The Phoenix

Issue date: 2/28/07 Section: Diversions

The tagline: "In marriage, no one can hear you scream," sums up the feelings of Richard Cooper (Chris Rock) in "I Think I Love My Wife." These sentiments are played out by Rock as a man bored with his married life and finds himself at a crossroads when an old flame comes back to town to tempt him away from everything he knows. Although the film doesn't open until March 16, the Phoenix caught up with Rock while he was in Chicago.Seeing him clad in a smart green sweater, casually sitting on the couch, you'd never guess that this is the same man known for his shouting antics and high energy. He exudes calmness. His jokes are even funnier in person, but instead of hammering you over the head with insight, they're more relaxed, almost side notes. His presence is a reminder of his depth.

Phoenix: You take a turn for the dramatic in this film. How does that feel compared to what you're used to playing?

Chris Rock: I know this doesn't make any sense, but because I was more dramatic, it led to more funny scenes.

Phoenix: So, this was based off of an older movie?

CR: An old movie called "Chloe in the Afternoon." I believe it [was released] in '68.

Phoenix: What were your experiences with the first film?

CR: It was just a movie I bumped into. I was looking through the aisles of Tower Records - remember that place? It's like the Charlotte Hornets or something. They used to be a team. No Bobcats. Anyway, I probably bought 20 foreign movies that day, and this one had a naked girl on the cover so … so I watched the one with the naked girl on the cover and loved it. I called up Louis C.K., and got him a copy of it. He loved it. And it's a drama, but we both saw where the comedy could go and there you go.

Phoenix: This is your second time in the director's chair. So what's it like this time around as opposed to the first? What's different?

CR: I think [this] movie is better than the last one. I think [this] movie looks better than the last one. The camera is moving. I got better actors in this one. I think the last time I directed, I was just shooting jokes; I mean there's some good stuff in "Head of State," but I was just shooting jokes, I didn't care about the "movie" of it all. This one I'm trying to tell the story but also visually at the same time.

Phoenix: How does this film relate to your married life?

CR: Just like it. No, A little details here and there, like spelling [words] around the kids and "The Wiggles" on TV, crap like that.

Continued...

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