Behind the Scenes: On the Set of We Are Marshall

Meeting McConaughey

The majority of the movie takes place after the plane crash decimated the football program. With only a handful of players left -- and nearly all of the team's coaches deceased -- the university decided to terminate the program. But after a push from the remaining players, school administrators overturned their decision and rushed to find a coach willing to rebuild the team. Enter McConaughey as Coach Jack Lengyl -- an out-of-towner who took a job that nobody wanted.

When I first came face to face with McConaughey, he was seated quietly in an armchair on a "hot set," staring into space in preparation for a scene with his team. Although I was clearly interrupting, he didn't seem to mind as I took a seat across from him on a couch. It was the first time reporters were on the set and, after viewing the first 40 minutes of the film the day before -- and liking it -- he was eager to talk about his new role.

So, on to the important details... like what the Sexiest Man Alive of 2005 wearing. The Texan had on a green Marshall polo, khakis that were rolled up a peg or two too high, black shoes, a gold wedding band and some orangish movie makeup. His hair in this film is longer than usual and wavy, and it was funny to see a piece of it positioned across his forehead like bangs. Even funnier? His unibrow. I don't know if it was for the movie or if it's his regular style, but he definitely had one, and it took me a few moments to take my eyes off it.

next : He Knows Jack