Most famously known as heartthrob Ryan Atwood on The O.C., Benjamin McKenzie is now working his way onto the silver screen, hoping to land himself bigger roles in blockbuster hits.
Despite an inspired turn in the indie gem Junebug, McKenzie is trying his hand in more commercial, genre-based movies, like his upcoming thriller 88 Minutes starring Al Pacino (Righteous Kill).
McKenzie's main concern was the shift from a popular television series to a feature film. The young actor said his role selection was based on "picking things quite differently than The O.C. and teen films."
When considering a role in 88 Minutes, Pacino was the deciding factor. "Scenes with Al Pacino, that was it for me," McKenzie admitted.
Pacino plays protagonist Dr. Jack Gramm, a forensic psychiatrist who tries to figure out his own murder before it happens, after being told he will die in 88 minutes.
"It was shot out of sequence. It would be too difficult to shoot in sequence, but as the scenes go on it gets faster and faster paced in order to fit everything in," McKenzie said.
After graduating from the University of Virginia, McKenzie pursued an acting career in New York City, where he got his start performing in off-Broadway productions.
Very relaxed, calm, and collective, McKenzie is determined to move away from the Southern Californian image.
"I would play Dustin Hoffman's role in Tootsie. If I am going to play a role for 88 Minutes I might as well wear a dress. That would surely change people's perception of me," McKenzie said.
McKenzie was quick to acknowledge the toll shooting a television series for an extended period takes on actors.
"There is a lot of pressure shooting a show for a long time," McKenzie said.
When asked if he would ever consider going back to Broadway, McKenzie was optimistic.
"I would love to. Actually my newest role in the independent film Johnny Got His Gun is the closet thing to acting on stage that I have done," McKenzie said.
Between thrillers and art-infused indie films, the once-teen icon is poised to take a step into a new phase of his career.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
