Saving Private Ryan

Ryan Phillippe stars in "Stop Loss," a movie about soldiers forced to serve an extra tour of duty in Iraq. He spoke with Nicki Gostin:

Did you talk to soldiers when you made the movie?
Yes, we went to boot camp with some enlisted men. We would spend nights in the bunks and outdoors, and sit and talk and trade stories.

When you were around the campfire did you make s'mores?
No, you don't make s'mores during boot camp.

Is it considered girly?
Yeah, a little bit.

You were in "Flags of Our Fathers." Wasn't this, like, your 27th boot camp?
No, but I'm like a veteran when it comes to war movies. I sent a letter to ["Flags" director] Clint Eastwood saying, I heard you're making this movie and I would love to do anything in it.

Did you draw little love hearts over the i's in Phillippe?
No, the letter was typed.

You started out in soaps. Nice career progression.
Saying no is the only real power an actor has.

Have you ever said no to something and regretted it?
No, and I've said no to some films that have been very successful.

Like what?
No, no. That's terrible! You're baiting me! Anyway it's all a crapshoot. If it works out, great. If not, that's like 90 percent of every other movie made. So I don't have regrets.

You're a big Sinatra fan. You even named your dog after him?
Yes. His name is Francis Albert Sinatra.

Let's see how much of a fan you are. Who was Sinatra's best friend?
You mean Jilly? And my daughter's name is Ava. Ava Gardner was the only woman who broke Sinatra's heart and I just thought, what a strong sort of classy name for a girl.

Back in the day, how quick were you with a diaper?
I'm rusty now because my son is 4, but I was clocking in under a minute. I'd say 40 seconds.

Are you working a lot now?
No. I took a lot of time last year to focus on things in my personal life and my children. The strike is over and I'm looking for work.

So you're sending your résumé to Starbucks?
Yeah, basically I'm looking for flexibility.