I don't find him to be an asshole. That's dismissive. Tommy Lee Jones is an intelligent bold talent who doesn't suffer fools lightly. This was a good interview with an incredible artist. The interviewer did ask some more meaty questions for Tommy's intellectual appetite, than other hosts, but some questions were more repetitive when perhaps the answer didn't lend itself to a lengthy insightful monologue. At 15:22, on the timeline, he reveals a great director's moment with his actress that was so engaging.
DP/30 It seemed clear to me that, from the outset, TLJ did NOT want to be there and, judging from other interviews I've seen, it makes no difference who is interviewing him. As I understand, it's a "given" that actors and directors involved in any movie are required to "promote" that movie by doing press interviews. So much for "promoting" the film TLJ. I've seen it and it is NOT the pinnacle of "originality" that TLJ seems to profess. It's dark and different, but I wouldn't recommend it. (and I LOVE dark and different. He's got nothing on Inarritu)
DP/30 Dude you are doing an awesome job, I love your channel and interviews. You approach is very lighthearted and low key, not pretentious, you let them talk and that's what the audience loves. I would have walked out on this guy if it had been me. You were very patient after the way he tried to make you look as if your questions were absurd (they weren't). Don't let the haters get to you.
I watched the movie last nigh and was blown away. That story is so raw and brutal it sticks with you. Swank is riveting and heart wrenching. Jones is perfect as is the rest of the cast and production. How did I miss this film years ago? This work epitomizes the resurgence of the western in all its historic grit, authenticity and grim defiance. If you missed it too, watch it and see.
Just wanted to note.... I have now reported a couple of the commenters as abusive. Not only were they, it seems, randomly "disliking" other interviews, but there was crossover to abuse on Twitter. I am pretty patient, but enough is enough. Feel free to criticize me, but there is a line that can be crossed.
Mate, this is a private channel. You make the rules, within those of TH-cam, which is also privately owned. End-of. It's not unreasonable to require a certain minimal standard of behaviour.
I loved the movie, and Tommy Lee Jones is just a lot simpler and more direct than most people are comfortable with. These questions were asking him to make broad statements on all of acting and all of filmmaking, and he just doesn't want to do that. Leave him alone.
There are sooo many factors involved in why two people don't "gel" in an interview, beyond just "this guy is an arsehole, that guy is an arsehole": perhaps Jones's preconception of what the interview was going to be was different than what he got; perhaps he was hoping for an interviewer that was more talky, did more of the talking for him; maybe he had a bad day; maybe he IS an arsehole but we will never know. Dave, I think it shows great effort and commitment that you kept going, and that you posted this video up despite it not being some shiny, hilarious interview experience. The fact that we're getting well-made and solid long-form interviews, for free, on demand, by an interviewer that actually wants to find out what an individual actor or director or DP actually thinks and feels about their film, rather than what'll "sell it", should make us feel pretty lucky. Sorry for the long rant, just trying to clear the table of some fairly harsh vibes all round.
Well having googled other interviews he's done, it seems safe to conclude that this is simply how he does things. It actually seems like David got off easy compared to some other horror stories I've read. Joel Schumacher, after having worked with him, apparently simply labelled him "a bully" and I don't think that's far off the mark. How he starts behaving after a couple of questions clearly displeased him is nothing short of intentional emotional bullying. He apparently keeps some ground rules that nobody knows exactly what they are and as soon as David unknowingly broke some of them, like so many other interviewers have before, he instantly goes to hurt him for it. Bullies often tend to do things this way because they get more pleasure out of catching people breaking their invisible rules so they get to dish out their punishment, than they would have gotten out of people playing by their rules to being with, which could be easily achieved by actually explaining clearly what they are. That said however I think you're right in some kind of honest failed expectations occuring there as well. He seemed to be making an honest effort to talk a lot in descriptive ways in the beginning while he was getting the "right" questions and it does seem, after looking at which questions get him to talk versus which offend him, that all he wants to talk about is particular details about this movie and absolutely nothing at all outside of it. It went south for him as soon as the focus shifted to his career or his personal thoughts and feelings on things. But if that was indeed the prerequisite, a kinder person would have informed David of that before the camera started rolling.
The questioning did get repetitive especially the whole aspect of Work being a "challenge", which is something Mr. Jones doesnt agree with. It felt like the interview was going around in circles, it did get quite tense but thankfully there was no "volcano" eruption. Suprised the topic of Meryl Streep and her relationship with Mr. Jones was not brought up.
This Video shows that it is immensly difficult to pull of an interview in the conversation style, which DP30 tries to achieve. It is not that anybody is being an asshole. It is just the barrier between the interviewer and the subject. The barrier will always be there. Sometimes it klicks and peopel connect and at other times it doesn't. I think at the end Mr Jones explains it pretty fairly towards the end. I suppose he is not reflecting on the topics that where asked or is not willing to share his reflections. It is nobodys fault. Its just a diffrent approach or mindset. But although it is not the most enjoyable 30 minutes, I am grateful that you tried and it is good to see him on camera in such a situation.
David, I hope to provide an alternative to the more negative comments with maybe more construction criticism. You're not a bad interviewer, but you ask EXTREMELY imposing questions. You assume and insert your own ideas into almost every question. I think, possibly, you'd be much better off asking open ended questions and allow the actor/director/writer to expound their own views. Too often, I feel like you are using the interview to reveal your thoughts and opinions on the movie or the person being interviewed. And I think, not to the fault of Mr. Jones or yourself, you ran into someone who wasn't willing to bear through your process politely. I only offer this as a constant viewer of your interviews. I think, and I hope you would agree, you could do better. .
Isaac Ruthen Interesting, Isaac. But not sure I agree. The most fascinating thing about the responses to this interview are the thoughts about how I interview. I don't know that anyone who was not in the room really knows what happened here or on any interview. Some of the situations that were most frustrating for me are beloved by viewers and some of the most comfortable interviews have not connected with the audience. My process and experience are not really important to the viewer. They/You will see what they/you see. As with movies, the experience of the viewer is the unavoidable, instinctual reality for each viewer. I thank you for your viewership and your input.
