening of
the independent film Dante's Inferno,
with Mulroney in the lead role.
Mulroney, 43, has enjoyed a long-running success in mainstream films,
most notably as Julia Roberts' fiancé in My Best Friend's Wedding
and as Jack Nicholson's son-in-law in About Schmidt.
However, Mulroney has never turned his back on independent films and
the artists who have a passion for them. In fact, he co-produced and
co-starred in the landmark indie Living In Oblivion,
which details and celebrates the effort it takes to get a film project off
the ground. In the years since its premiere in 1995, Oblivion
has become a cult classic and a cautionary tale for those about to embark on
putting a script to film.
He
also appeared in the acclaimed indies Lovely and Amazing
and Undertow. As well, he is
producer of the current documentary God
Grew Tired of Us.
"I'm especially honored to be here, especially [since this event] has
to do with independent film and independent artists," Mulroney said upon
receiving his award. "I'm especially touched tonight."
His latest appearance (voice only) in the animated Dante's Inferno
was well received by an enthusiastic crowd.
Director Sean Meredith was also on hand after the screening, to
discuss his unusual take on the 700-year-old literary classic. The film is
told through the visual effect of hand-drawn puppets most commonly used in
children's toy theater. However, the script has a very subversive,
South Park sensibility.
"I can honestly say that this is the most disgusting film I've ever
been involved in," Mulroney declared to rousing cheers from the audience,
referring to its artfully candid use of sex and violence.
"My mom's going to watch it too," Mulroney mentioned nervously before
the screening.
The actor was born and raised in suburban Virginia, but has family in
the Philadelphia area. His father is a professor at Villanova University.
Mulroney is currently appearing in the feature-film Zodiac.
He will soon be seen in Gracie, co-starring
Elisabeth Shue, and Six Bullets From Now,
with Josh Lucas and Tim Roth.
CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT DERMOT
MULRONEY HAD TO SAY TO US IN 2012!
CLICK HERE TO
SEE WHAT DERMOT MULRONEY HAD TO SAY TO US IN 2016!
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