Matthew Broderick doesn't mind doing the red carpet thing, but don't expect him to get all gussied up. In real life, the 47-year-old acts like the indie star he sometimes is.

Broderick popped into town Sunday to pick up a career achievement award and help pal, director Josh Goldin, promote Wonderful World at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. In the indie (picked up by Magnolia Pictures) Broderick plays a depressed, unemployed copy editor who goes through positive life changes after a friend falls ill.

Dressed casually in a button-down, blazer, jeans and sneakers, the still-boyish Producers star spoke about how much he enjoyed the role, despite his low salary.

``Independent films have a nice feeling sometimes just because you know the people who are there want to be there,'' he said, adding, ``usually because they're not being paid very well.''

Broderick, who has appeared in blockbusters (The Stepford Wives, Godzilla) as well as smaller fare like Election and You Can Count on Me, is looking for balance.

``It depends where the better material is,'' said the star of Off-Broadway's Starry Night, opening Nov. 23. ``I care more about the quality of the piece than the size of it.''

But big bucks -- especially for a new father of twins -- come in handy. ``The more fun parts for me tend to be in independent films,'' he said. ``But it's nice to be paid well.''

HE'S THE MAN

When most ordinary citizens do a good deed, they get feted with a bottle of bubbly. Norman Braman gets a full-page ad in The Miami Herald. The art collector/auto tycoon received a hefty (about two feet high, give or take) shout-out for his Quixotic efforts to stop local leaders from investing hundreds of millions of public dollars in a Florida Marlins stadium in Little Havana.

But that doesn't mean Braman's quest (albeit failed) went ignored. Ninety-seven pals and associates took out Monday's ad, which read in part, ``You fought the good fight and we appreciate all you have done.''

Wow. How does Mayor Braman sound?

``If a poll was taken of the most respected man in Dade County, I think most people would agree Norman Braman would win it hands down,'' says friend Bob Goodman, who orchestrated the $5,000 placement.

Goodman, prez of Garber & Goodman Advertising, says he had more names willing to go in the pot, but ran out of room -- and time. ``I was afraid he was going to find out.''

His plan worked -- Braman was ``blown away'' when he picked up the paper.

``I am overwhelmed,'' he said. ``I was very, very surprised and touched. It makes you feel good to know that you're not alone when you get into these situations. It's very difficult to fight City Hall, as the old expression goes.''

-- MADELEINE MARR

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