THIS JUST IN
WHAT'S NEW FOR EZRA
(Background photo of Ezra Buzzington taken by Jonathan Harris)
December 20, 2001
I have been cast in a commercial for SONIC BURGER Restaurants. It is a southern regional chain of restaurants. They have cast me as a barber. Shooting should be the second week of the new year.
November 29, 2001
My theatre life is busy these days. In between my performances at Theatre of Note I flew home for Thanksgiving and was in a dramatic reading of
A MULHOLLAND CHRISTMAS CAROL
November 2, 2001
Opening night for three one act plays collectively called NEAR LIFE at the Theatre of Note. I am brilliant of course. I play an aging man trying to connect with his adult son and not succeeding who then turns to the fortune cookies that come with his daily chinese meal, hoping to find some meaning for his life in the fortunes.
September 2, 2001
Everybody in the film industry knows that when you begin a project it's as if you've been brought into a new extended family. This is not always such a good thing. Sometimes it works like a well-tuned machine. Other times it falls apart like a cheap suit and everybody who doesn't die gets sued.
But, just like families, film sets are full of intrigue, "dysfunction", vendettas, agendas and slights. They are also made up of special bonds, shared joys, secret laughs and tolerated truths.
But the one true thing about working on a film, or any other project, I suppose, is the inevitable and unavoidable certainty that the extended family of which you are a currently part is, at its core, temporary.
This can conjure great sadness. It can also be the one thought that gets you through a hellish project. "Well, at least it's temporary."
Whenever a film wraps there is a joyous cry of victory immediately followed by a shared emptiness that creates a void where, only moments before, had been something substantive if intangible. Even if one is going right into another project, there is the sense that this special world that had been created specifically for this short period of time, this esthetic machine incorporating a one time only mix of individuals who came together briefly to create a specific something, has now disappeared into the ether and can never be recreated. For the wise there is also a joy in knowing their own place in that act of creativity. Like having children, that to which you have contributed will live on after you.
But there's still that void.
Which brings me to my recent bit of news.
While working on "The Towering Inferno: The Musical" I was struck by the ease with which a number of the cast members could work with each other. It was as if they knew what the other was thinking at any given moment and would, on occasion, finish each others' sentences. I noticed that all of the people who shared this intimacy were members of the same theatre company:
There's an old theatre exercise called "The Machine". A group of actors are given a subject or a theme: "The Bush Administration", for example, or "violence in our schools". An actor then approaches the playing area and creates a movement which s/he repeats (like a machine) as s/he says a line and repeats that in tandem with the movement. Another actor then incorporates him/herself into the machine by adding on to the movement and vocalization. It's an ensemble building exercise designed to assist in creating a physical and aural dependence the other ensemble members.
If one cog gets screwed up, the entire machine can easily collapse and everybody would die. Or get an eye poked out. Or, maybe, be sued. So one must be dependent on the entire ensemble so as to achieve the goal of creating the machine.
I have been invited to join Theatre Of Note.
And I have accepted.
Because they couldn't go on without me.
And I just couldn't make a machine by myself.
August 18, 2001
Buy CANON.
That's my new mantra.
Please.
Please buy CANON copiers.
And tell them Ezra sent you.
I shot a CANON copier commercial last week. It should start airing nationally on the major networks in October. It was was a kick. I got to spend the entire shoot laughing. Literally. The bit is that I've found something extremely funny on the copier. And I literally fall down laughing. We shot on the 14th in an industrial area of L.A. down near the airport. When the director saw me at the shoot he came over and said: "Hey, I saw GHOST WORLD last night."
"Oh, did you like it?"
"Loved it," quoth he, "you were great."
Not a bad way to start a shoot.
Speaking of GHOST WORLD, the reviews are absolutely fantastic.
I've heard two negative comments about the film and I've discounted them both as just a matter of personal taste. I'm very lucky to have been associated with such great artistic projects as GHOST WORLD, FIGHT CLUB, and MAGNOLIA. The other films I've done have been great in their own ways as well, but to be attached to classics, well, that's a different kind of feather in one's cap.
Word is that RAIN starring MELORA WALTERS, JAMEY SHERIDAN and DIANE LADD (which I shot in Iowa last October) has been accepted into the VENICE FILM FESTIVAL. The name might change as there is another film out there by the same title. I can't seem to find a website address for their current festival, so, if you happen to know of one, please forward it on to me so I can post it. I think it runs later this month.
SAY IT ISN'T SO should be available on DVD and video soon. Check your local stores and check it out. The reviews were overly cruel to this film. I think due mostly politics (the fact that it was the first Farrelly Brothers produced film that didn't feature them as directors.) But check it out. It's the same director (J.B. Rogers) who just released AMERICAN PIE II.
And remember:
Buy CANON.
