If it hadn't been for a little nudge from his mother, Wes Bentley might have become a criminologist.

 The darkly handsome star of American Beauty admits studying acting wasn't his idea of a career move.

 "I grew up in Arkansas where I entered a few speech competitions in high school. A friend and I used to do skits, but I didn't really think seriously about becoming an actor," Bentley told the Sun yesterday on the set of the drama Kingdom Come, currently filming in the Calgary area.

 "It was my mom who told me about Julliard in New York, paid for the application and coaxed me into auditioning.

 "It was my mom who saw something artistic in me."

 It was only after he was accepted that Bentley learned only 1% of applicants to Julliard are ever admitted.

 He lasted barely a year.

 "Some people benefit from the four-year course, but I felt it was my time to leave. I wasn't built for that school."

 A little amazing luck played a part in Bentley's decision to leave Julliard.

 "I skipped school one day to audition for (the Broadway musical) Rent.

 "I was waiting in line with hundreds of other hopefuls when a casting agent asked if I'd like to audition for a small independent movie called Three Below Zero."

 At that time, Bentley was in his punk mode. He had bleached, spiky hair.

 Bentley got the part in Three Below Zero, which led to a role opposite Antonio Banderas in The White River Kid.

 It was at this time he got his hands on a copy of American Beauty.

 "It was an amazing script," he said. "I wasn't sure audiences would be drawn to it, but I really wanted to be part of it."

 Bentley flew to Los Angeles to read for director Sam Mendes.

 "It was his last day of auditions. He saw something in me because I got the role."

 In American Beauty, Bentley plays the manipulative young neighbour to Kevin Spacey and Annette Bening's family.

 Earlier this week, the Chicago film critics voted Bentley the year's most promising newcomer for his powerful and disturbing performance.

 Bentley is not certain he will be able to attend the Oscars on March 26 to cheer Spacey, Bening and Mendes on.

 "I may be needed here in Calgary. We'll still be working on Kingdom Come."

 Later this year, Bentley will be seen opposite Casey Affleck in the psychological thriller Sole Survivor.


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