Isaac Ruthen Get real dude. When you watch David's other interviews you get a good sense from the people he speaks with that they are enjoying the casual dialogue and the way he conducts them. I've met many people who have worked with Tommy Lee Jones and the guy is a little grumpy. It's hard to talk to anyone that grumpy and discombobulated, let alone conduct an interview to promote HIS movie. DP/30 you rock man, keep up the good work. You are my film school. :)
He may have been more interested in talking about themes-or the ‘why’ of the film-than the how. You didn’t spend much time exploring the factors that led him to make the film. You might try a more logical form of questioning next time, where you establish the premises of your questions: Do you believe that film can be challenging? Y. In what ways? Answer. Did you find this film challenging in those ways? The above is a bit of an exagération. But the point is that it keeps you from asserting unwelcome assumptions.
if a person doesn't like interviews, journalists and publicity in general, there is nothing that can make him open up because he is already in that position of preconception. most of his answers are more like 'i don't like this and don't care, so i'll just say something. anything.' but i have to say, sir, you've done well. i mean the story about the 'pumpkins' was great. i had a similar situation with denzel washington, when the actor really didn't want to be there and it's hard to have a conversation (which a good interview should be) with someone, who is looking at the door all the time.
I think TL is so smart, that he doesn't get how to adjust to the cadance of interviews with people he can't figure out. Maybe a bit aspie? Maybe shy? He's learned to turn on to act, but interviews are a necessary evil for him, and he isn't really interested in "turning on" for them. These questions and the speed, the cadance all off. Not listening to Mr. Jones at all. Seems self indulgent and hipster fast. I also think TL was not feeling well......but that's life right? When you are called to work, you work despite how you feel. He almost bolted off the set at the end, painful to watch. I think it's the interviewers job to put people at ease to get the best possible interview. I felt like hugging him to be honest.....yikes
Its clear to me that judge not lest you be judged is something that should be said here. Im sure that personalities clash but it seems a shame to see a man being run down because of perceived harshness when its clearly just honesty he shares with the public who clearly does not appreciate anything but feel good words that any car salesman could pitch. I would encourage some to watch again and try to put yourself in his shoes and try to understand the difficult task of putting up with some that think an actors soul purpose in life is to play the clown just for them.My opinion is that originality,just as he stated , is what all movies need and labels will be our undoing. Originality and the general concensus of these rants are at odds. So just admire the man for his honesty and appreciate him for his contribution.
73Amazed I don't disagree with your sentiment about Mr. Jones, but your assessment of me is absurd. I would have happily jumped on any conversational life raft he chose. I do not see actors as being there to amuse me or anyone else. In fact, the entire format is designed to remove the performance element as much as possible.
The reason why I like your interviews so much is because you are so blunt and honest with your guest. I also think you're smart and passionate about your work. You like to speak in broad terms and you like to generalize. I think that's crucial for people to understand the subject matter, even if they are not experts. I guess Mr. Jones is more about detailed in-depth approach. I think that's why you two just couldn't find the same wavelength. Anyway, keep up with the good work.
My god, what kind of questions WOULD he want then? Seems like all kinds were asked but almost every one about approaches, ideologies and even the most general thought processes were turned down. Maybe he should pre-script his own interviews so people know how to not cause him to throw a hissy fit if he's gonna be such a prima donna, or simply not show up to them at all. Rude is rude whether you're a famous movie star or not and if people are meeting with you because they have a genuine interest in your work and want to know more about it, regardless of whether you have perfect chemistry with them you can at least try to keep a short conversation going without being a pompous ass.
He seems like a simple guy (not in a bad way really, but just no frills). With that said, he didn't seem to be that in-gauged in this interview. I think DP/30 is usually a great in-depth, but relaxed interview. Mr. Jones seemed a little gruff and difficult to crack, but I've heard that from other interviewers. I think he may just not like press that much in general.
It's a very interesting interview. Tommy Lee Jones simply doesn't accept the paradigms that so many hollywood and film commentators use and operate by. This is quite refreshing. He seems much more interested in discussing the actual film and work than the narrative and drama around how it came to be. Uninterested in talking about feeling and such, which is quite nice to see even though it's probably not what this interview series is interested in.
I have seen other interviews with TLJ where he didn't seem terribly uncomfortable. As for this interview, if you notice before the interview began TLJ was already looking like he wanted to escape. I get the impression that he doesn't care to over-analyze what he does. Having met some very intelligent folks from time to time, I've noticed that some of them really do think differently from the rest of us. I'd also like to add for what it's worth, I've met some Texans who remind me a good deal of Jones in that they don't really like to talk that much and just want to get things done and move on. When they do let their hair down it is with someone they like and trust. Personally, I continue to like and greatly admire Jones' work. I thought The Homesman was a unique and powerful film.
Sounds like he wasn't really into your style of interviewing and that's fine. Not everyone's the same. I think the reason why because ppl get angry is because you can be persistent with rephrasing your questions to make them more clear but sometimes that can come off as intrusive. I personally find you've found a great way to interview and get answers out of your subject in a nice flow. Keep it up and Tommy just needs a chill pill :/
Thanks for this interview...not easy / interesting...Thank you Tommy for making the effort-it would seem he is a little saturated with the work load of which stands to good reason considering the responsibilities and rolls he has to play-huge job by all involved. I can appreciate the questions and the answers....I don't envy Tommy's work load...Film people work their butt of !!
I dont think he was rude or something like that.. its just how he is and thats it. Or maybe he wanted to autopilot the interview and wasnt expecting these kinds of questions... I dunno.. But having done tons of these talks david navigated that pretty well in my opinion.
WHAT A PAIN IN THE BALLS! Why did he even show up and agree to the interview? You're a braver man than I Mr. DP30. Kudos to you for keeping it light! All I can say about TLJ is: great actor....but what a DINK!
