On Set in Texas with Lucas Black

It's a hot summer day in Midwest Texas, and in the middle of a small river that runs through the town of Utopia [yep, it's a real town], Robert Duvall and Lucas Black are working hard to get a fly-fishing scene just right for their movie SEVEN DAYS IN UTOPIA. The air is still, the trees are tall and green, and no fish are jumping into their boat.

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Golf on the River
Can't Help but Learn Around the Pros
Luke's Journey

In between takes, Lucas strolls over to a group observing the shoot and genteelly introduces himself and graciously answers our questions – until the next take is called. "I grew up in Decatur, Alabama," Lucas said, his accent placing an extra emphasis on the third syllable of the state, "so I feel at home here in the South."

Golf on the River
He explains the scene he's working on: "My character's [Luke] life is all about golf. Johnny [Robert Duvall's character] is teaching me about life through golf. [It's a theme throughout the story by author David Cook that Johnny uses almost everything but golf to teach Luke]

"We came out here to the river to learn about rhythm, balance and patience in the golf swing. It's kind of a good way to teach someone about that, especially if they haven't fished before, because they've got to be enthused about what they're learning."

Why not just go to the golf course or the driving range? "It's probably better to learn the rhythm, balance and patience here than go to the driving range and hit balls. After all, that's why my character has done all his life."

Can't Help but Learn Around the Pros
Tempo-wise, Lucas says, fly-fishing is kind of like a golf swing. "You have to be really patient at the top of your backswing for the transition to be smooth, and it's the same with fly-fishing." Producer Rob Levine identified Lucas as one of the best golfers in Hollywood, so he knows what he's talking about.

Lucas says when he's not working, he plays every day and learns something about golf every time he picks up a golf club. Part of the film includes PGA scenes, something he's familiar with since he's played a few Pro-Am tournaments. "You can't help but learn something when you're around the pros.

"Rickie Fowler, he's a good dude. Rich Beem, Mark Brooks; they're championship winners. It was sweet to hit balls with them on the driving range."

Luke's Journey
"Luke had a big huge meltdown before he came here, and then when he comes to this town, he's greeted with peace and love by all the people in the town. He doesn't get it at first; it takes him a while. He stays here seven days, and when he leaves Utopia, he's a changed man."

Finding Jesus is part of that journey. "Luke realizes that Johnny is a religious man. He's full of faith, he quotes from the Bible in the movie, then he takes my character to the cemetery and talks about the 'old man' being buried alive. That's kind of when Luke accepts Christ as his savior. If you don't get that from how it is, then you need to wake up."

With that statement, Lucas responds to his call for the next scene and graciously says goodbye. As I watch him walk away, I get the sense that this is a man at peace with himself, his situation, and enjoying his work. Golf and fishing in the heart of Texas. Does it get any better than this?

©2011 ChristianCinema.com