I sat down with Mark Feuerstein to discuss his latest movie, Guns & Moses. The movie shows how Rabbi Mo (Mark Feuerstein) helps his community following an antisemitic attack. Christopher Lloyd, Dermot Mulroney and Neal McDonough also star in the action-thriller.
Mark Feuerstein is clearly well-read. First, he learned about the history of Jews in Hollywood in Neal Gabler’s book An Empire Of Their Own. Then, he read Joseph Telushkin’s analysis of the Rebbe to get into the mindset of Rabbi Mo. To prepare for his new role, Mark talked to rabbis in LA and studied the Chasidic, Lubavitch and Orthodox Jewish communities.
Learning how to shoot a gun for self-defence was also essential for his training. Reflecting on his character Rabbi Mo, Mark said, “He doesn’t want to hurt any living being, but he knows he can’t rely on anybody else to protect his family and his community.”
Guns & Moses has a powerful message. I hope it inspires Hollywood executives to feature more Jewish characters in a meaningful and entertaining way. “I love telling stories that have some importance, whether it be a dark truth like in Guns & Moses or a light virtue like Dr. Hank Lawson [in Royal Pains], whose only flaw is that he cares too much about saving lives.”
Mark starred in my favourite movie, In Her Shoes (2005). Holding up my autographed copy of Jennifer Weiner’s book that inspired the movie’s script was pure joy. Then Mark lit up talking about his experience filming it, as well as his upcoming projects.
He confirmed they’re talking about a Royal Pains reboot. “That would be incredible!” He knows you “want an escapist fun show that takes you out of the doldrums of the news.”
I couldn’t have asked for a more iconic guest for my 50th interview than Mark Feuerstein. When I discovered Mark in What Women Want (2000), I’d never seen a real ad agency before. We didn’t have so many office tours available to watch like we do now. Telling him how What Women Want inspired me to work in advertising and launch this podcast was the ultimate full circle moment! It was great to chat about his acting journey from ad exec to action hero.