Actor Drew Fuller Shares His Insight On "The Ultimate Gift"
Source: All Headline News
Article By: Maira Oliveira
Date: February 23, 2007

Living life day by day, sometimes one tends to forget about the beauty that surrounds them and the everlasting power that lies within each individual to grow and blossom into better human beings. However, in the upcoming movie, "The Ultimate Gift," based on a book of the same name by author Jim Stovall, people are encouraged to take a step back and appreciate the simplicity and "gifts" of this little thing called life.

Drew Fuller, who plays the leading male role, opened up to All Headline News about his experience making the film and the effect it had on his own life.

In the movie, Fuller plays Jason Stevens, a man whose wealthy grandfather Red Stevens (James Garner) dies and leaves him a big inheritance, but not in the way he imagines. Instead of providing Jason with a huge sum of cash, Red has a better idea - to plot out and leave behind 12 different "gifts" that will take him on a journey of love, self-discovery and fulfillment.

On a monthly basis, Jason watches a videotape left behind by Red and embarks on a new learning assignment where he is forced to value the simple things, such as his interaction with others, and to let go of his materialistic persona.

Fuller told AHN he was instantly captivated by Jason upon reading the script, and the road he has to embark on in order to become a better human being.

He said the "the progression that needed to happen for Jason to become a decent human being, an exceptional human being, was what ultimately attracted him to the role.

Many gifts Jason uncovers in the movie, which include the gift of "love" and "friendship," are treasures people can relate to, he says. Although Fuller admits he related to some of them on a greater level than others, he says "all are equally important because a character isn't just built into one block, it's many blocks to create a whole. Without one you can't have the whole structure."

He adds, "Each building block was just as necessary as the last one and the next one."

But one experience Fuller says he learned to appreciate more than others, that he also applied to his own life, was the gift of "work." While filming the actor says he learned about the responsibility of doing a good job. By being responsible and honest with himself, he was able "to thrive in the character" and "be honest and present" in the moment.

The 26-year-old said it was important for him to show up on time to work, ready to take on challenges and new opportunities, in order to grow and deliver an impeccable performance.

As Fuller tackles each obstacle in the movie and learns to appreciate the beauty of his journey, he crosses paths with a young girl named Emily, who is played by 10-year-old actress Abigail Breslin.

Breslin, who is the youngest actress to be Oscar-nominated this year for her performance in "Little Miss Sunshine," was an absolute delight to work with, beams Fuller.

The actor comes to befriend the little girl in the movie, who teaches him to look at life through a window, rather than a telescope. An "instant bond" was formed between the two, he says, with an actress he describes as "unbelievable" and so "intelligent" for her age.

Other than working with Breslin, the star also worked next to legendary actor James Garner, who is best known for his performance in the hit movie "The Notebook." Collaborating with the veteran icon onscreen was a "dream" and an "inspiration," describes Fuller.

Everyday, working with actors such as Breslin, Garner and Ali Hillis, who plays Emily's mother, encouraged the former model to be "true and proud of [his] character." But Fuller admits people aren't always motivated to get out of their shell and explore life to its fullest.

Many people are afraid to leave their "comfort zone" and "rock the boat," he says. However, the actor admits "we can be better, more loving, more graceful, more honest and more true," if we do test the waters.

"The potential is in each and every one of us," he adds. "You overcome things when you are moved into the uncomfortable and are forced to deal with it."

Although playing Jason was a role that scared Fuller because of its challenges, it forced him to take the ball and run with it.

He explained, "This role scared me. There was a lot of emotional changes that I had to go through. But instead of shying away from that and being difficult, I embraced it. It's about taking a risk."

After all, the 26-year-old says it is all about taking chances and "positive thinking." Even if it is just for a moment, he hopes the film will inspire people to take a different look at their surroundings, to reevaluate their priorities and attain the "ultimate gift" in their lives.

"The Ultimate Gift" will be released in theatres on March 9.