Interviewer: Allison Hope Weiner
Interview Subject: Mel Gibson
Publication:  American online magazine, deadline.com
Published Date: 21 April 2011

Actor Mel Gibson is no stranger to adversity.  In the aftermath of Gibson’s latest encounter (and certainly his most absurd) in which ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva leaked taped recordings of his unhealthy outburst and breakdown, the troubled star sat down with journalist Allison Hope Weiner and spoke out for the first time since the controversy became viral.

Despite his flaws, Gibson has made a conscientious effort in keeping the media out of his personal affairs for the most part. Yet throughout the interview, Weiner is able to uncover more intimate details in thirty minutes than what most journalists have uncovered in thirty years of Gibson’s Hollywood career. Weiner doesn’t hold back, and neither does Gibson as he speaks openly about how his latest troubles have affected his life.

It’s a riveting and rather touching exchange between Weiner and Gibson as you come to empathise and almost admire the actor’s spirit. While Gibson is careful not to elaborate on certain issues for legal purposes, the fallen star reveals a genuine and compassionate side to his tale, rather than the perception that is commonly fabricated by the media. Whether you enjoy Gibson’s films or not, the interview will turn even the most cynical critic into a fan of the human being.

Read the full interview here.

Daniel Mosca is a first-year student at La Trobe University.

See the rest of upstart‘s list of 50 great interviews for journalists here.