INTERVIEW: Jason Schwartzman talks new movie, fame
by Lee Escobedo | The Shorthorn (University of Texas-Arlington)
Issue date: 10/31/07 Section: News
(U-WIRE) — Some might say Jason Schwartzman projects our quirks and oddities on the screen.
Whether playing a slacker with six toes, a vengeful 10th grade nerd or a sheepishly strange Louis XIV, Schwartzman has carved his niche in Hollywood portraying oddball characters.
After scarfing down some cookies, Schwartzman sat down with The Shorthorn during a roundtable interview to talk about India, Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and his infamous '70s porn mustache.
The Shorthorn: What was it like working with director Wes Anderson again?
Jason Schwartzman: Me and Wes are best friends. That really culminated after Rushmore, when he gave me my big break. I mean, I really don't have any other choice. The guy is an amazing writer and he has a great vision for films. I'm really happy to be able to be a part of that vision.
TS: What was it like filming the train scenes on the set of this film?
JS: Well, we were literally stuck on the train. The train would stop for goats, cows, refuel or whatever, and the shots we were shooting were constant motion. So Wes wanted all of these scenes filmed in a short time in the compartment. He rigged all of these lights inside of the train compartment so it would be professional lighting all the time. We then filmed all of these scenes in a really short span of time.
TS: When you weren't filming, what did you guys do for fun?
JS: Really, filming with Owen Wilson and Adrien Brody was a blast. I mean, just hanging out with those guys, talking about life, shooting the shit, was incredible. We set up this field outside and played badminton all day.
TS: That's why your chemistry on screen is so good.
JS: Exactly. I mean, before shooting, we lived together for a while, and so we got really close with each other and became really comfortable with one another, so that really helped our chemistry.
TS: What was the significance of the short film Hotel Chevalier?
Whether playing a slacker with six toes, a vengeful 10th grade nerd or a sheepishly strange Louis XIV, Schwartzman has carved his niche in Hollywood portraying oddball characters.
After scarfing down some cookies, Schwartzman sat down with The Shorthorn during a roundtable interview to talk about India, Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and his infamous '70s porn mustache.
The Shorthorn: What was it like working with director Wes Anderson again?
Jason Schwartzman: Me and Wes are best friends. That really culminated after Rushmore, when he gave me my big break. I mean, I really don't have any other choice. The guy is an amazing writer and he has a great vision for films. I'm really happy to be able to be a part of that vision.
TS: What was it like filming the train scenes on the set of this film?
JS: Well, we were literally stuck on the train. The train would stop for goats, cows, refuel or whatever, and the shots we were shooting were constant motion. So Wes wanted all of these scenes filmed in a short time in the compartment. He rigged all of these lights inside of the train compartment so it would be professional lighting all the time. We then filmed all of these scenes in a really short span of time.
TS: When you weren't filming, what did you guys do for fun?
JS: Really, filming with Owen Wilson and Adrien Brody was a blast. I mean, just hanging out with those guys, talking about life, shooting the shit, was incredible. We set up this field outside and played badminton all day.
TS: That's why your chemistry on screen is so good.
JS: Exactly. I mean, before shooting, we lived together for a while, and so we got really close with each other and became really comfortable with one another, so that really helped our chemistry.
TS: What was the significance of the short film Hotel Chevalier?
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