X-Files’ Fan Finally Has Her Close Encounter With Mulder, Scully And Chris Carter’s Pooch

It’s something I’ve been waiting over a decade for - the chance to interview one of my favorite TV duos, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, from one of the best TV shows of all time, “The X-Files.” The occasion was the press junket for their new film, “The X-Files: I Want to Believe,” and it started with a flight from JFK to LAX. I arrived at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel on Friday afternoon, and shortly afterward was on a shuttle van to the movie screening at the Zanuck Theatre, on the Fox lot.

During the short trip to the lot I spoke with some other journalists who are X-Philes like myself, and four of us sat together in the theater, forming our own little geek group. During the screening we whispered about some familiar faces that appeared onscreen, and about some folks whom we wished were included but weren’t. There were some pleasant surprises, some truly frightening moments, and I left the theater pretty satisfied with this second big-screen “X-Files” adventure.

The junket interviews were Saturday in the hotel. First there was series creator Chris Carter (hero to the millions of X-Philes “out there”) who directed and co-wrote “I Want to Believe.” He had his dog in the room with him, which I thought was slightly odd and a bit dangerous for me (allergies) but Carter was friendly and talkative, and I managed not to sneeze.

Next came the second and final interview, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson paired together. There was so much to talk about and so little time to get it all in. Despite the ever-present rumors of not getting along, the two stars seemed perfectly happy to be there together, and they were joking a lot amongst themselves, which was fun to watch but made me a tad anxious because all the joking was cutting into my interview time. Soon I was getting the wrap sign, but of course I kept going. Then I was getting a very annoyed wrap sign, and I had to say goodbye.

Later I rode the elevator down to the hotel lobby with Carter and his dog — whose name, I learned, is Larry. Once again, both were quite amiable.

In general, I’m satisfied with this junket experience. I could have used a lot more time with David and Gillian, and I would rather have interviewed them separately, but these things were out of my control. I got some good stuff from them, as well as Chris Carter, and that’s what I came for. And I got to meet my TV idols!

Look for the fruits of my junket labor later in the week…and don’t forget, “The X-Files: I Want to Believe” hits theaters this Friday, July 25th.