Don Johnson
 A Conversation with Don Johnson
(Benjamin Tyson / Co-Executive Producer)

Q: What attracted you to this role?
A: This character is multifaceted, and the story is very strong. There are many layers to it, like peeling an onion, and each layer has another dynamic. That is very refreshing for an actor. I think people have a preconceived notion that I only play heroes like Nash Bridges and Sonny Crockett. This character is very contained. He's taken a part of his life and put it in a capsule. Even though he hasn't consciously thought about these events in the past 30 years, it has eaten away at him. When the memory is brought back to the surface, all the pain, nightmares and insanity come flooding back. He is invited to exhibit once again this extraordinary courage in how he deals with the incredible injustice that's about to be served to him.

Q: How is this movie relevant?
A: We live in a time in which the media take normal people and turn them into 21st-century versions of the dunking chair--it's about public humiliation. In this film, a Vietnam veteran is, 30 years later, being charged with war crimes. The media turns his life upside down. The lunacy of war is only surpassed by the lunacy of the media. My character states that it's become an international disgrace, and I think that's very accurate. This is a powerful story with very compelling characters.

Q: How did your son, Jesse, become involved in this project?
A: The casting people asked if he would read for the part. I told them I was out of it, but, if they wanted him, great. Jesse is really putting in his time. It takes an incredible amount of discipline and courage to be successful in this business. If you put in the time, you have a chance at a long career. Jesse is not impressed with the fame part of the business. He's more into the work. He's an incredible writer, musician and singer. And I'm not saying that just because he's my son. He's an extraordinary artist.

Q: How was it working with the cast?
A: Sharon's a wonderful actress. She's done a lot of theater, television and film. She's put in her time and is a pro. Jeanne and I come from the same part of the country--she's from Oklahoma and I'm from Missouri. So we just have a kindred relationship. I was very comfortable working with her. It's just a wonderful cast, Arliss Howard and John Heard included.