McBride says Spielberg is 'greatest director of all time'

Chi McBride has a part in Spielberg's 'The Terminal.'
By MILAN PAURICH
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Although Chi (pronounced "shy") McBride is best known for his starring role as high school principal Steven Harper on David E. Kelly's Fox series "Boston Public," the 42-year-old Windy City native has also compiled impressive feature film credits ("Undercover Brother," "Narc," "Gone in 60 Seconds," "What's Love Got to Do With It") to go along with his television success.
In Steven Spielberg's "The Terminal," McBride plays airport baggage handler Joe Mulroy, who becomes a part of Tom Hanks' extended family during his lengthy internment in JFK's international transit lounge. In a telephone interview, McBride discussed airports, Spielberg and the magic of moviemaking.
Q. What's the longest you've ever been stranded at an airport?
A. Probably something like 12 hours, but it seemed like an eternity. Time really stands still in situations like that.
Q. How does making a "Spielberg movie" compare with your other film and TV work?
A. In my opinion, Steven is the greatest director of all time -- there's simply nobody else like him. He's Capra because he knows where the heart of a situation is; he's Wilder because he finds the pathos inside the comedy; he's Lean because he has the ability to turn the location into a character; and he's DeMille because he knows how to make these massive epics with tons of amazing special effects. Steven's a real gentleman who proves that you can be hugely successful and wildly rich and not be a jerk. So nobody else has an excuse.
Q. Was it surreal shooting a movie set entirely in an airport terminal that was actually a studio soundstage?
A. "Surreal" doesn't begin to describe it -- it blew my mind. (Production designer) Alex McDowell made an exact replica of JFK Airport down to the retailers, the linoleum, even the placement of the security cameras. That sort of thing is so supportive to an actor because you don't have to visualize where you are. ... It really helps you get into character.
Q. Can you tell us anything about "I, Robot" (opening July 16), your other big summer movie?
A. Man, that one is super-hot! It's just an old-fashioned action-adventure popcorn kind of movie where I get to play a real authority figure who's firing shotguns and barking orders all the time.