New film The Love Patient stars buff Benjamin Lutz as Paul, a guy who'll do anything to win back the man of his dreams. Hot on the heels of the film's DVD release, we caught up with Benjamin to find out more. 

Tell us a little about The Love Patient – what can we expect?
The movie is a madcap comedy about a lie spiralling out of control. My character fakes having cancer to get his old boyfriend back. It's actually working until my entire family finds out and moves into my place to take care of my 'illness.'   

What was it that first attracted you to the film?
This movie has a lot of heart. Yes, it's about a really big lie - it's about the extremes we go to for love.  

Tell us a bit about your character, Paul...
He does some devilishly brash things while still keeping a sort of charm. I instantly feel for him, he's in love and willing to risk it all.  

"This movie has a lot of heart. Yes, it's about a really big lie - it's about the extremes we go to for love." 

Have you ever done something like Paul and lied to get what you want?
Yes, but I got away with it, so I can't tell you.

What was the most challenging scene for you to film?
The first couple of days of the shoot just happened to fall upon one of the biggest heat waves in LA - and scheduled to shoot during the heat wave was a very physical bedroom scene.  Even most of the crew were taking their clothes off by the end of the 3 page scene. It got to where we would deliver one line, wipe the sweat off our brow, then deliver the next one.  

There’s a fair amount of bare flesh on display in the film – how do you feel about getting your clothes off on film?
You'd be surprised how much it's not an issue when it comes to the day of shooting. Although, the script called for other characters to get way more naked than my character.

You’re a great looking guy. What would you say is your best asset and if you could change one thing about your body, what would it be?
When asked this question, Julia Roberts always says her "feet." That always makes me smile, of course she says feet, as if she's saying, 'I'm just like you non movie stars and cursed with such wretched feet.'  You know you're one of the most beautifully attractive people on earth when you have to search that hard to find one thing wrong.  So, I guess my answer is my feet, my very large feet.

How do you stay in shape?
I find it very difficult to give up certain things in my diet like beer and french fries, so you can find me at the gym quite a bit. I love to put on my headphones 'n' zone out.  

Michael Stipe has described his sexuality by explaining that, for every 10 people he is attracted to, 7 are guys and 3 are girls. How about you?!
That's a really odd question. Do I get to pick these 10 people, or are they selected for me? Let's just say I'm gay and leave it at that.

"Chemistry is hard to define - it feels really great, though. Every time I've tried to master the 'secret', it feels as if a witch doctor reaches into my chest and takes out my heart. That wasn't really an answer, was it?"

What comes first for you - sex or love?
Attraction is first, the other two come way after.

What do you think is the secret of a good relationship?
Calling it a secret makes it sound so illusive, like a quest for Indiana Jones. Hopefully, it's much more simple. Chemistry is hard to define - it feels really great, though. Every time I've tried to master the 'secret', it feels as if a witch doctor reaches into my chest and takes out my heart. That wasn't really an answer, was it?

Finish the sentence: A good film starts with...
A great script.

It ends with...
An even better director.

And finally, what’s next for Benjamin Lutz?
I'm very excited for 2012. I've filmed some web series yet to premier and I'm gearing up for two fun movie projects.  

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The Love Patient [2011]
Studio: TLA Releasing
Released: 23 January 2012
ASIN: B0062NXEN4

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