We talk to South Dublin’s most infamous resident Ross O’Carroll Kelly about his movie watching habits…
Ross O’Carroll Kelly first appeared in a satirical column in the sports section of The Sunday Tribune in January 1998. Twelve-and-a-half years later, the column is still going strong. It spawned 9 best selling novels and two plays, the newest ‘Between Foxrock & A Hardplace’ opens in Dublin this week at The Olympia Theatre for a four-week run.
MOVIES.IE : How often to you get to sit down and watch a movie?
ROSS : At the moment, two or three times a day. I’m currently working on a book called The Gentleman’s Guide To Movies That Birds For Some Reason Basically Love. It’s essentially an A to Z encyclopedia of every chick-flick ever made – except it’s for, like, blokes? So it’s going to include helpful suggestions, like lines you might use at various points to demonstrate your sensitivity, then tips on when you might consider dropping the hand.
MOVIES.IE : Tell us about the last movie you saw? (either in cinema, video, DVD or TV)
ROSS : I finished watching Pretty Woman about fifteen minutes ago for, like, the twentieth time. It’s a simple fact of life that girls love guys who love that film. Make your move, incidentally, when Julia Roberts says, “She rescues him right back,” then throws the lips on Richard Gere on the steps of the fire escape. It’s never failed for me.
MOVIES.IE : What is your favourite Irish movie and why?
ROSS : I would have to say Adam and Paul. It’s reminded me why I haven’t been anywhere north of D’Olier Street since 1996.
MOVIES.IE : What is your favourite movie of all time?
ROSS : Probably You’ve Got Mail, because it’s basically Sleepless in Seattle for the information generation.
MOVIES.IE : What movie could you never sit through again?
ROSS : The Passion. I went to see in the cinema and realized after, like, fifteen minutes that I’d got the totally wrong end of the stick.
MOVIES.IE : Describe your ideal movie cast… (actor, actress & director)
ROSS : Hanks, Ryan, Nora Ephron – and loads of songs by Peter Cetera.
MOVIES.IE : Have you ever cried during a movie? Which one?
ROSS : No, but I’ve pretended to during every movie I’ve watched with a girl since Jerry Maguirecame out.
MOVIES.IE : Favourite movie snack?
ROSS : Tongue.
MOVIES.IE : Favourite TV programme?
ROSS : TV3’s Xpose. Or as I call it, The News.
MOVIES.IE : Who would play you in the movie adaptation of your life?
ROSS : Possibly Matt Damon, although he’d obviously need to put in the hours in the gym.
‘Between Foxrock and a Hard Place’ will play at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin, from 15 October to 14 November. ‘The Oh My God Delusion’ is available from all good bookshops from 7 October.
For more info visit www.rosstheplay.com