Tyrese Explains Michael Bay with Barking Dog Analogy

While accruing billions of dollars at the box office for his Transformers franchise, director Michael Bay has also gained somewhat of a reputation for his aggressive, dictatorial style of directing. Former Transformers star Megan Fox called Bay a nightmare who aspires "to be like Hitler on his sets." Other Transformers actors have agreed, claiming that a day on a Transformers set is like a day on the battlefield with General Bay shouting commands for explosions, choppers, Blackhawks, appleboxes and instructions to ignore lunch. But is there a softer side to Michael Bay that the public does not know about?

When Dark of the Moon star Tyrese Gibson phoned Movieline this morning to discuss his upcoming Fast Five DVD and Blu-ray release (Oct. 4), he took a moment to explain his long-time friend Bay and why he is so misunderstood in Hollywood.

"Michael Bay is a good friend," Tyrese started when asked about Bay's directorial style. "We've had our moments and our conflict but Michael Bay is a man's man just like me. He's very driven and he's very focused. A lot of people don't understand him though. Here's an analogy for you -- when you walk up the street, and you see a dog that is barking really loud, if you open your arms, that dog is going to give you all love and hugs. Most people are going to just respond to the barking and say, 'That is a really mean dog. He's barking a lot. He's really aggressive."

"All you have to do though is open yourself up to the dog though and see that the dog is not going to bite. But that is the reputation that Michael Bay has, for the barking. You get what I'm saying?"

That message may be a little late for Megan Fox, but the rest of us will totally be prepared for any future Michael Bay street encounters.

Gibson has appeared in all three Transformers films as Sergeant Robert Epps. Check back in later this month to read our full interview with Tyrese, in which he discusses his relationship with the other Transformers cast members, Fast Five, his upcoming advice book for men and how he plans to transition "from the bedroom to the club" with his next album.