Shia LaBeouf: MSN Interview

Q: How far fetched is it to think things like computers and cell phones can be used to invade our lives?

A: I tell you what got my attention. There was a CIA guy on the set who played back a cell phone conversation I'd had two years ago. It's a tangible reality that one in five phone conversations you have is recorded, that your ADT security box in your home can be activated and used against you. Big Brother is invading our lives because we've allowed him to and that's terrifying.

 

Q: As a celebrity, you're already used to giving up your privacy, aren't you?

A: I kind of live in a fishbowl, but what people don't realize is that I'm not the only one. The irony is they say to me, 'I don't know how you can deal with being followed and recorded everywhere you go.' And while they're saying that they may be getting recorded.  Steven Spielberg expected people would stay away from the beach after they saw Jaws. Now he's betting that people will take a second look at their cell phones after they see this movie.

 

Q: But aren't we all hooked on the convenience of new technologies?

A: I'm as geeky as most in my generation. I think that you have to learn how to use technology in today's age. It's sort of like using your hands. If you want to succeed in any career, you need to know how to use technology. It's become like a mandatory thing whatever the down side. I guess I'm most attached to my X-Box. I like video games a lot.

 

Quantum Of Solace Special

 

Eagle Eye Trailer

Q: There were a lot of scenes in the movie where it didn't seem like a stunt man was taking the hard knocks for you.

A: I got some cuts that were stitched up and some bruises, but I wasn't going to call for a stunt guy because Michelle Monaghan was so gung-ho. I mean she was all padded up and ready to go like, 'Bring it on.' So I wasn't going to wimp out. I guess there might have been a little competition between us.

 

Q: There's a lot of sexual tension but no big romance between the two of you.

A: I think if we'd had an overtly passionate relationship it would have cheapened the whole film. It would have been one more Hollywood fantasy. Sometimes lovers aren't allowed to be together. That happens a lot in life, but you rarely see it in a film anymore. Anyway, with all the action there was no time for romance.

 

Q: You survived a serious car accident and really hurt your hand. What happened?

A: I just remember a car coming at me really fast and then my truck flipped twice. I had my arm out the window which is how my fingers got crushed. It was pretty bad and I'm due back for a second operation but I think I'll be fine.

 

Q: What's the background of your unusual name?

A: In French, LaBeouf means 'beef,' but mine is spelled wrong. It should be 'LaBoeuf.' My grandmother was a beatnik lesbian in the '50s, who hated her family and decided to change the spelling, and it's been that way ever since. So you go to France and people are like, 'LaBeouf? You have an illiterate last name.' By the way, Shia is a bad four-letter word in French. So the literal translation of my name is 'S*** the Beef.'  Kind of rock-starry isn't it?"

 

Q: How do you feel about your amazing ride to Hollywood success?

A: I think I've just been riding coattails. I mean, come on, Indy Jones was going to be a success whether I was in it or not. You could have put Freddie Prinze Jr. in my part. Put Frankie Muniz in Transformers and it still would have been a hit. So I realize how lucky I've been.

 

Q: Ever thought about taking a break from filming?

A: I thought about going to college after doing Disturbia and majoring in film. Then Steven called and offered me Indy Jones. I thought, 'Do I want to hear someone lecturing about Steven Spielberg or be on the set watching him work?'

 

Eagle Eye Trailer

 

From Parade Magazine

 

 

Check Out Shia LaBeouf's Biography On MSN Movies