July 27, 2001
I shot an interesting role on a new feature film written and directed by Susan Emshwiller this week. It's called MOTHER'S DAY. Susan wrote "Pollock" which won Marcia Gay Harden the Oscar this year. Susan has worked a lot for Robert Altman who, if I have one, could be classified as my idol. The high concept script deals with the "what if" scenario of mothers drinking some tainted milk and committing matricide. It's very darkly funny. I play a haggard dad who has taken his two kids out for dinner as he doesn't know what else to do with them. I had a seventeen month old kid named "Max" and a nine year old named "Bennett" to work with. Both were wonderful. The little one actually started getting a bit cranky but all he would say was "Mommeee..." so I picked him up and bounced him a little bit and he'd be better. It was perfect for the scene and I really loved the challenge of making the unpredictable moments work. It was also fun because I got to suffer a breakdown on camera.
We shot out in Canyon Country and I got to goof around with some horses and a goat while on break.
Who wouldn't love making movies?
GHOST WORLD opened to great reviews this last weekend. I went and saw it again at my local plex. I hadn't seen it since the screening and I liked it even more the second time around. Halfway through I'm sitting there thinking how proud I am to have been involved with the piece. It's great making movies. But it's better making art.
June 26, 2001
It's big! It's plaid! And it's ON FIRE!!!
Fire in the theatre! Fire in the theatre!
For the last few weeks I've been rehearsing
"TOWERING INFERNO - The Musical!"
for Theatre of Note in Hollywood. This is the craziest group of people I've encountered since my brief but beneficial stay at The Squeaky Fromme Mental Institute & Water Park back in '76.
Ah, Youth, you trickster...
I've had the time of my life with this group of assorted nuts. I play the Fred Astaire role of "Harlee" and am doubling as the "Gala Dedication Announcer" and a member of the Singing San Francisco Fireman's Brigade. (My Fireman is clearly influenced by Freddie Mercury and the Leather Man from "Village People".)
The show opens July 6th and runs on Friday and Saturday nights at 10PM through August 11th. Check out Theatre of Note website for locations and numbers and get your polyester covered carcass down to Cahuenga and Sunset!
GHOST WORLD is set to open in major cities on July 20th. Look for it and experience existential angst and a KILLER soundtrack. Also check out http://www.twinkleland.com/gwsite/
It's a great independent site dealing with all things GHOST WORLD.
My episode of THE HUNTRESS will air on the USA Network on July 29th. To see me you have to catch it from the very beginning. I'm the opening bit and it's a kick of a show so you'll probably want to watch the whole thing anyway. Go to the Huntress Website
April 26, 2001
Filming has begun on SECRETARY but I won't start shooting till next week. And my role has been changed (made bigger). Now I'll be playing the lead character's sadistic typing teacher. I've grown a goatee for the role and I'm working on my sneer. People seem to like it a lot so I'm considering keeping it. The goatee that is.
I shot a commercial for the UK last week. It's for the ONE TO ONE communication network. So if you find yourself in the UK starting next month, keep your eye out. I play the garden center employee who has a fender bender with a girl to whom I eventually get married. The shoot was very low stress and a lot of fun. We shot down by McArthur Park (You know, the one that's "melting in the dark") all day. Luckily, the weather held and we had sun for the entire shoot. Unluckily, we wanted rain on the third day. That was a bit tough. We'd have to wait for a cloud, shoot a few times, stop, wait for a cloud, shoot a few times...you get the idea. We lucked out (for the most part) with the cast. Everybody was very cool and professional.
I've also changed managers. I'm now managed across the board by:
RACHEL ROTHMAN AND ASSOCIATES
I'm very excited to be working with Rachel. She was head of the film department at Acme Talent for a few years until she crossed over to talent management last year. She's a great gal and I know we're going to make millions of dollars together. Here's to a beautiful working relationship that, I hope, will blossom into a lifelong friendship as well.
My agency remains PARADIGM.
March 14, 2001
Just booked the role of Mr. Garvey in James Spader's next indie flick SECRETARY. The script is extraordinary. The screenplay was written by Erin Cressida Wilson (based upon the story by Mary Gaitskill - story adapted by Ms. Wilson and Steven Shainberg). It deals with a delicate and complex love affair between a case lawyer and his secretary. The relationship is based on a deeply rooted need that threatens to annihilate them both. My role is that of a persnickety client of Mr. Spader's lawyer character - Mr. Grey. Leslie Ann Warren is also in the film. It's directed by Steven Shainberg.
SAY IT ISN'T SO's opening was pushed back one week to the 23rd of March.
Their web site is now up. www.sayitisntsomovie.com.
March 01, 2001
The trailer for SAY IT ISN'T SO has started playing on television and in the theatres. Look for me in the role of Stewart (Chris Klein's toothless buddy). It opens March 16th in wide release.
Also, internet reports on GHOST WORLD have started cropping up. You can find some info at www.aint-it-cool-news.com. The reviews are very positive so far.
February 28, 2001
This week I shot an episode of THE HUNTRESS. I Guest Starred as con-man Minister Harlan Beauville who "marries" a very pregnant trailer trash bride and her beau and is then knocked stupid by the bride when she discovers the con. Working with Annette O'Toole and Robby Benson was a thrill and a half in spite of the crappy weather in Santa Clarita.
