Brad Pitt - The Siskel & Ebert Interview (1995)

Summary

In this engaging transcript, Brad Pitt reflects on his acting career, discussing the challenges and lessons learned along the way. He talks about his early struggles, the importance of sincerity in acting, and the impact of his family's values. Pitt also shares anecdotes from his roles in films like 'Thelma & Louise' and 'A River Runs Through It,' revealing insights into his character motivations and the significance of failure in shaping an individual. The conversation delves into his comfort with playing tough characters and the influence of actors like Sean Penn, highlighting the theme of authenticity in portraying complex roles.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script discusses a place that attracts a diverse crowd, including bikers, and a sense of comfort and freedom is associated with it.
• 🎬 Brad Pitt reflects on his career, highlighting the burdens of stardom and the public attention it brings, especially in New York.
• 🏆 He shares that his parents were not initially aware of his decision to leave college to pursue acting, and he only revealed it later after starting to get acting jobs.
• 🎥 Brad Pitt admits to not knowing how to act initially and that his early mistakes are documented on film, which he finds amusing and motivating.
• 🌟 He believes in the power of learning and sincerity as a strong point in acting, attributing these qualities to his upbringing and family influence.
• 🤔 The actor expresses discomfort with the idea of lying and the guilt it brings, suggesting a strong moral compass.
• 🚀 The story of how Brad Pitt got the part in 'Thelma & Louise' is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of the role in changing his professional life.
• 💖 He discusses the tenderness of his character in 'Legends of the Fall' and the spontaneous creation of the hand game scene with co-star Julia Ormond.
• 🔍 Brad Pitt is intrigued by characters' weaknesses and failures, believing these aspects define them more than their strengths.
• 🎨 The actor talks about the importance of finding peace in life, as depicted in 'A River Runs Through It', and the struggle to achieve it.
• 👨‍🦳 Brad Pitt acknowledges the role of looks in opening doors in the film industry but emphasizes the importance of responsibility and talent beyond appearance.

Q & A

What is the appeal of the place mentioned in the beginning of the transcript?

The appeal of the place is not explicitly mentioned in the transcript, but it is implied that it is a place where people, including bikers, feel comfortable and free to express themselves, even to the extent of removing their bras.

How did Brad Pitt's parents react when he left college to pursue acting?

Brad Pitt never told his parents that he left college for acting. He told them he was going to school, and it's suggested that his father might have suspected something was up, but the actual reaction is not detailed in the transcript.

What was Brad Pitt's initial experience in acting like?

Brad Pitt's initial experience in acting was not technically proficient. He admits to making mistakes that were documented on film, but he finds it motivating to watch his early work when he loses faith.

What does Brad Pitt consider a strong point in his acting?

Brad Pitt considers sincerity as a strong point in his acting. He believes it is something that came easily to him and was instilled in him by his family.

How did Brad Pitt feel about lying in his family?

Brad Pitt feels bad about lying in his family. He mentions that he would feel too bad and start feeling guilty, which is a trait that he believes his family instilled in him as a child.

What was the significance of getting the part in 'Thelma & Louise' for Brad Pitt's professional life?

Getting the part in 'Thelma & Louise' was significant for Brad Pitt's professional life as it was a role that changed his career. He felt confident about getting the part and it turned out to be a success.

What was the improvisation during the hand game scene in 'Thelma & Louise'?

The hand game scene in 'Thelma & Louise' was an improvisation that came about because the actors needed a segue. Gina Davis came up with the idea to help establish a friendship between the characters.

How does Brad Pitt relate to the character he played in 'A River Runs Through It'?

Brad Pitt relates to the character in 'A River Runs Through It' as someone who is searching for peace. He believes that life is about trying to find peace, and the character had a unique way of covering this quest.

What does Brad Pitt think about the importance of looks in the acting industry?

Brad Pitt acknowledges that looks can open doors in the acting industry but do not keep one in the room. He feels uncomfortable discussing looks as he believes they should not be the sole determinant of success.

What was Brad Pitt's experience like during the filming of 'Interview with the Vampire'?

Brad Pitt felt out of his comfort zone during the filming of 'Interview with the Vampire'. He mentions feeling tight and needing to adjust to the different environment compared to his usual comfort in rural settings.

How does Brad Pitt perceive the generation of actors he is a part of?

Brad Pitt perceives his generation of actors as being in a state of flux, trying to figure out who they are. He suggests that they feel a bit lost and are affected by the changing world around them.