'Godfather'actor James Caan discusses technology, his movie career and how NYC influenced his work

At 71,James Caanis as straight-shooting and tell-it-like-it-is as ever. Sit with him for a bit and the quotables fly:"I'm a moron! That's why I'm an actor!""Growing up in Queens, we were punks, but when we went to the theater, we wore a shirt and tie!"

TheN.Y.native currently co-stars withKeanu ReevesandVera Farmigain"Henry's Crime,"a caper about an ex-con (Reeves) and a career criminal (Caan) planning to rob aBuffalobank. Farmiga plays an actress who falls for Reeves.

Lounging on couches at theCrosby Street Hotellast week, Caan, born in theBronxand raised in Sunnyside, is happy to hold court."TheGodfather's"Sonny Corleoneis as much of a firebrand as ever. Even his co-stars are in awe— and they’re no industry newbies. Reeves, 46 — mellow as always — has confirmed that a third"Bill and Ted"film is in the works, and has enough of a handle on his image to know that revisiting his time-traveling dude in middle age might be fun. Farmiga, 37, is on screens in"Source Code"and will see her directorial debut,"Higher Ground,"released this year.

The way we see movies is changing so fast. Does knowing your work could be seen on media players the size of your wallet ever alter how you play a scene?

James Caan:I'm really {against} all this technology, even texting. And we'll get to how it relates to the movies in a minute. But if you want to talk to me, talk to me! {Holds up his cellphone} I don't answer this sonofabitch! It takes me a half-hour to text,"Hi-how-are-you."We're losing the personal touch. Saving a letter from an old friend doesn't exist anymore. Everything is texted or emailed!

Keanu Reeves:I texted you on your birthday, I feel terrible! I should've called! I didn't want to bother you.

Cann:No, that was fine, you were far away.

Keanu:I was inBudapest.

Caan:That was nice. Though you could have called from Budapest. ... But it's getting to the point where we almost don't need theaters anymore. We have the ability now to push a button and see a first-run movie in your house.

Vera Farmiga:I don't experience films as potently as I do in an audience, where I vibe off of other people's reactions. It's not the same looking at an electronic device or watching a film at home.

Caan:That's what I'm talkin' about! Live theater is still alive because people are there. I remember at 16 years old, growing up in Queens, we were punks, but hey, when we went to the theater, we wore a shirt and tie! Similarly, I believe that to keep movie theaters in existence, they're gonna have to make 'em an event, have a couch, a table and drinks or something. Otherwise, there's no reason to get out of your bed!

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