Shia on Carey: 'She Has a Face That You Can Stare at for Miles and Miles'

Wonderwall, Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 3:20pm (PDT)

By Drew Mackie, with reporting by Ericka N. Goodman

By starring in "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps," actor Shia LaBeouf worked alongside both American acting legend Michael Douglas, who reprised the Gordon Gekko role from the first "Wall Street," and British up-and-comer Carey Mulligan, who plays Douglas's daughter and LaBeouf's love interest. At the Monday premiere of the new film, LaBeouf spoke with Wonderwall about working with Douglas, the prestige of the "Wall Street" franchise and falling in love with Mulligan offscreen.

Wonderwall: How is Michael Douglas handling all his recent stresses?

Shia LaBeouf: He's a strong man. He has a way to ease things. When you're walking on sacred ground like I am with this movie, he's the person who will put you at ease. It's needed and helpful. But I don't know the ins and outs of what's going on with him. I know he had knee surgery, and his kid just went into the drum, and he showed up on set, [but] he was dealing with a lot and never once complained about it.

RELATED VIDEO: The 'Money Never Sleeps' stars walk the red carpet

WW: How was it to work with Carey?

SL: She's an incredible actress. She's one of the greatest of her generation. She has a face that you can stare at for miles and miles. She wears her soul on her sleeve. She's powerful.

RELATED: The original 'Wall Street' cast: Where are they now?

WW: Michael has been a mentor for you. How has he dealt with his recent cancer scare?

SL: He's a wolf. He doesn't need empathy or sympathy.

WW: How was it to work with such a legendary actor as Michael?

SL: His face will be painted on walls. He's a legend. People will remember him forever. He's an American institution. It's just surreal to work with him. It's an out-of-body experience. It's intimidating and rewarding.

RELATED: See Carey's spread in Vogue

WW: What do you think his legacy will be?

SL: Not something you can define on the red carpet in five seconds. He's the strongest American actor you've ever seen. He's the slickest to ever do it. My mom still has a crush on him.