The real deal. Either step up, or get out of the way. Caught The Homesman last night. Jones is making american masterpieces. The stories resonate, and the clear the detritus out of the way. Hopefully you will see what I think is easily the best and most important film of 2014. The experience feels like you've finished a novel. This film will make you respect our forefathers (and mothers) as the powerful souls they were.
Wow haha! Notoriously difficult guy to interview and you stuck to it. Great work. It's interesting, you've interviewed so many people and your technique pleases most but not Tommy Lee Jones. Makes for an exciting interview though.
This wasn't so bad...I quite enjoyed certain parts of it, due to both Jones and Poland. It felt like they both caught each other off guard and became nervous, but at least both tried and up until I think the second third of the interview they succeeded, after that only sporadically. But some real good moments here and there, and Jones did finally have some interesting insights. His thinking might be more straight-forward than the free-flowing artistic mindset of most subjects, but he was good enough for me, even if I felt the tension.
Thanks for this - unusual to have a chance to listen into a conversation as opposed to a plug or sound bite. Pathetic that some peoples response is to carp and be stupid. No good deed goes unpunished. Just reading the book and looking forward to seeing this film. Good for Mr TLJ for choosing the project and putting the work in.
He gave a similarly abrasive interview to a Guardian journalist recently too. Very uncomfortable, didn't see anything wrong with the line of questioning or style of it personally.
The Homesman - kinda depressing! But....I saw another side to Tommy Lee when he danced at the end. Kinda fascinating! Tommy Lee is different. You can't expect him to answer questions like most others would. That is what I like about him.
Tommy Lee Jones has been a great actor. So what if he's not a great at interviews? It's his talent on the screen that matters. Some people are talkers and some aren't, He looks to me like a man who prefers less talk about the process and is all about just doing it and letting it speak for itself.
Tommy Lee seems to be a difficult interview but that may be the result of the interviewer. Not saying that this interviewer is bad, but they don't really ever connect. I've never seen Jones connect with any interviewer and he may simply not enjoy that process. Hilary Swank, however, is friendly and approachable.
Tommy Lee Jones has a psychological problem, the guy is an antisocial prick, I don't understand why people would work with such a person, especially if it's in the entertainment field, acting is a job that requires you to be a social person, the guys behavior doesn't make sense, and it's not just acting, every job requires a bit of social interaction, you're not a rock, you're human and humans have feelings
Nice, I like it. Lee seems not to concerned with the whole film as a art thing and simply minds his own business. I can see why it was hard to interview him and it certainly seem like it took you a while to get use to him. I just hope that he was cool with you after the interview too and didn't mind the trouble at the start.
I am officially renaming my "I Don't Want to be Here" face "The TLJ." (Don't get me wrong, I'm a cowboy and he's my all-time favorite actor, but I would never want to interview him!)
Wow, you got nearly 30 mins out of him! That's an uncomfortably long time for Mr Jones to spend in a chair without anaesthetic... and he didn't call you 'borderline stupid' or walk out, as he has done in other interviews, so you did good! He often seems to show discomfort with lines of questioning he doesn't understand, but he didn't seem all that irritated, just a bit lost (and you know it when TLJ is irritated!). I laughed at 21 mins when his built-in timer seemed to go off and he started looking for a way out! He fended you off with some of his stock answers, but his anecdote about directing Hilary Swank was a nice insight I haven't heard him share before. It seems to me when he can just answer yes or no, he will, so you have to go prepared with a lot of Qs. That's hard when he won't talk about himself, or what he thinks, or reminisce, or elaborate. I love the guy and I consider this one of his more responsive interviews...!
I loved your interview with Gyllenhaal, an actor whom I find should be having more success than he currently has. In this interview Jones does not seem to be cooperating like Gyllenhaal did. He really seems like a grumpy old man and actually I like him less now than what he was worth to me as an actor with this interview.
That's a lot of rationalisation on display. Look, having a conversation with someone you don't know, is always a "balancing act". Some people are better at it than others, some people *match* each other better than others. Sure, questions can be better (or worse); there is always room for improvement. *But* this is clearly a *non collaborative* conversation. Maybe T.L. Jones isn't doing it on purpose; I can easily believe that it is just his nature - but I would think, that everybody understands, that if you answer questions (in a conversation) with simply "yes" or "no", and if you constantly make statements along the line of "I don't even know what that sentence means"; that is *not* a collaborative conversation. Any conversation will die if the other party doesn't *offer* an alternative to the topic/line with which he is having trouble. E.g. "did you have a good weekend?" - "no." Or (even worse): "did you have a good weekend?" - "What does that even mean; "good weekend?". There *are* just weekends.. Time passes, it's Monday. Life goes on." As contrasted; "did you have a good weekend?" - "Good, bad - I wouldn't say *that* - but..." and then you offer an alternative framing. All I am saying; by no objective standard was that a honest attempt at "meeting each other in conversation", and you can destroy *any* conversation if you want to. Human language *requires* collaboration to work communicatively. So, I don't know what Jones was thinking, but don't just wipe it off on the interviewer; he was left hanging.
Think you did a good job DP. TLJ strikes me as a straight-forward kind of guy. This is his job and this is what he does, and there's nothing more to it.
Hm, the way he acts kinda fits with what i would do if I thought I've being asked dumb questions, it's very much a matter of character. I wouldn't take it too hard, those questions weren't dumb :)
Thank you. My feeling was that I got all I would ever get from the man. If I had to do it again, I would have tried a couple more angles, but I don't have to do it again, nor does he... so I am satisfied by what exists and have a lot of other people to interview, so life goes on for us both.
I have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit for business. In talking with friends abroad the one common comment about americans is that they rudely interrupt anyone they talk with. I have to agree 100 percent. We don't seem to have any self control. Tommy takes a breath and the jerk just has to hear himself. Sad so sad.
I sorta wish I could unsee this interview. I'm glad I'd already seen and enjoyed THE HOMESMAN, because seeing Mr. Jones in this context would have been a strike against ever seeing it in the first place. Just like in the rest of life, a little basic politeness goes a long way.
