14 November,2010 09:57 AM IST | | Phil Thompson
Matt Damon gears up for the next decade of his life, as he becomes a father for the fourth time, and awaits the release of Hereafter. While he may make a convincing blue collar American with a link to the afterlife in the film, Damon insists he's never tried to find out about his past lives or the futureu00a0
The star of the Bourne series, Matt Damon will now play an American day labourer grappling with his special connection with the afterlife in Clint Eastwood's Hereafter.
The film which releases early next year, sees Damon's character George, come into contact with a French journalist who has had a near death experience, and a London school boy who loses someone.
In real life too, Damon admits to being intrigued by the unknown. Excerpts from an interview
Matt, you are entering a new decade in your life. Does turning 40 mean anything special to you?
Well, I didn't panic, that's a good sign, right? I feel that these days, 60 is the new 40. So, I am actually in my 20s. And that makes me feel much better (laughs).
So age doesn't bother you?
Not really. I mean, what can I do about it, it's part of life. I am realising that I am much closer to 60 now than I ever was before. But I feel good. I feel my life is right on track. I am a happy camper.
You've been busy, you have your fourth kid on the way...
Yes, indeed (laughs). It's awesome. I love being a dad, it's the most amazing feeling ever. I don't think I have ever experienced more happiness in my life.
Your new movie is called Hereafter and deals with the afterlife. Do you believe in life after death?
There is a part in all of us that wants to believe in an afterlife.
There is that hope that something is still to come after we die. We all wonder what that might be. I am no exception.
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Have you ever been to a psychic to find out about your future or your past?
No, I never felt it was necessary. Maybe I am too afraid to find out. But honestly, I believe there are lots of charlatans out there.u00a0
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This role is also about being lonely. Have you ever felt as lonely as George?
I do believe that we can at some level all connect to a certain loneliness in our lives. I certainly can.
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Have you ever had a near death experience?
Not like the people in the movie. But I have been on some very shaky flights. Those can be quite scary, and they make you hang on to your seat a little tighter.
But the question remains, where do we go after we die?
I wish I could answer that. Where do we go? That question crosses my mind more often these days. We will know once we get there, I guess.
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When are you going to work with your good buddy Ben Affleck again?
We are trying to work together again. We are talking about it all the time. I am sending him emails on a daily basis, begging for a job. But he won't return my messages (laughs).
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What is Ben to you?
Oh, he really is a best friend. We've been there for each other through the years. He is a guy that sticks by your side, who will go to war with you. He is the most loyal friend you can wish for. I really adore that in him.
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How do you, as a father, balance family and work these days?
You know, I live in New York with my family. So, I am really trying to get jobs in this city. That eliminates travelling all the time.
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And when you do have to travel?
Then I try to take my kids with me. When we were shooting Invictus in South Africa, I invited the whole school class to come along. We turned it into a field trip. I think everybody enjoyed it very much.
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You flew a whole school class from New York to South Africa?
Yep, I sure did.
