The Talented Mr. Peña

If you won’t take my opinion on Lions for Lambs, you definitely should pay attention to what co-star Michael Peña (pictured at right with director Robert Redford) has to say, for he plays college student-turned-soldier Ernest in the film and this is an actor who certainly knows how to pick his projects.

He recently arrived in Miami to meet with press on behalf of the film and was kind of enough to give me a call.

Given the fact that Lions for Lambs boasts some serious pedigree – Redford! Streep! Cruise! – you’d think I would’ve asked him about his older co-stars, whom he humbly calls “pretty good actors.” Instead, I wanted to know what it was like to work almost exclusively with Derek Luke.

“Derek’s a really good actor and just an all-around good guy, you know,” Peña said. “Before each scene he would want to say a prayer, and I’m not [very religious] like that, but that’s what we did. He felt enough confidence and chemistry between us that he could ask for that, and it helped develop our relationship as best friends on screen.”

Of working with Redford, Peña says he never felt like he was preaching to him or Luke – and notes that he’s been fortunate to work with some “great directors.” (Peña has co-starred in Oliver Stone’s World Trade Center and Paul Haggis’ Crash.) He says he was attracted to Lions for Lambs because of the story.

“It’s kind of a nail-biter,” he said. “You don’t really know what’s going to happen, and the dialogue is kind of intriguing at the same time. And that’s why I like it; it makes you think.”

He says the most rewarding aspect of making the film has been meeting young people while doing promotional meet-and-greets at college campuses.

“It’s inspiring to meet students who have taken this to heart and want to make changes in the world.”

Who says life can’t imitate art sometimes? Peña sure isn’t.

Photo: United Artists.