Questions were asked in this interview presenting deceptive alternatives, such as "are you scared? or maybe you are nervous". I think that was a bad idea.
TLJ is a notorious asshole when it comes to interviews. I'm pretty sure he understood everything that was asked of him, he is just an grumpy old man who won't bother explaining his POV, he would just rather dismiss it. These were in my opinion more thought provoking questions compared to the usual ones, TLJ is not intellectually lazy, he's well read and certainly smart but for some reason doesn't like to develop his answers. David did here did everything the same way he always did with other interviewees, maybe he was a touch more nervous because he knew how difficult TLJ could be, but who wouldn't. With that said I liked this movie so much I actually bought the book. It's not bad literature as TLJ said it was but then again that's just my opinion. I thought it was cool that he focused on the women and made it about them. I thought the movie and the cinematography, as well as the acting, were beautiful and very thoughtful.
@DP/30 Dave, good job man. All these haters (film career prospects) are just mad that they would never be in the position where they may interview stars like Jones. Furthermore, the questions were poignant and RELEVANT! T.L. Jones was just mad that you weren't stroking his ego like most other interviews he's participated in... Keep up the great efforts and keep informing us with relevant answers for our questions. P.S. People that are mad at you for not conducting this interview in their desired manners are looking for interviews where gossip and controversy are key. You weren't looking for gossip and controversy, you were looking for answers of the artist nature. Film students appreciate this line of questioning and people that envy this man's fame disliked it. Again, keep up the great work.
Justin Ra I appreciate your kind words, but not 100% sure that any of the fingers pointed are fair either. I think Mr. Jones' behavior speaks for itself. I was there with him. No one else commenting was. The discomfort was unfortunate for us both. As to why some people are getting so angry... well... to paraphrase TLJ... I cannot begin to comprehend what they are trying to express.
DP/30 Dave, you're too nice... It's unfortunate he was not... Yes, as I wasn't present during the interview( like you've stated), I can only imagine that the both of you were slightly uncomfortable... However, your questions were not worth his somewhat condescending replies/answers. Jones, in becoming an actor/artist, as it is inherent to the profession, should have carried himself and his answers with the same professionalism you had then applied. Nothing you had asked was out-of-place or rude and as matter of fact; in my opinion, given your attitude during the interview, you were the true star...
Dude, you should not be an interviewer. Do something else. You're making the poor guy and everyone watching this very uncomfortable. But probably not nearly as uncomfortable as you are with all your stuttering, stammering, skipping around and scratching for questions and assuming a bunch of stuff.... geez this is so painful.
+グレートグレート It's not about how he interviews, it's who he is interviewing, Tommy Lee Jones is known to be a very hard person to interview, he doesn't like it, honestly I don't even know why Tommy even bothers with interviews. The reason the interviewer was probably stuttering and everything was more than likely because he was nervous because he knew who he was interviewing and knew that it's not easy to interview him. someone you admire or enjoy to see and they just don't want anything to do with you makes it nerve racking.
You do make a good point, except that I've heard this interviewer before with other guests that weren't nearly as difficult as Tommy and he still displayed the same annoying mannerisms, but granted it wasn't as bad. Tommy just brings out the worst in anyone because as you say, he hates interviews. I know about that, you are right.
Dave, I love the channel, but how do you not take a different avenue when your subject clearly is not receptive to your process? "Do you this, does it that, etc..." I'm no expert and again, I'm a fan of yours but when a guest is literally squirming its time for some alternate techniques.
THIS IS NOT AN INTERVIEW; THIS IS A BARRAGE OF LOADED QUESTIONS. YOU LACK SELFAWARENESS; YOU ARE OVEREAGER, AND YOU INTERRUPT THE OTHER PERSON WHEN HE/SHE IS ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS.
I think this was a pretty good interview. Mr Jones always seems pretty taciturn-he is not an easy interview, by any means. At least he didn't look like he wanted to kill the interviewer!!!
I'm in love ❤️ 😍 sigh. I think he's first a businessman and this is his business. However, he put himself out there and should understand that this line of work can bring unwanted attention such as ooggling fangurls like myself. Sorrry Mr. Jones, you're a sex symbol, a wet dream for millions. 😁 Also, yeeeeee hawww!!!!
Tommy did not like you, I'm sure some of this had to do with your facial expressions during the interview I would imagine, and you do come off a bit presumptuous and snarky, in this particular interview.
Oof! So that's what it's like to interview TLJ. It's okay, David, TLJ is like that with everyone which I'm sure you know. I had a friend interview TLJ who had heard about his reputation and made the mistake of opening with "I heard you're a tough interview..." He recovered, but barely.
Tommy is not an easy person to interview, he never has in depth answers. Review any junket interview he has done with anyone else, it's awkward and it's like pulling water out of sand.
I don't find him to be an asshole. That's dismissive. Tommy Lee Jones is an intelligent bold talent who doesn't suffer fools lightly. This was a good interview with an incredible artist. The interviewer did ask some more meaty questions for Tommy's intellectual appetite, than other hosts, but some questions were more repetitive when perhaps the answer didn't lend itself to a lengthy insightful monologue. At 15:22, on the timeline, he reveals a great director's moment with his actress that was so engaging.
DP/30
It seemed clear to me that, from the outset, TLJ did NOT want to be there and, judging from other interviews I've seen, it makes no difference who is interviewing him. As I understand, it's a "given" that actors and directors involved in any movie are required to "promote" that movie by doing press interviews. So much for "promoting" the film TLJ. I've seen it and it is NOT the pinnacle of "originality" that TLJ seems to profess. It's dark and different, but I wouldn't recommend it. (and I LOVE dark and different. He's got nothing on Inarritu)
DP/30 Dude you are doing an awesome job, I love your channel and interviews. You approach is very lighthearted and low key, not pretentious, you let them talk and that's what the audience loves. I would have walked out on this guy if it had been me. You were very patient after the way he tried to make you look as if your questions were absurd (they weren't). Don't let the haters get to you.
