Was Fosse at all like the Roy Scheider character in the movie?
CP: No. The Roy Scheider character in the movie was dying, and the Fosse I worked with was in his creative peak, having a fantastic time. I wasn’t there for everything, but from what I could see, he was really having a very, very good time. AVC: Was it easier to transition from theater to film on a film about theater? CP: No, because I didn’t have any experience, so the transition was completely different. Mr. Fosse was a hand-holder for me. The reason I have so many close-ups is because he’s sitting right below me, literally walking me through it. I was completely clueless as to cameras and lighting, and he was just a wonderful teacher, giving raw talent some kind of form and shape. Thank goodness there weren’t a lot of seams, and not too much seepage. Prizzi’s Honor (1985)—”Peaches Altamont” CP: I met [the director] John Huston when he was tanked up with oxygen in his trailer, and it was intimidating not in the sense that he was this huge director, but because it was a man I thought
