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American Morning

Mel Gibson's Vietnam War Movie "We Were Soldiers" Debuts This Week

Aired March 01, 2002 - 08:50   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: Mel Gibson's Vietnam War movie "We Were Soldiers" debuts this week. He was invited to the White House for a special screening of the film, and CNN sat down with the actor and full-time heartthrob.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED CNN CORRESPONDENT: At 46, Mel Gibson proves he's still got what women want.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm always willing to watch Mel Gibson in pretty much anything. I think Mel Gibson is sort of exactly what you want in a leading man. He is a man's man. And women think he's pretty darn cute.

UNIDENTIFIED CNN CORRESPONDENT: More than a pretty face, the actor steps behind the camera in 1996 to direct his epic film "Braveheart," winning two Oscars for best director and best picture.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MEL GIBSON, ACTOR: What will you do without freedom?

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(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GIBSON: We are going into battle against a tough and determined enemy.

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UNIDENTIFIED CNN CORRESPONDENT: And in his most recent film, "We Were Soldiers," Gibson plays real-life Vietnam war hero General Hal Moore.

GIBSON: It's a terribly compelling story. It's a true story. A lot of the fellows that came back from Vietnam were given the cold shoulder, and it's kind of a monument to them.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Daddy, what is a war? GIBSON: It's when some people try to take the lives of other people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Watch the fire ants.

UNIDENTIFIED CNN CORRESPONDENT: The actors attended a two-week celebrity boot camp in preparation for the film.

GIBSON: Well, that's what I called it. A lot of guys wouldn't agree with me. They found it pretty hard. And I agree, it was tough. When you've 45 years old and trying to do it, you know, just take it easy, will you, fellows?

The whole idea of a war experience to fight for survival is frightening. I just think the extraordinary nature of what human beings are capable of in hard situations, you know, and usually takes on situations before one's spirit is tested, you know.

UNIDENTIFIED CNN CORRESPONDENT: The veteran actor worked closely with the 80-year-old retired general during filming, and got a firsthand history lesson about the Vietnam War.

GIBSON: For someone who hasn't experienced hard war, I think I got a pretty good look through his eyes. He was able to acquaint me with many things that I didn't understand, and entrusted us with the grave responsibility of doing honor to his men.

UNIDENTIFIED CNN CORRESPONDENT: In a town where fame can come and go over lunch, Mel Gibson continues to land Hollywood's top male roles.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think Mel Gibson throughout his career has been pretty darn smart about playing varied kinds of roles, going from comedy to drama. He's had a fairly long career now. You're looking at 20 years in movies.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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