I watched the movie last nigh and was blown away. That story is so raw and brutal it sticks with you. Swank is riveting and heart wrenching. Jones is perfect as is the rest of the cast and production. How did I miss this film years ago? This work epitomizes the resurgence of the western in all its historic grit, authenticity and grim defiance. If you missed it too, watch it and see.
Just wanted to note.... I have now reported a couple of the commenters as abusive. Not only were they, it seems, randomly "disliking" other interviews, but there was crossover to abuse on Twitter. I am pretty patient, but enough is enough. Feel free to criticize me, but there is a line that can be crossed.
Mate, this is a private channel. You make the rules, within those of TH-cam, which is also privately owned. End-of. It's not unreasonable to require a certain minimal standard of behaviour.
Why would you give a fuck about "abusive commenters"?
+DP/30: The Oral History Of Hollywood i do enjoy your interviews nice and good
turbohoodie fucking hell that was a bit extreme
In the beginning you could see how Tommy was trying to go along but I think he felt like he wasn't really being listened to.
I can't disagree with that notion... though I was certainly listening.
I loved the movie, and Tommy Lee Jones is just a lot simpler and more direct than most people are comfortable with. These questions were asking him to make broad statements on all of acting and all of filmmaking, and he just doesn't want to do that. Leave him alone.
There are sooo many factors involved in why two people don't "gel" in an interview, beyond just "this guy is an arsehole, that guy is an arsehole": perhaps Jones's preconception of what the interview was going to be was different than what he got; perhaps he was hoping for an interviewer that was more talky, did more of the talking for him; maybe he had a bad day; maybe he IS an arsehole but we will never know. Dave, I think it shows great effort and commitment that you kept going, and that you posted this video up despite it not being some shiny, hilarious interview experience. The fact that we're getting well-made and solid long-form interviews, for free, on demand, by an interviewer that actually wants to find out what an individual actor or director or DP actually thinks and feels about their film, rather than what'll "sell it", should make us feel pretty lucky. Sorry for the long rant, just trying to clear the table of some fairly harsh vibes all round.
Well having googled other interviews he's done, it seems safe to conclude that this is simply how he does things. It actually seems like David got off easy compared to some other horror stories I've read. Joel Schumacher, after having worked with him, apparently simply labelled him "a bully" and I don't think that's far off the mark. How he starts behaving after a couple of questions clearly displeased him is nothing short of intentional emotional bullying.
He apparently keeps some ground rules that nobody knows exactly what they are and as soon as David unknowingly broke some of them, like so many other interviewers have before, he instantly goes to hurt him for it. Bullies often tend to do things this way because they get more pleasure out of catching people breaking their invisible rules so they get to dish out their punishment, than they would have gotten out of people playing by their rules to being with, which could be easily achieved by actually explaining clearly what they are.
That said however I think you're right in some kind of honest failed expectations occuring there as well. He seemed to be making an honest effort to talk a lot in descriptive ways in the beginning while he was getting the "right" questions and it does seem, after looking at which questions get him to talk versus which offend him, that all he wants to talk about is particular details about this movie and absolutely nothing at all outside of it. It went south for him as soon as the focus shifted to his career or his personal thoughts and feelings on things. But if that was indeed the prerequisite, a kinder person would have informed David of that before the camera started rolling.
The questioning did get repetitive especially the whole aspect of Work being a "challenge", which is something Mr. Jones doesnt agree with. It felt like the interview was going around in circles, it did get quite tense but thankfully there was no "volcano" eruption. Suprised the topic of Meryl Streep and her relationship with Mr. Jones was not brought up.
man that was a tough tough interview. still enjoyable tho. thanks David!
This Video shows that it is immensly difficult to pull of an interview in the conversation style, which DP30 tries to achieve. It is not that anybody is being an asshole. It is just the barrier between the interviewer and the subject. The barrier will always be there. Sometimes it klicks and peopel connect and at other times it doesn't.
I think at the end Mr Jones explains it pretty fairly towards the end. I suppose he is not reflecting on the topics that where asked or is not willing to share his reflections.
It is nobodys fault. Its just a diffrent approach or mindset.
But although it is not the most enjoyable 30 minutes, I am grateful that you tried and it is good to see him on camera in such a situation.
Thank God for Tommy 🎭🎰
David, I hope to provide an alternative to the more negative comments with maybe more construction criticism. You're not a bad interviewer, but you ask EXTREMELY imposing questions. You assume and insert your own ideas into almost every question. I think, possibly, you'd be much better off asking open ended questions and allow the actor/director/writer to expound their own views. Too often, I feel like you are using the interview to reveal your thoughts and opinions on the movie or the person being interviewed. And I think, not to the fault of Mr. Jones or yourself, you ran into someone who wasn't willing to bear through your process politely. I only offer this as a constant viewer of your interviews. I think, and I hope you would agree, you could do better. .
Isaac Ruthen Interesting, Isaac. But not sure I agree. The most fascinating thing about the responses to this interview are the thoughts about how I interview. I don't know that anyone who was not in the room really knows what happened here or on any interview. Some of the situations that were most frustrating for me are beloved by viewers and some of the most comfortable interviews have not connected with the audience. My process and experience are not really important to the viewer. They/You will see what they/you see. As with movies, the experience of the viewer is the unavoidable, instinctual reality for each viewer. I thank you for your viewership and your input.
Isaac Ruthen Get real dude. When you watch David's other interviews you get a good sense from the people he speaks with that they are enjoying the casual dialogue and the way he conducts them. I've met many people who have worked with Tommy Lee Jones and the guy is a little grumpy. It's hard to talk to anyone that grumpy and discombobulated, let alone conduct an interview to promote HIS movie. DP/30 you rock man, keep up the good work. You are my film school. :)
He may have been more interested in talking about themes-or the ‘why’ of the film-than the how. You didn’t spend much time exploring the factors that led him to make the film.
