In an intimate episode of 'SmartLess' with co-hosts Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, accomplished actor Adam Driver takes listeners through a journey of resilience and dedication that shaped his career. From his early days of school plays in Indiana, to a momentary detour to Los Angeles, and to a life-altering enlistment in the Marines following 9/11, Driver’s path to acting success is as unconventional as it is inspiring. His candid recounting of his military tenure and subsequent medical discharge provides a rare glimpse into the personal struggles behind his drive to perform.
Driver's second shot at Juilliard marks a pivotal moment, symbolizing his perseverance and the fortitude to grasp his dreams while working a warehouse job. The episode then transitions to Driver's portrayal of the enigmatic Kylo Ren in the 'Star Wars' sequel trilogy, where he reflects on the trust in director J.J. Abrams that led him to this iconic role. Further, his experience filming the role of Enzo Ferrari under the guidance of director Michael Mann is depicted with an emphasis on the attention to detail and character immersion that distinguishes his work, offering fans and aspiring thespians alike a masterclass in the craft of acting.
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Adam Driver's passion for acting was kindled in his Indiana high school, where he actively participated in school plays and received positive feedback for his performances. At 17, he auditioned for Juilliard, attracted by the institution's focus on talent over academic grades. Following a failed attempt to break into acting in Los Angeles, which resulted in a short 48-hour stint in Santa Monica due to financial issues, Driver's direction in life shifted dramatically after 9/11, leading him to enlist in the Marines.
Adam Driver joined the Marines post-9/11 with a long-term career in mind, his decision being prompted not only by patriotism but also by personal circumstances, including a challenge from his stepfather. His military career, however, was unexpectedly cut short due to a mountain biking accident, which resulted in a broken sternum and ultimately a medical discharge. Despite his eagerness and determination to stay with the Marines, his injury mandated his leave from the service.
After his military service, Adam Driver was resolute in his pursuit of acting. He attended the University of Indianapolis as a transitional step before re-auditioning for Juilliard in Chicago. His dedication paid off when, while working at a Target distribution warehouse and attending university full-time, he received his acceptance call from Juilliard, setting him on the path to a successful acting career.
Adam Driver's commitment to the role of Kylo Ren in the Star Wars sequel trilogy began with an unwavering trust in director J.J. Abrams, as he accepted the part without initially seeing a script. Though the discussion does not go into the specifics of wearing the Kylo Ren costume or using the lightsaber, it emphasizes the importance of the role in Driver's career and his eagerness to be a part of the legacy.
In Michael Mann's biopic of Enzo Ferrari, Driver recounts the authenticity achieved by filming in Modena, emphasizing the extraordinary lengths taken by Mann to ensure every detail was accurate, from capturing the sound of vintage Ferraris to ensuring the precise depiction of Ferrari's internal life. Driver shares insights into the demanding process of becoming Enzo Ferrari, with extensive prosthetics and long hours on set, driven by Mann's meticulous and character-focused directorial style.
1-Page Summary
Adam Driver, the distinguished actor recognized for his compelling performances both on stage and on screen, displayed an early interest in the craft of acting during his formative years.
In his Indiana high school, Driver engaged in theater, participating in school plays. He reflects on this period as the beginning of his interest where his acting was met with positive feedback from his audience.
At the young age of 17, driven by his growing passion for acting, Driver auditioned for the prestigious Juilliard School. He was drawn to Juilliard not only because of its exemplary reputation as a top-tier institution for acting but also because the school did not factor in academic grades as part of their selection process.
Determined to forge a path in the acting industry, Driver made the bold move to Los Angeles with ambitions of making it as an actor. He ventured westward in a Lincoln town car from his parents’ house but enc ...
Adam Driver's Early Interest in Acting
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Adam Driver, popularly known for his acting career, has a history as a Marine, which was shaped by post-9/11 events and an unexpected injury.
In the wake of 9/11, Adam Driver found himself caught in a mix of personal challenges and national sentiment. Following an argument with his stepfather, who called him a loser for not having a job, Driver's stepfather suggested joining the military. This idea resonated with the patriotic desire to contribute in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, prompting Driver to enlist in the Marines along with some of his friends.
Driver was committed to the Marines and planned to build a lasting career in the military. He was determined and focused on succeeding in this path, aspiring to serve his country long-term.
Adam Driver in the Military and Leaving Due to Injury
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Adam Driver's journey to becoming a celebrated actor includes a crucial turning point when he decided to audition for Juilliard for the second time after serving in the military.
Following his discharge from the Marine Corps, Driver felt a strong commitment to pursue acting as his next step in life. Coming from a background of military discipline, he believed that if he could handle the Marines, the challenges of civilian life and surviving in New York would be comparatively manageable. He took a determined leap towards his acting career with this perspective in mind.
Before making his second attempt at Juilliard, Driver enrolled at the University of Indianapolis, which was part of his transitional path back into civilian life and towards professional acting.
Determined to give his dream another shot, Driver drove to Chicago where Juilliard had scheduled ...
Adam Driver Getting Into Juilliard on His Second Try
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Adam Driver's portrayal of Kylo Ren in the Star Wars sequel trilogy has been a significant point of interest among fans and filmmakers alike.
Adam Driver was cast as Kylo Ren, a pivotal character in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. His introduction to the iconic franchise came through an offer to join the cast by director J.J. Abrams.
In a move that demonstrates his trust in J.J. Abrams' vision and the allure of the Star Wars legacy, Adam Driver committed to playing the character of Kylo Ren without initially reading a script. His commitment was a testament to the strength of the new films' premise and his eagerness to b ...
Adam Driver Playing Kylo Ren In Star Wars
Will Arnett and Adam Driver discuss the intense process of filming the new Michael Mann biopic, with Driver taking on the challenging role of Enzo Ferrari.
Driver talks about the experience of filming in Modena, the heartbeat of Ferrari's life, detailing how the setting, including the barbershop Ferrari visited and the factory, lent a vivid authenticity to the storytelling. The anecdote captures how the production aimed to immerse both the actor and the eventual audience in the precise geography of Ferrari’s world.
Attention to meticulous detail is a hallmark of Mann's directorial style, and according to Driver, Mann takes it to the extreme. He elaborates on Mann’s painstaking efforts to replicate authenticity, describing how Mann brought in vintage Ferraris—worth millions—and equipped them with multiple microphones to capture their iconic sound as they roared through tunnels.
Driver speaks to Mann's directorial tendencies, particularly his emphasis on capturing the abstract and the internal life of characters. He believes this approach is cinematic and compelling, enabling the audience to connect deeply with the on-screen personas. Mann's directorial guidance is described as focused primarily on these internal aspects to provide a rich, inner life to the characters.
Focusing more on the technical aspect of Driver’s transformative performance as Enzo Ferrari, the conversation encompasses the ...
Adam Driver On Filming Enzo Ferrari Biopic with Michael Mann
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