High schooler Alex Shaffer was focused on the winning the State Wrestling Championship, when a friend suggested he apply to an open casting call for skilled teen wrestlers. Shaffer was dubious; his only acting experience had been a small part in his grade school’s production of The Pirates of Penzance. But the easy-going 17-year-old impressed the casting directors with his offbeat bravado, and soon he was meeting with acclaimed indie director Tom McCarthy. Intrigued by Shaffer’s effortless acting prowess and his decidedly non-jock look (the long bleached hair with dark roots), McCarthy invited him to callbacks. Not long after Shaffer won the title of New Jersey State Wrestling Champion, he was on set co-starring opposite Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan in McCarthy’s latest feature, Win Win.
The film, which gracefully mingles drama and comedy, is peopled with distinguished performers. Yet, newcomer Shaffer shines as Kyle, a gifted wrestler and introverted lost boy that Giamatti’s everyman, Mike, takes under his wing and into his home.
Recently, I had a chance talk with the affable Shaffer about his experience making Win Win.
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TFS: I’ve read that when you initially heard about the open casting call, you rejected the idea of applying, calling it “lame.” What changed your mind about auditioning?
Alex Shaffer: Well, my friend just kind of got into my head, he was just like, “Dude this is a once in a lifetime experience! You’re never ever going to get a shot like this again.” And I realized [he was right.] I mean everybody kind of has that thing in them like, “yeah, I want to be an actor when I grow up.” So I thought about it, and was like: there’s no reason not to, so I might as well. So I did, and I’m glad I did.
Had you seen McCarthy’s The Station Agent or The Visitor?
No, I hadn’t even heard of any of Tom’s work, which makes me seem – I feel stupid for not — because they are great movies!
Were you in any way intimidated working with Oscar-nominated actors Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan?
Not at the time. At the time I was still really focused on wrestling, and I didn’t have much of a care for acting. Being in the movie was something special and I looked on it like I was going to enjoy it, but it wasn’t States – and I’d just come from States. But for re-shoots I was very nervous. By that point it was kind of in my head like, “Oh. This is ridiculous!”
Fearing injury, the film’s producers barred you from wrestling practice during Win Win’s production. How long did this keep you off the mat?
I wasn’t allowed to – that’s a key word – I wasn’t allowed to go to practice for two months or so…But you know what, I cheated a little–a good amount of time.
You couldn’t stay away?
I stayed away the best that I could! But I did cheat as well. I did go to some practices.
What’s the worst injury you’ve sustained wrestling?
I broke the L-5 vertebrae in my back…It is the worst injury I’ve sustained. I’ve never actually [injured myself that badly before.] I’ve broken fingers in matches before, but that’s not even a big deal for wrestling and I mean I’ve gotten a bloody nose almost every single match.
Can you wrestle anymore?
Yeeeah, more or less I can’t wrestle anymore. Am I going to? Probably, yeah. But no, not now – not until it heals at least… I saw a bajillion different doctors and none of them could fix it, none of them could say how long it was going to take to heal. Hopefully it only takes a year to heal, but I’m definitely wrestling again this summer. But it’s probably going to be my last time.
How are you like Kyle and how are you different?
My wrestling compared to Kyle’s is much different. I mean I did put my moves into Kyle, but the way Kyle wrestles is that he’s kind of all over the kid. He’s really fierce, he’s real like at him the entire time. Compared to my style – I mean I’m fluid and I’m a big goofball is the way to explain it. I wrestle like a goofball; Kyle wrestles like a bad ass.
Me and Kyle. Well, I would say we’re similar in that we’re both good at wrestling, but the way we use it [is different.] He uses it as almost an escape from life.
And how do you use it?
I don’t really need to escape…[but] we both love it. It is my most – well it was- it was my most important thing in life, and it is Kyle’s most important thing in life.
What’s your most important thing in life, now?
You know what, I would probably have to say acting is the most important thing in my life right now!
So do have any film projects lined up yet?
No, not exactly yet.
But you are pursuing it?
Yes, I am pursuing it.
I think once this movie comes out, you shouldn’t have a problem finding roles. Who is your favorite actor?
Will Ferrell. Love him to death.
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Win Win opens in limited release Friday.