February 5, 2001
THE MILLION DOLLAR HOTEL finally opened this last week in limited release. I shot this one quite a while ago. They had trouble getting domestic distribution even though it won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival last year. This, apparently, to the great consternation of some people. When the film was announced, it was reported that there were several resounding "Boo's". Nobody has a ho-hum attitude about his film. Even it's star, Mel Gibson, publicly called it "boring as a dog's butt". (Though he has since recanted.) I don't know what he calls it now. It's director, Wim Wenders, is not one whose aesthetic goes down easily. Anyone who has seen his previous films WINGS OF DESIRE or THE END OF VIOLENCE knows that Mr. Wenders' vision is a specific one. And not one that kowtows to the public's general tastes. Some call him brilliant. Others think he's overrated. I found him professional to work with and the film is a visual treat. Go (if you can find it) and decide for yourselves. Oh, and the script is by Bono of U-2. If that means anything to you. It also stars Milla Javovich, Peter Stormare, Bud Cort (see pictures), Gloria Graham, Jimmy Smits (who was the nicest person on set) and Amanda Plummer among others.
January 29, 2001
Run, do not walk to the video store and purchase your DVD copy of ME, MYSELF AND IRENE. Oh, okay. Rent it. Whatever. The Brothers Farrelly did, indeed, include the rest of my scene on the DVD release. Check out "Hat on Fire" in the deleted scenes section. Check out the brothers' commentary as well. They actually wonder as they're watching me drive the burning car while wearing my headbrace why they cut the scene to begin with. Well, I gotta wonder that too, guys! Hey, I know a way to make up for it! Put me in your next film!
January 23, 2001
The DVD of ME, MYSELF AND IRENE should be released today. The DVD includes a scene of mine with Jim Carrey that was cut from the version released in theatres. It is called the flaming hat scene.
December 25, 2000
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year
November 7, 2000
Not only is today Election Day but I am appearing on BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER.
October 13, 2000
I've been booked for the movie THE MAN FROM ELYSIAN FIELDS starring Andy Garcia, Julianna Margulies, Angelica Huston and Mick Jagger.
October 7, 2000
Leaving for Iowa to shoot RAIN. Shooting is scheduled to last three weeks.
September 21, 2000
Today I shot an episode of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER. I play the bartender in the 'Demon Bar'
August 2000
With the help of my new agent at Paradigm, I have been cast in a new movie to be called RAIN. I will be playing the part of Deputy Patterson. It is being produced by Martin Scorcese.
July 2000
I have changed agents. I am now represented theatrically by Paradigm.
310.277.4400
June and July
The Screen Actors Guild is on strike against advertisers, who would like to pay us less than ever, in spite of the fact that on-screen talent accounts for about 2% of their advertising budgets.
June 5, 2000
My scene with Jim Carrey is featured in the movie theatre trailers for
ME, MYSELF AND IRENE.
To see the television trailer, (I'm not in this one) go to the official movie site.
April 8, 2000
I have finished shooting my part in ME, MYSELF & IRENE. The movie is directed by the Farrelly brothers, who liked my work in SAY IT ISN'T SO, and were kind enough to request me for this project. My scene was with Jim Carrey. I got to wear a halo (head/neck brace) and do a stunt bit in a flaming car.
March 30, 2000
My name is in VARIETY this week, announcing my part in GHOST WORLD.
March 23, 2000
The writers and director of GHOST WORLD have rewritten their screenplay to incorporate my grandfather (they are fans). He was a band leader in the days of vaudeville and Steve Buscemi's character is a fan of that style of music. I have provided them with a family picture of my grandfather to use in the set.
March 03, 2000
Booked a part on ARLI$$. I play a record store clerk who gets irritated with Rita (Sandra Oh) and Ronny (Madison Mason.).
March 03, 2000
Also, today I booked a supporting role in the new movie GHOST WORLD, directed by Terry Zwigoff (Crumb) and produced by John Malkovich. The cast includes Thora Birch (American Beauty), Steve Buscemi (Fargo) and Brad Renfro (Apt Pupil).
February 26, 2000
Just shot a national commercial for
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL 2000, a new video game.
February 26, 2000
I'll be shooting the NEW Farrelly Brothers Movie SAY IT ISN'T SO. Starring Chris Klein (American Pie, Election) and Heather Graham (Boogie Nights, Austin Powers - the Spy Who Shagged Me). Pic also stars Sally Field.
January 2000
The film WOMAN CHASER starring Patrick Warburton was shown at the Sundance Festival. I play a creepy piano playing lounge singer.
January 7, 2000
I am shooting an episode of THE HUGHLEYS the second week of January.
It will air on February 25th.
January 2, 2000
I shot a commercial the last week of December. A good end to the fake millenium.
October 1999
l can be seen in FIGHT CLUB with Ed Norton and Brad Pitt.
I can be seen in Paul Thomas Anderson's MAGNOLIA with Tom Cruise.
You will be seeing me in MILLION DOLLAR HOTEL With Mel Gibson. The screenplay is by Bono of U2.