Will Ferrell was one of the biggest and most unlikely stars to visit the Tribeca Film Festival this year, where he was promoting his indie film, “Everything Must Go,” which has a theatrical release next Friday in New York.
The film, which is based on the Raymond Carver short story, “Why Don’t You Dance,” has Ferrell playing a relapsed alcoholic, Nick Halsey, who after losing his job finds himself locked out of his house, with all of his possession dumped on the front lawn by his soon-to-be ex-wife. This is no “Night at the Roxybury.” Though darkly comic, there’s not a lot for Ferrell to relate to in his broken-down character; Ferrell’s never even had a yard sale.
“I would definitely keep my helicopter — most of my helicopters. I have six helicopters.” Ferrell says dryly. “I’ve never had a yard sale, ever in my life. I don’t know if I ever thought about stuff I’d get rid of.”
“Everything Must Go” paints a sharp contrast to Ferrell rocking high-tops and short-shorts in 2008’s “Semi-Pro.” With this film, and Ferrell’s short stint on “The Office” this season, the comedic actor is hoping to change up audience expectations.
“It was just a perfect storm of opportunities, and I thought it would be fun to do these different things,” Ferrell says. “I was inspired by James Franco being on a soap opera. It’s in the vein of that. I think it’s fun to always keep people guessing.”
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