Rory Culkin, the little brother of child star Macaulay Culkin, took on his first major role in 2002, starring opposite Mel Gibson in the thriller "Signs" (out now to buy on DVD). The boy of few words talks here about making the film and sibling rivalry.
Why did you want to become an actor?
I grew up on a set and saw my family doing it and thought, I can do that too.
What do you feel you've learned from your brothers' experiences in the movies?
It is not like we sit and talk about acting. It is like I said before, watching them do it taught me.
You played younger versions of Macaulay and Kieran in "The Good Son" and "Igby Goes Down". Was it good preparation for striking out on your own?
That helped a lot, little by little I learned more.
How much of a sibling rivalry is there between you and your brothers?
None at all.
Any chance of the Culkin brothers appearing together in a film at any point?
No idea, we'll see.
How do you choose your roles and how do you prepare for them?
It isn't always the character but the whole story that interests me.
How did the experience of working with M Night Shyamalan compare with working with Kenneth Lonergan on "You Can Count On Me"?
They were very different. It was Kenny's first film and Night already had some experience, so it was different. But both were great experiences.
How did Night direct you?
He'd ask me what I thought before he'd tell me what I should do.
What was Mel Gibson like on-set? He has a reputation for being a practical joker...
He was really funny, but no pranks.
Did you find the movie scary when you watched it?
Yeah, I didn't know some of the things that were going to happen and I didn't know what the alien looked like.
How have your friends reacted to your acting career?
I don't usually talk about that.
Do you believe in aliens?
Yes of course. So many unexplained things. In the whole universe - there's no way we could be the only ones.
Did you watch many UFO movies to prepare for the film?
No, but I did after. Doing this movie made me interested.
What's your favourite movie?
How did you like working with Michael Douglas in "It Runs in the Family"?
He was cool, he was good.
What's your role?
I play his youngest son.
What are you doing next?
The next thing is a movie in Texas this summer.