You might try a more logical form of questioning next time, where you establish the premises of your questions: Do you believe that film can be challenging? Y. In what ways? Answer. Did you find this film challenging in those ways?
The above is a bit of an exagération. But the point is that it keeps you from asserting unwelcome assumptions.
if a person doesn't like interviews, journalists and publicity in general, there is nothing that can make him open up because he is already in that position of preconception. most of his answers are more like 'i don't like this and don't care, so i'll just say something. anything.' but i have to say, sir, you've done well. i mean the story about the 'pumpkins' was great. i had a similar situation with denzel washington, when the actor really didn't want to be there and it's hard to have a conversation (which a good interview should be) with someone, who is looking at the door all the time.
Why should they like it? It's weird, artificial and intrusive. And it's all in aid of promoting the movie. That's the sole function.
@@cockoffgewgle4993 but some actors like to talk about their craft and share their experiences
a very beautiful film a story different from the usual west and Tommy Lee a great actor
u don't give a fuck about the interview do u
This was highly entertaining!
He has the nicest smile in all Hollywood
3:47 the moment the interviewer lost control...Me thinks Tommy Lee doesn't like talking about yesteryear.
I think TL is so smart, that he doesn't get how to adjust to the cadance of interviews with people he can't figure out. Maybe a bit aspie? Maybe shy? He's learned to turn on to act, but interviews are a necessary evil for him, and he isn't really interested in "turning on" for them. These questions and the speed, the cadance all off. Not listening to Mr. Jones at all. Seems self indulgent and hipster fast. I also think TL was not feeling well......but that's life right? When you are called to work, you work despite how you feel. He almost bolted off the set at the end, painful to watch. I think it's the interviewers job to put people at ease to get the best possible interview. I felt like hugging him to be honest.....yikes
Mercy, is this interview taking place at a dental office? Many time in the interview, Jones looks like he's looking for the exit...
Tommy Lee Jones is always stop being a biatch, you're being biased, you're taking because you're a tommy Lee Jones fanboy
Its clear to me that judge not lest you be judged is something that should be said here. Im sure that personalities clash but it seems a shame to see a man being run down because of perceived harshness when its clearly just honesty he shares with the public who clearly does not appreciate anything but feel good words that any car salesman could pitch. I would encourage some to watch again and try to put yourself in his shoes and try to understand the difficult task of putting up with some that think an actors soul purpose in life is to play the clown just for them.My opinion is that originality,just as he stated , is what all movies need and labels will be our undoing. Originality and the general concensus of these rants are at odds. So just admire the man for his honesty and appreciate him for his contribution.
73Amazed I don't disagree with your sentiment about Mr. Jones, but your assessment of me is absurd. I would have happily jumped on any conversational life raft he chose. I do not see actors as being there to amuse me or anyone else. In fact, the entire format is designed to remove the performance element as much as possible.
The reason why I like your interviews so much is because you are so blunt and honest with your guest. I also think you're smart and passionate about your work. You like to speak in broad terms and you like to generalize. I think that's crucial for people to understand the subject matter, even if they are not experts. I guess Mr. Jones is more about detailed in-depth approach. I think that's why you two just couldn't find the same wavelength. Anyway, keep up with the good work.
My god, what kind of questions WOULD he want then? Seems like all kinds were asked but almost every one about approaches, ideologies and even the most general thought processes were turned down. Maybe he should pre-script his own interviews so people know how to not cause him to throw a hissy fit if he's gonna be such a prima donna, or simply not show up to them at all. Rude is rude whether you're a famous movie star or not and if people are meeting with you because they have a genuine interest in your work and want to know more about it, regardless of whether you have perfect chemistry with them you can at least try to keep a short conversation going without being a pompous ass.
He seems like a simple guy (not in a bad way really, but just no frills). With that said, he didn't seem to be that in-gauged in this interview. I think DP/30 is usually a great in-depth, but relaxed interview. Mr. Jones seemed a little gruff and difficult to crack, but I've heard that from other interviewers. I think he may just not like press that much in general.
in-gauged
It's a very interesting interview. Tommy Lee Jones simply doesn't accept the paradigms that so many hollywood and film commentators use and operate by. This is quite refreshing.
He seems much more interested in discussing the actual film and work than the narrative and drama around how it came to be. Uninterested in talking about feeling and such, which is quite nice to see even though it's probably not what this interview series is interested in.
I have seen other interviews with TLJ where he didn't seem terribly uncomfortable. As for this interview, if you notice before the interview began TLJ was already looking like he wanted to escape. I get the impression that he doesn't care to over-analyze what he does. Having met some very intelligent folks from time to time, I've noticed that some of them really do think differently from the rest of us. I'd also like to add for what it's worth, I've met some Texans who remind me a good deal of Jones in that they don't really like to talk that much and just want to get things done and move on. When they do let their hair down it is with someone they like and trust. Personally, I continue to like and greatly admire Jones' work. I thought The Homesman was a unique and powerful film.
Sounds like he wasn't really into your style of interviewing and that's fine. Not everyone's the same. I think the reason why because ppl get angry is because you can be persistent with rephrasing your questions to make them more clear but sometimes that can come off as intrusive. I personally find you've found a great way to interview and get answers out of your subject in a nice flow. Keep it up and Tommy just needs a chill pill :/
Thanks for this interview...not easy / interesting...Thank you Tommy for making the effort-it would seem he is a little saturated with the work load of which stands to good reason considering the responsibilities and rolls he has to play-huge job by all involved. I can appreciate the questions and the answers....I don't envy Tommy's work load...Film people work their butt of !!
I dont think he was rude or something like that.. its just how he is and thats it. Or maybe he wanted to autopilot the interview and wasnt expecting these kinds of questions... I dunno.. But having done tons of these talks david navigated that pretty well in my opinion.
WHAT A PAIN IN THE BALLS! Why did he even show up and agree to the interview? You're a braver man than I Mr. DP30. Kudos to you for keeping it light!
