Jocko EVALUATES Chris Pratt's Navy SEAL Acting

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Chris Pratt and his team of military experts discuss the authenticity behind combat scenes in films like 'The Terminal List' and 'Zero Dark Thirty.' They explore various aspects of military tactics, including weapon handling, tactical reloads, and the psychological challenges of realistic combat portrayal. Pratt emphasizes the importance of consulting veterans and military specialists to achieve accuracy, while also detailing behind-the-scenes challenges like equipment limitations and time constraints. The conversation sheds light on how filmmakers balance realism with cinematic storytelling, offering a unique perspective on what it takes to make military action feel both authentic and engaging.

Takeaways

• 😀 Realism in combat scenes is crucial, and attention to detail, such as weapon handling, makes a noticeable difference for viewers with military experience.
• 😀 Authenticity in film requires collaboration with experts like former military personnel to ensure accuracy in portrayals of tactics and equipment.
• 😀 Tactical reloads are an important detail in combat scenes, showing that soldiers constantly prepare for unforeseen threats.
• 😀 Suppressive fire is often misrepresented in movies; it's meant to keep enemies' heads down, not to kill them.
• 😀 Using red lasers on weapons can be a non-verbal communication tool to warn civilians not to approach during combat situations.
• 😀 The portrayal of the 'fog of war' in gunfights—where confusion and uncertainty are present—is an effective and realistic depiction of combat.
• 😀 Filmmakers often face challenges like time constraints, making it difficult to achieve perfection in every shot while maintaining realism.
• 😀 When portraying complex military operations, such as breaching a door or clearing a building, small details like the correct weapon setup or breaching technique enhance believability.
• 😀 The use of fake equipment, like non-functional night-vision goggles, can present challenges but is sometimes necessary due to logistical constraints.
• 😀 The opening scene of 'Terminal List' was intentionally designed to be disorienting and confusing, reflecting the disorientation experienced in real combat situations.
• 😀 Military leadership in combat requires restraint and clarity of purpose, with leaders staying focused on the bigger picture instead of getting caught in the chaos of the battle.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Chris Pratt and Joo's conversation in the transcript?

The conversation centers around the authenticity of military combat scenes in films, particularly the attention to detail in tactical maneuvers, realistic portrayals, and the involvement of real military consultants to ensure accuracy.

Why does Chris Pratt emphasize the importance of breaking down a weapon during door entry?

Breaking down the weapon while entering a room prevents adversaries from grabbing the barrel, ensuring a safer and more tactical approach during a breach, which is a realistic military procedure.

How do military consultants contribute to the authenticity of combat scenes in films like 'The Terminal List'?

Military consultants, like former Navy SEALs, help ensure that details such as tactical reloads, weapon handling, and the use of suppressive fire are portrayed realistically, which adds to the overall authenticity of the scenes.

What role does suppressive fire play in military combat, and how is it depicted in the script?

Suppressive fire is used to keep the enemy's heads down, not necessarily to kill them, but to control their movements. The conversation highlights how this technique was depicted in the film, including a brief correction on the technical accuracy of the scene.

What does Pratt reveal about the challenges of filming night vision scenes in 'Zero Dark Thirty'?

Pratt shares that the night vision goggles used during filming were not real, as they couldn't bring genuine NVGs into Jordan. Instead, fake goggles were used, which resulted in disorienting green lights, adding a layer of realism for the actors who were unable to see clearly.

How do the filmmakers depict the 'fog of war' in 'The Terminal List'?

The 'fog of war' is captured through chaotic and confusing combat scenes where viewers can't immediately identify who is friend or foe. This disorientation mirrors the protagonist's experience and creates an immersive atmosphere for the audience.

What is the significance of using both red and infrared lasers on weapons in military operations?

Red lasers are used as a universal warning signal to civilians to stay away, while infrared lasers are visible only to those wearing night vision goggles. This dual laser system ensures better communication during combat, especially when civilians are in the vicinity.

What does Pratt mention about the process of filming long, continuous shots like the one in 'The Terminal List'?

Pratt explains that the continuous shot was actually a series of shots stitched together, designed to appear like one seamless take. He also humorously mentions that soldiers who couldn't perform somersaults were weeded out during training, as it was part of their skill set.

Why does Chris Pratt find it important to show confusion in combat scenes, like the opening scene of 'The Terminal List'?

Pratt believes that showing confusion and disorientation in combat is crucial to reflecting the reality of a gunfight, where leaders may struggle to identify threats due to the chaotic and often unclear nature of battle.

How do the filmmakers approach realism when depicting explosive breaching charges in buildings?

While explosive breaching charges are shown in the film, Pratt explains that the real impact inside a building is far more intense than what is often portrayed. The shockwave and noise are significantly more powerful, and this reality is difficult to simulate without harming audiences in theaters.