An Eye-Popping Journey

Actor Brendan Fraser Talks About Movies, His Favorite Books . . . and a Glow Bird

Actor Brendan Fraser stars in a new adventure flick, "Journey to the Center of the Earth." You might remember Fraser from such movies as "Looney Tunes: Back in Action," "Dudley Do-Right" and "The Mummy." The new film is based on a book with the same name that has been considered a classic since it was first published -- way back in 1864. (Think about that for your summer reading list!) This "Journey" has cool effects, but it's still about an uncle, his nephew and their guide finding themselves in a strange underground world.

Ellen McCarthy talked with Fraser about what it was like to make this movie and why he likes being an actor.

What was the best part of making this movie?

"Going on location to Iceland. Incredible, diverse terrain, remarkably remote. Visually stunning. "

What's your favorite part about this job?

"Being different people. Going different places and then appreciating your home even more, when you can come back to it."

If you weren't an actor, what would you be?

"Unemployed! No, but I don't know what else I would do. I'd be a person with a very sad face."

This movie is based on a book. What was your favorite book as a kid?

"It would've been authored by Roald Dahl. I really, really, really, really, really, really liked 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.' But I don't know if that was my favorite. . . . I remember reading one called, 'Danny the Champion of the World.' That was a collection of short stories that were very dark and creepy. And I loved 'Of Mice and Men.' I would read it every year."

Is it true you also do the voice of Glow Bird, the animated bird that trails the trio through the underground world?

"I didn't know [the director] put it in there. . . . They needed some of the chirps and some of the editorial comment that the bird would make. I was hacking on my own computer, sending him music files of me doing Glow Bird." And he used it in the movie!

You can hear Fraser do the voice of Glow Bird if you see the film or visit this Web site to play adventure games: http://www.racetothecenter.com.