All I can say about TLJ is: great actor....but what a DINK!
The real deal. Either step up, or get out of the way. Caught The Homesman last night. Jones is making american masterpieces. The stories resonate, and the clear the detritus out of the way. Hopefully you will see what I think is easily the best and most important film of 2014. The experience feels like you've finished a novel. This film will make you respect our forefathers (and mothers) as the powerful souls they were.
Wow haha! Notoriously difficult guy to interview and you stuck to it. Great work. It's interesting, you've interviewed so many people and your technique pleases most but not Tommy Lee Jones. Makes for an exciting interview though.
This wasn't so bad...I quite enjoyed certain parts of it, due to both Jones and Poland. It felt like they both caught each other off guard and became nervous, but at least both tried and up until I think the second third of the interview they succeeded, after that only sporadically. But some real good moments here and there, and Jones did finally have some interesting insights. His thinking might be more straight-forward than the free-flowing artistic mindset of most subjects, but he was good enough for me, even if I felt the tension.
Thanks for this - unusual to have a chance to listen into a conversation as opposed to a plug or sound bite. Pathetic that some peoples response is to carp and be stupid. No good deed goes unpunished. Just reading the book and looking forward to seeing this film. Good for Mr TLJ for choosing the project and putting the work in.
He gave a similarly abrasive interview to a Guardian journalist recently too. Very uncomfortable, didn't see anything wrong with the line of questioning or style of it personally.
You tried David. Your a great interviewer. Tommy Lee Jones is a great actor/writer/director, BAD interview guest.
Just ask open-ended questions (how, why, etc) instead of yes/no closed-ended question (did you, do you, etc).
The Homesman - kinda depressing! But....I saw another side to Tommy Lee when he danced at the end. Kinda fascinating! Tommy Lee is different. You can't expect him to answer questions like most others would. That is what I like about him.
This is a great interview. Job well done. Should have asked more questions about horses. keep it up
Tommy Lee Jones has been a great actor. So what if he's not a great at interviews? It's his talent on the screen that matters. Some people are talkers and some aren't, He looks to me like a man who prefers less talk about the process and is all about just doing it and letting it speak for itself.
Tommy Lee seems to be a difficult interview but that may be the result of the interviewer. Not saying that this interviewer is bad, but they don't really ever connect. I've never seen Jones connect with any interviewer and he may simply not enjoy that process. Hilary Swank, however, is friendly and approachable.
Tommy Lee Jones has a psychological problem, the guy is an antisocial prick, I don't understand why people would work with such a person, especially if it's in the entertainment field, acting is a job that requires you to be a social person, the guys behavior doesn't make sense, and it's not just acting, every job requires a bit of social interaction, you're not a rock, you're human and humans have feelings
17:31 that was unsettling. Like he wants to kill you with his eyes
What a difficult interview! I don't think you asked awkward questions at all.
Well... You tried.
Nice, I like it. Lee seems not to concerned with the whole film as a art thing and simply minds his own business. I can see why it was hard to interview him and it certainly seem like it took you a while to get use to him. I just hope that he was cool with you after the interview too and didn't mind the trouble at the start.
What an indimidating guy! If stares could kill :P
Betas asking stupid questions can make one irritable
I am officially renaming my "I Don't Want to be Here" face "The TLJ." (Don't get me wrong, I'm a cowboy and he's my all-time favorite actor, but I would never want to interview him!)
Wow, you got nearly 30 mins out of him! That's an uncomfortably long time for Mr Jones to spend in a chair without anaesthetic... and he didn't call you 'borderline stupid' or walk out, as he has done in other interviews, so you did good! He often seems to show discomfort with lines of questioning he doesn't understand, but he didn't seem all that irritated, just a bit lost (and you know it when TLJ is irritated!). I laughed at 21 mins when his built-in timer seemed to go off and he started looking for a way out! He fended you off with some of his stock answers, but his anecdote about directing Hilary Swank was a nice insight I haven't heard him share before. It seems to me when he can just answer yes or no, he will, so you have to go prepared with a lot of Qs. That's hard when he won't talk about himself, or what he thinks, or reminisce, or elaborate. I love the guy and I consider this one of his more responsive interviews...!
I loved your interview with Gyllenhaal, an actor whom I find should be having more success than he currently has. In this interview Jones does not seem to be cooperating like Gyllenhaal did. He really seems like a grumpy old man and actually I like him less now than what he was worth to me as an actor with this interview.
That's a lot of rationalisation on display. Look, having a conversation with someone you don't know, is always a "balancing act". Some people are better at it than others, some people *match* each other better than others. Sure, questions can be better (or worse); there is always room for improvement. *But* this is clearly a *non collaborative* conversation. Maybe T.L. Jones isn't doing it on purpose; I can easily believe that it is just his nature - but I would think, that everybody understands, that if you answer questions (in a conversation) with simply "yes" or "no", and if you constantly make statements along the line of "I don't even know what that sentence means"; that is *not* a collaborative conversation. Any conversation will die if the other party doesn't *offer* an alternative to the topic/line with which he is having trouble.
E.g. "did you have a good weekend?" - "no."
Or (even worse): "did you have a good weekend?" - "What does that even mean; "good weekend?". There *are* just weekends.. Time passes, it's Monday. Life goes on."
As contrasted; "did you have a good weekend?" - "Good, bad - I wouldn't say *that* - but..." and then you offer an alternative framing.
All I am saying; by no objective standard was that a honest attempt at "meeting each other in conversation", and you can destroy *any* conversation if you want to. Human language *requires* collaboration to work communicatively.
So, I don't know what Jones was thinking, but don't just wipe it off on the interviewer; he was left hanging.
keep going David
Think you did a good job DP. TLJ strikes me as a straight-forward kind of guy. This is his job and this is what he does, and there's nothing more to it.
