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Left Behind: The Movie
Interview With Kirk Cameron
Describe the role of Buck. What parts of this character's personality could you identify with?
 "Buck is a journalist. He can sniff out a story before any of the other journalists. He's always the first one there, gets the story and relates it so everyone understands what's going on. So he's extremely accomplished, and he knows it. He's a little cocky about it. He's a bit of a wise guy and charmer.
"The thing I can relate to is also the most interesting thing about Buck. Because of his success, he had a lot of self-confidence which led to an 'I know it all' attitude. At times he felt he was a sort of guide to the blind and the one to look to for the answers. As Buck started to put the pieces together of the whole big plan, he realized that the one behind it was so much bigger than anyone could have expected or written on paper. He realized he didn't know it all. That was a real humbling experience for Buck and something he desperately needed.
"I really was in need of a humbling experience at the height of Growing Pains. People would look at me and say, 'you've got it made, there's nothing else you could want or need.' The truth is that you can have everything, but until you have Jesus you have nothing. And that was the most important thing I ever learned. I was experiencing all the success the entertainment industry has to offer, but I knew there had to be something more. It was sort of through that God prepared me to hear about His great plan."
What makes this film different from others you've been involved with?
"This is by far the most challenging role I've ever played. It's such a different character for me to play. Most people are used to seeing the cute, lovable Mike Seaver. Buck is charming but serious about life, his career and finding out the truth. I wanted so much to bring the Buck of the Left Behind book to life for people. It was a really big challenge.
"The other challenge was to make a film that was a really good story with honest characters and not make a cookie cutter Christian movie with characters who talked with a lot of Christianese jargon. The big challenge was not to call this a great film and then when people get into theaters they discover it's a thinly disguised sermon. We wanted a film with real characters and a real story. One of the ways this was accomplished was by hiring Vic Sarin who is not a believer but committed to telling a honest story. I think this is going to be right up there with all the other really good movies made this year. What sets it apart is that it's leading people toward the truth about God without being obnoxious about it."
What was the highlight of your time on the set?
"The overall highlight was the opportunity to play an honest character who goes from total unbelief in God to becoming a believer. It was a great challenge. That's the journey every genuine Christian makes. Buck doesn't know any theology or terminology by end of movie, but he takes that one baby step of genuine faith."
Was there a particular scene which really moved you while filming?
"There were two. The scene in plane where people disappear 30,000 feet in air and nobody knows what's going on is highly memorable. I just have a clear picture in my mind of looking into the airplane seats and seeing people gone—their clothes left behind.
"The other memorable scene was where Buck starts to put the pieces together of what's happening and takes a minute to be by himself. He gets on his knees and prays to God for the first time in the bathroom. It was shot at 3 a.m., and I was more than exhausted. That day it seemed like everything was going against pulling this scene off in an honest and believable way. A couple of the producers woke up to be there and support me which was really cool. We prayed together and did the scene. It just went so smoothly. It was simple and real. It was like the camera and crew weren't even there. It's like it was just Buck talking to God."
Was there anything that has happened during your involvement with Left Behind: The Movie that surprised you?
"I was surprised by the money raised and placed in the production value of movie — things like hiring Ralph Winter and the London Symphony Orchestra. They put a lot into production and special effects. One scene contains hundreds of jet fighters and they brought in wheat fields. I was surprised to see how far they went to make this look like the real thing."
What has been the response among Christians and non-Christians to your involvement in the movie?
"I've heard only good response from the fans of the book through the website of me playing Buck. Jerry Jenkins said that he thought I was the perfect Buck. There's a lot of people who don't know who Buck is yet so they don't have any reaction.
"This isn't the first time you've been involved in filming with your wife. What is that like? What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing a role beside Chelsea?
"It's great. We love working together. I would say the advantage is that we know each other so well that she knows when I don't feel right about a scene and I know when she's not comfortable with something. We speak the same language so we can help each other out.
"Our first priority is our kids. We have a family that helps us watch the kids, but it makes it challenging if we're both working at the same time. We want to be with our kids. When we're working together for long hours on the film sometimes it doesn't leave much time to get away from the movie. We come home and both have been through the same stressful, challenging day. Sometimes we just go to sleep. That can be challenging. It's nice when we work together, but it's also nice when we don't and one can come home and find someone with a fresh perspective. There are pros and cons to both."
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