Las Vegas Weekly

Four questions with “Visioneers” star Zach Galifianakis

“Visioneers” star Zach Galifianakis

Photo: Seth Olenick

1. You’re not a traditional performer by any means, and you’ve got a lot of comedy geeks pretty psyched about Visioneers. The plot is plenty quirky enough, but how would you describe the style of humor it employs? Were you able to improv much?

I am not quite sure. It is not so much a traditional comedy. It is a bit dark, I guess folks would think. You know when you’re scraping the bottom of the mayonnaise jar and you reflect about how your life is ridiculous? It is kind of like that. I was able to improv often, but I didn’t want to make it over the top. I hardly speak in the film, which made me happy. I relied on eye movement, like when you’re playing darts but still have your eye on other things, like life. Jared [Drake], the director, is a nice gentleman, and he visited me in North Carolina to discuss the film, and we just tried to make a character that was not too sure of himself. A man lost in modern life, if you will.

2. Let’s go ahead and assume [2001 snowboarding comedy] Out Cold doesn’t count; did you feel pressure taking on a starring role for the first time?

No. I lie to myself often and say something in the back brain like, “You can do this.” Sometimes it works. You should try it. I assume that is what NASA guys say to themselves. Not that I am equating acting with astronauts. With acting there is no need to pee in close quarters.

3. George Washington Winsterhammerman has an unusual name and an unusual fear of exploding. Any unusual fears of your own?

I fear rudeness. I hate that people these days lack properness. That, and the end of days. But they are one and the same. Horrible answer. But I really hate rudeness. I do not fear. That is for jerks.

4. There are the Absolut ads with Tim and Eric [of Tim & Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!] and Bonnaroo coming up; what else do you have on the horizon?

We do have another [Absolut] installment. Other than that, I plan on talking to a thunderstorm. But they are so difficult to converse. I find them moody. I am also expecting an important phone call from my Internet provider about my overdue bill. That is all I have on the horizon. Also, I plan to have a commune pretty soon. I also plan to love.

Visioneers plays June 18 at 4:30 p.m. and June 19 at 8:30 p.m.