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Date: October 1, 2004 Source: IESB.net Posted by: David West In "Ladder 49" Jack Morrison (Joaquin Phoenix) reflects on his entire life as a firefighter, husband and father as his life hangs in the balance trapped inside a burning warehouse. Desperate to get Jack out alive is his best friend and Fire Chief Mike Kennedy (John Travolta) as well as the rest of the crew of "Ladder 49".
The flashbacks start at the beginning of Jacks first day at the firehouse when he met Kennedy and the crew which consist of Tommy Drake (Morris Chestnut), Lenny Richter (Robert Patrick), and brothers Dennis and Ray Gauquin (Billy Burke, Balthazar Getty) among others. As the fire grows closer by the minute, Jacks wife Linda (Jacinda Barret) and his children flash through his mind moment by moment as he fights for his life. Courage and strength fueled by the love of family and friends keep Jack fighting as he tries to get out of the blazing warehouse.
	Joaquin Phoenix had to gather up as much courage as he could to face lifelong fears in order to play this character. "What was I thinking, I got to the first firehouse and I couldn't go down the pole and I was panicking", says Phoenix on his fear of heights. "But you know, the training at the fire academy made all the difference". What Joaquin learned is that fear is a part of the job. "You don't totally overcome your fears, firefighters will tell you if your not scared then get out of the job." Joaquin joined the fire academy three weeks before the rest of the crew did to get the feeling of what its like to be a fireman. When asked why the role was important to him Phoenix replied, "The most important thing is that firefighters see this film and feel that it is an accurate depiction of their lives. That's all we could ask for, and that takes precedence over whether or not it's a box office hit." On the topic of John Travolta, Phoenix said,
"What really impressed me was John (Travolta) could've come in and skipped training but he flew into the academy, got in his gear and put out a fire with me". "The training enabled us to get it right for them (firefighters)" said Travolta of his academy experience. "Lt. Yant was my hero. He was a revelation and was up to speed on everything we were doing." said Travolta. The actor used Yant as the basis for his character because of his experience and his ability to make good decisions. On the lighter side of things the cast revealed to us that they pulled a lot of pranks on each other. Travolta declared "The ultimate prank was pulled on me". Punctuality and professionalism is priority when John is on the set, that's why Phoenix and director Jay Russell decided to have a little fun with him. "Jay comes up to me and says "I don't know what's up with this boy, he's off it." and I said who, and he says "Joaquin". When shooting began Joaquin had this strange look about him. He was very spaced out and I didn't think he was going to make it. I was about to lose control. After ten minutes passed someone told me it was a joke. I didn't mind it because there was effort in this joke. There was an art to it." said Travolta about one of the many pranks played on-set. Another recipient of a prank was director Jay Russell. "I noticed some tension between Joaquin and Balthazar (Getty) early one day and later on they just went at it. Both of them in a scuffle on the floor. I started yelling "break it up" and I tried to get them apart. When everyone stated laughing I knew I was being tricked. At that point I faked a heart attack and the crowd immediately grew quiet. It was a prank on a prank. I got them back." said Russell on how to deal with pranksters. "I try to create an energy or an atmosphere on-set according to what the scene is going to be", said Russell who used firefighters and their stories to set the mood. Russell chose to make "Ladder 49" to pay homage to all firefighters including his uncle. "I think we are all fascinated by the way people live with the knowledge that every day might be their last. It's a question we all have to face, but firemen are an inspiration because they really live it". Ladder 49 Opens Today Nationwide.