There's a reason there have been so many sightings lately of Sissy Spacek, Robert Duvall and Bill Murray around Atlanta: They're shooting a film in the area called "Get Low."
The respected actors, whose resumés are packed with classic films such as "Apocalypse Now," "Coal Miner's Daughter" and "Groundhog Day," are working together for the first time.
None are doing "Get Low" for a big paycheck. The independent film about a reclusive Tennessee man who holds a funeral for himself is being made for $7 million, a pittance compared to major Hollywood flicks.
"This is," Spacek said, "a real labor of love. Robert has really carried the torch on this one. He's the reason the film got made."
Duvall, who has deep roots in the South and family in Milledgeville, said the cast "is as good as 'The Godfather.' "
Murray was drawn by the script and the people who helped put the film together. "I couldn't find a reason not to do it," said the often elusive actor. The trio spoke in an exclusive interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution this weekend at a Cobb County hotel.
"Get Low" is seeking 1,000 or more extras in 1930s-era garb Wednesday for a shoot at Pickett's Mill Battlefield State Park in Paulding County. The scene: a big funeral party featuring live bluegrass music, drinks and food. Attendees won't be paid but will be eligible for prizes such as flat-screen TVs and autographed scripts. Go to www.getlowextras.com for details on how to participate and when to arrive.
Duvall, who plays the curmudgeon lead character Felix Bush, will have a major speaking role that day at the funeral.
"It's going to be a party atmosphere," Spacek promised. "We want everyone to have fun. I suggest people bring lawn chairs, jackets and comfortable shoes."
Murray said shooting will be "fast and furious. We'll be making a lot of movie in a short amount of time. This is the climax of the film. A lot of stuff happens." He also had a request for potential extras: "Come with some jokes!"
All three have been sampling the food and entertainment in the area in their off time.
Murray, who claims a golf handicap of 11, said he and fellow actor Lucas Black played 18 holes at East Lake Golf Club Friday. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play it," he said. "It was so much fun. We played the 18th hole from the back tee. What a hard hole!"
Duvall tried the Ghetto burger from Ann's Snack Bar, dubbed by the Wall Street Journal as America's best."I had to wait awhile but I was impressed," Duvall said. (He's also been to eateries ranging from the Vortex to the Buckhead Diner to Bones.)
Spacek rented a car with a GPS, found a nearby Whole Foods and hit the malls. She plans to visit the Georgia Aquarium before she leaves. The film is scheduled to end its shoot later this week.
Murray said most of his shooting days have been overcast or wet — and the weather was equally dismal on the golf course Friday. "People call this the sunny South?" he said. "That's about as big a lie as April in Paris!"
Go to Movie Talk online for more extensive Q&As with the actors.
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