Brad, Jesse and fame

© Warner Bros

Though set over 100 years ago, your latest film comments on celebrity culture and the mythology of famous people. Is that what attracted you to the role?
That's not what completely attracted me to the role. I don't think that's the main point of the story, which Andrew (Dominik, director, ed.) can articulate better than any one of us. I do think it's an aspect of it, certainly. Getting into the story, I was surprised to see how much the tabloid media was alive and well at that time. Still there was sensationalism and fabrication of the facts - it was curious to see that not much has changed!

Do you not sometimes long for anonymity? How do you relate to people in Missouri, the place you grew up?
A lot of my family is still in Missouri so when I do go home and bring the grandkids home, it's mainly to spend time with family. It's a gentle, sweet place to be. As far as anonymity goes, I know the deal. I understand the tradeoff. There are great perks to what we do, we get to travel the world...the only time it becomes unmanageable is when it becomes a full-frontal assault on the kids. That's the only thing that bothers me.

Have you always imagined living your life in the spotlight? Did you ever wish you played your cards differently?
Well in some ways, you say: you made this deal, so that's part of it. On the other hand, you don't know what you're getting into. The bonus is the love for movies, to be a part of movies, and tell stories and be good at it. That's your focus.

Were you concerned about the recent incident in Venice where a female fan threw herself at you?
I haven't been jumped like that in some time. I don't want to change my life to give in to paranoia. We can be vulnerable in these situations and there are a couple of people out there not playing with a full deck...but I'm not changing a thing.