January 21, 2009 | Celeb Watch

Carrey and McGregor: big screen homos

The premise of Jim Carrey's latest flick, "I Love You, Phillip Morris," is based on the actual life story of con man Steven Russell.  Russell started life as a married cop and church organist who eventually chose to come out of the closet.

Sadly, things don't go quite as planned in his new life and the former officer lands in prison. Russell soon falls for Phillip Morris (played by Ewan McGregor) and will stop at nothing to stay with his one true love. This includes impersonating Phillips lawyer, and breaking out of prison by posing as an undercover cop dressed as a male prostitute (complete with hot pants and fishnet stockings).

"The most outlandish things in the movie are the true things," director Glenn Ficarra said, claiming about 85% of the movie was the real deal. "We had to make up the mundane parts."

And yes, the two stars do kiss in the movie. Carrey was afraid he would like it too much, but McGregor took it all in stride.

"It wasn't awkward. You're not playing a gay or a straight character," McGregor said. "You're playing someone who's in love. ... As an actor you're always looking for interesting stories. I've played gay characters so I've kissed men before. ... It's about getting on with it. And it all felt strangely usual."