There are few actors who need much of an introduction, and Jeff Bridges is one of them.

Of course to many, he might always be The Dude 20 years on fromThe Big Lebowski.

Gerald, the enigmatic neighbor of the storys young protagonist Thomas (Callum Turner).

The sparkling cast also includes Pierce Brosnan, Kate Beckinsale and Cynthia Nixon.

from getting out there too soon.

Jeff Bridges:Thank you.

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Best movie of the last year in my opinion.

Thank you very much.

Whats your approach these days to selecting roles as opposed to maybe years back?

Well, a couple of things come to mind.

My father, Lloyd Bridges, he had a very successful TV show in the 60s calledSea Hunt.

I took that as a clue.

I saw how he struggled with that, and I really didnt want to develop too strong a persona.

So I really set out trying to mix up and not develop this strong persona.

Are you a lot more selective now, as a result of that?

Christian Bale said something like that once, that he keeps making excuses why he cant take the part.

And then when he runs out of excuses, he does it.

I try not to do it, but the thing is too attractive, so thats my method.

What did you like about this guy, W.F.?

Did his character arc surprise you as you were reading the script?

Its fresh and it kicks you.

Is that something that also caught you about him?

I guess I didnt think of him as much as a New York character.

I love New York.

I was just talking about how much New York has changed.

My favorite part of New York really is Central Park.

I love Central Park, and that hasnt changed.

What do you think?

Where are you from?

Im a native New Yorker.

So what do you think about that?

Do you think Central Parks soul has remained intact?

I was a big Talking Heads fan, and I was sorry that I missed the whole CBGB scene.

This hotel I stayed at was right next door to where it was.

Now its some kind of mens store.

The film itself is also kind of a movie that were not seeing a lot of these days.

Yeah, mid-range, mid-budget movies that for a while there we werent seeing.

Its almost like youre in a family together, and theres a shorthand that you have with each other.

Youre both going to go through the same experiences.

So to create that relaxation, you engage.

Were making art together.

The Only Living Boy in New Yorkis out in limited release on Friday, Aug. 11.