Hm, the way he acts kinda fits with what i would do if I thought I've being asked dumb questions, it's very much a matter of character. I wouldn't take it too hard, those questions weren't dumb :)
Thank you. My feeling was that I got all I would ever get from the man. If I had to do it again, I would have tried a couple more angles, but I don't have to do it again, nor does he... so I am satisfied by what exists and have a lot of other people to interview, so life goes on for us both.
I have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit for business. In talking with friends abroad the one common comment about americans is that they rudely interrupt anyone they talk with. I have to agree 100 percent. We don't seem to have any self control. Tommy takes a breath and the jerk just has to hear himself. Sad so sad.
I sorta wish I could unsee this interview. I'm glad I'd already seen and enjoyed THE HOMESMAN, because seeing Mr. Jones in this context would have been a strike against ever seeing it in the first place. Just like in the rest of life, a little basic politeness goes a long way.
He pulled the John Ford on you
Questions were asked in this interview presenting deceptive alternatives, such as "are you scared? or maybe you are nervous". I think that was a bad idea.
TLJ is a notorious asshole when it comes to interviews. I'm pretty sure he understood everything that was asked of him, he is just an grumpy old man who won't bother explaining his POV, he would just rather dismiss it. These were in my opinion more thought provoking questions compared to the usual ones, TLJ is not intellectually lazy, he's well read and certainly smart but for some reason doesn't like to develop his answers. David did here did everything the same way he always did with other interviewees, maybe he was a touch more nervous because he knew how difficult TLJ could be, but who wouldn't.
With that said I liked this movie so much I actually bought the book. It's not bad literature as TLJ said it was but then again that's just my opinion. I thought it was cool that he focused on the women and made it about them. I thought the movie and the cinematography, as well as the acting, were beautiful and very thoughtful.
@DP/30 Dave, good job man. All these haters (film career prospects) are just mad that they would never be in the position where they may interview stars like Jones. Furthermore, the questions were poignant and RELEVANT! T.L. Jones was just mad that you weren't stroking his ego like most other interviews he's participated in... Keep up the great efforts and keep informing us with relevant answers for our questions. P.S. People that are mad at you for not conducting this interview in their desired manners are looking for interviews where gossip and controversy are key. You weren't looking for gossip and controversy, you were looking for answers of the artist nature. Film students appreciate this line of questioning and people that envy this man's fame disliked it. Again, keep up the great work.
Justin Ra I appreciate your kind words, but not 100% sure that any of the fingers pointed are fair either. I think Mr. Jones' behavior speaks for itself. I was there with him. No one else commenting was. The discomfort was unfortunate for us both. As to why some people are getting so angry... well... to paraphrase TLJ... I cannot begin to comprehend what they are trying to express.
DP/30 Dave, you're too nice... It's unfortunate he was not... Yes, as I wasn't present during the interview( like you've stated), I can only imagine that the both of you were slightly uncomfortable... However, your questions were not worth his somewhat condescending replies/answers. Jones, in becoming an actor/artist, as it is inherent to the profession, should have carried himself and his answers with the same professionalism you had then applied. Nothing you had asked was out-of-place or rude and as matter of fact; in my opinion, given your attitude during the interview, you were the true star...
This interviewer and Tommy Lee have totally different rhythms.
Dude, you should not be an interviewer. Do something else.
You're making the poor guy and everyone watching this very uncomfortable. But probably not nearly as uncomfortable as you are with all your stuttering, stammering, skipping around and scratching for questions and assuming a bunch of stuff.... geez this is so painful.
+グレートグレート It's not about how he interviews, it's who he is interviewing, Tommy Lee Jones is known to be a very hard person to interview, he doesn't like it, honestly I don't even know why Tommy even bothers with interviews.
The reason the interviewer was probably stuttering and everything was more than likely because he was nervous because he knew who he was interviewing and knew that it's not easy to interview him. someone you admire or enjoy to see and they just don't want anything to do with you makes it nerve racking.
You do make a good point, except that I've heard this interviewer before with other guests that weren't nearly as difficult as Tommy and he still displayed the same annoying mannerisms, but granted it wasn't as bad. Tommy just brings out the worst in anyone because as you say, he hates interviews.
I know about that, you are right.
Dave, I love the channel, but how do you not take a different avenue when your subject clearly is not receptive to your process? "Do you this, does it that, etc..." I'm no expert and again, I'm a fan of yours but when a guest is literally squirming its time for some alternate techniques.
THIS IS NOT AN INTERVIEW; THIS IS A BARRAGE OF LOADED QUESTIONS.
YOU LACK SELFAWARENESS; YOU ARE OVEREAGER, AND YOU INTERRUPT THE OTHER PERSON WHEN HE/SHE IS ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS.
painful to watch
Brutal to watch. Pure cringe.
Each question had the same intonation, so it became monotonous. Tommy expressed his reticence. Not a fun time. A for effort though.
I think this was a pretty good interview. Mr Jones always seems pretty taciturn-he is not an easy interview, by any means. At least he didn't look like he wanted to kill the interviewer!!!
I wish that I could un-see this Jones interview just like I wish I could un-hear that Christian Bale rant.
HAHAHA so true
I'm in love ❤️ 😍 sigh. I think he's first a businessman and this is his business. However, he put himself out there and should understand that this line of work can bring unwanted attention such as ooggling fangurls like myself. Sorrry Mr. Jones, you're a sex symbol, a wet dream for millions. 😁 Also, yeeeeee hawww!!!!
Is your brain ok
Tommy did not like you, I'm sure some of this had to do with your facial expressions during the interview I would imagine, and you do come off a bit presumptuous and snarky, in this particular interview.
Oof! So that's what it's like to interview TLJ. It's okay, David, TLJ is like that with everyone which I'm sure you know. I had a friend interview TLJ who had heard about his reputation and made the mistake of opening with "I heard you're a tough interview..." He recovered, but barely.
Far too many questions being asked. Not a very good interview in my opinion.
Tommy is not an easy person to interview, he never has in depth answers. Review any junket interview he has done with anyone else, it's awkward and it's like pulling water out of sand.
"interviewer" seems a lil outta his league on this one.