MOVIE FEATURE

Mel Gibson takes on an off-beat role in The Singing Detective
 
Detective Duo: Gibson & Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. certainly has something to sing about, and that is exactly what he's doing in his first film role since being released from prison two years ago. The movie is called The Singing Detective, and it's a bit risky, not just because it's a musical, but because not everyone in Hollywood is willing to put their faith in Downey after his highly publicized drug and legal problems. But Access Hollywood's Nancy O'Dell found one big star who is -- Robert's close confidant, co-star and boss, Mel Gibson.

It's a friendship that has lasted over a decade, a friendship that Robert Downey Jr. relied on during his troubled past. So when it came time to re-emerge as a movie star, Robert turned to his pal Mel, who was more than willing to give Downey a second chance.

Mel describes the top-secret project, The Singing Detective, as a dramedy musical, which is based on a British mini-series. An easygoing attitude filled the set of the movie. When Nancy visited the devilish duo, their down time was filled with a lot of friendly banter covering an array of topics ...

Nancy: So this is the first time you two have been together in a movie since 1989?

Robert: Yeah

Mel: Yeah, and only for four days.

Nancy: How did this come about?

Mel: Well, we're working for four days but actually it's better than the entire film we did before. It's actually four quality days.

Nancy: So you actually approached him

Mel: I did, yeah. He was a natural, I thought. He could do it on his ear. He's been doing great, but I'm watching him.

Robert: There is still two days left to blow it though, and that is sort of my forte. It can happen.

Nancy: Now tell us a little bit about this movie, because there has been some stuff, and a little bit has been secretive, but it is somewhat of a musical? How much of a musical is it?

Robert: (singing) Bells are ringing for me and my gal! Turn off that cell phone. ... I'm sorry, you want to answer that one, boss?

Mel: It's a dramedy with music.

Nancy: What percentage of the movie is music?

Robert: Let me do a breakdown ...

Mel: 15 percent.

Robert: Yep.

Nancy: Do you both sing or just Robert?

Mel: We both do a little but mostly lip-synching. I think if the gods smile on us Robert will actually do a song just to wind it up and show his naturally talented dulcet tones.

Nancy: I've heard Robert has been called a musical genius. Is that something you think about yourselves?

Mel: Robert has many aspects that are surprising. I  remember when I first met him he was chomping away composing things on a keyboard like some kind of twisted Mozart locked in a hotel in Thailand, you know. The guy can play instruments, he's writing stuff and then, you know, he breaks down into poetry. ... Yes, he is talented. He can dance, sing, and he's got the gift of the gab.

Nancy: How is he [Gibson] as a producer of this film? Is he tough?

Mel:  Doesn't get any better (laughs).

Robert: Well, when he is tough you will never know it because he'll be taken off in a chopper to go do something much more important. But, yeah, you couldn't ask for a better boss. Then he's coming in and just doing a real surprising and off-beat turn in the movie that people are just yucking it up. It's great, it's really good.

Nancy: One of the things that a lot of people admire about you, Robert, is that you have been candid about your past, and Mel, I know that you are very candid about your history with alcohol.

Mel: Yeah, thanks.

Nancy: Did you give him any advice, as a good friend, to help him get through the tough times?

Mel: No, he's given me advice -- I swear.

Robert: I've been living the advice.

Nancy:  It's great that Hollywood has supported you and you have come and turned everything around now. I  think this movie is such representation because you guys are such good friends. How did you feel about all the support you got from your friends in Hollywood?

Robert: Well, there are certain people who have just been consistent all throughout, you know. It was my own inconsistency that was in question. So I'm just kind of on the same page as all the other people. I just decided to join the team, you know.