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Adam Driver | Smartless

By Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

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 | Smartless

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Adam Driver | Smartless

1-Page Summary

Adam Driver's Early Interest in Acting

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 in the Military and Leaving Due to Injury

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.

Adam Driver Getting Into Juilliard on His Second Try

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 Playing Kylo Ren In Star Wars

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.

Adam Driver On Filming Enzo Ferrari Biopic with Michael Mann

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

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Adam Driver's short 48-hour stint in Santa Monica was a brief period where he stayed in Santa Monica, California, for only two days due to financial difficulties. This experience occurred during a time when he was trying to break into acting in Los Angeles but faced financial challenges that limited his stay in the area.
  • Adam Driver's stepfather issued a challenge to him, questioning his commitment and suggesting he wouldn't follow through with his ambitions. This challenge served as a catalyst for Driver's decision to join the Marines, as he sought to prove his stepfather wrong and demonstrate his determination to pursue a different path in life.
  • Adam Driver's military career in the Marines was cut short due to a mountain biking accident that resulted in a broken sternum. This injury led to his medical discharge from the service, despite his desire to continue serving. The severity of the injury and its impact on his physical ability to fulfill his duties ultimately necessitated his departure from the Marines.
  • Adam Driver attended the University of Indianapolis as a transitional step before re-auditioning for Juilliard in Chicago. This period allowed him to continue his education and acting pursuits while preparing for his second attempt at gaining admission to Juilliard's prestigious acting program. It served as a bridge between his military service and his recommitment to his acting career aspirations. This transitional phase provided him with the opportunity to further hone his craft and skills before pursuing formal training at Juilliard.
  • Adam Driver's commitment to the role of Kylo Ren in the Star Wars sequel trilogy without initially seeing a script showcases his trust in director J.J. Abrams. This level of trust in the director's vision and storytelling abilities is common in the film industry, where actors often rely on the director's guidance for their performance. Driver's decision to accept the role without a script demonstrates his confidence in the project and his willingness to collaborate creatively with the director. This kind of trust between actors and directors is crucial in bringing complex characters like Kylo Ren to life on screen.

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Adam Driver | Smartless

Adam Driver's Early Interest in Acting

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.

Driver doing plays in high school in Indiana

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.

Driver auditioning for Juilliard the first time at age 17

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.

Driver trying to make it as an actor in LA, then joining the Marines after 9/11

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 ...

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Adam Driver's Early Interest in Acting

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Juilliard School is renowned for its rigorous acting program, known for producing top-tier talent in the performing arts industry. Its selective admissions process focuses on talent and potential rather than academic grades. Graduates of Juilliard often go on to have successful careers in acting, theater, and film due to the school's prestigious reputation and intensive training programs.
  • Adam Driver's decision to join the Marines was influenced by his financial struggles while trying to establish himself as an actor in Los Angeles. After his car broke down in Texas, leaving him financi ...

Counterarguments

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Adam Driver | Smartless

Adam Driver in the Military and Leaving Due to Injury

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.

Driver joining the Marines after 9/11 along with friends

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 intending to make a career out of the Marines

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.

Driver getting medically discharged after a moun ...

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Adam Driver in the Military and Leaving Due to Injury

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Adam Driver faced personal challenges, including an argument with his stepfather who suggested joining the military after calling him a loser for not having a job. This suggestion aligned with Driver's patriotic sentiments post-9/11, leading him to enlist in the Marines with some friends.
  • Adam Driver's dedication to a military career was profound, as he enlisted in the Marines with the intention of serving long-term. He was committed to his training and deployment responsibilities, demonstrating a strong desire to contribute to his country through a lasting military career. Despite facing challenges like his injury, Driver's determination to continue serving in the Marines showcases his deep commitment to his military aspirations.
  • Being medically discharged from the Marines involves a thorough evaluation of the service member's medical condition to determine if they are fit for duty. If a service membe ...

Counterarguments

...

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Adam Driver | Smartless

Adam Driver Getting Into Juilliard on His Second Try

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.

Driver deciding to try acting again after 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.

Driver auditioning for Juilliard a second time in Chicago and getting in

Determined to give his dream another shot, Driver drove to Chicago where Juilliard had scheduled ...

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Adam Driver Getting Into Juilliard on His Second Try

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Juilliard is a prestigious performing arts conservatory located in New York City. It is renowned for its high standards and rigorous training programs in dance, drama, and music. Many successful actors, musicians, and dancers have graduated from Juilliard, contributing to its esteemed reputation in the entertainment industry. The school's alumni include numerous award-winning and well-known artists across various disciplines.
  • Adam Driver served in the United States Marine Corps before pursuing his acting career. His military service included time a ...

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Adam Driver Playing Kylo Ren In Star Wars

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.

Driver getting offered a role in new Star Wars films by J.J. Abrams

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.

Driver committing to the role without reading a script

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 ...

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Adam Driver Playing Kylo Ren In Star Wars

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Kylo Ren, portrayed by Adam Driver, is a central character in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. He is the conflicted and complex antagonist who struggles with his identity and allegiance to the dark side of the Force. Kylo Ren's journey explores themes of redemption, power, and legacy within the Star Wars universe. His character arc and interactions with other key figures like Rey and Luke Skywalker drive much of the narrative and emotional depth in the trilogy.
  • Adam Driver's introduction to the Star Wars franchise through an offer by J.J. Abrams signifies that the director personally invited him to join the cast of the films. This offer was a significant opportunity for Driver to become a part of the iconic Star Wars universe. It highlights the director's interest in Driver's talent and the actor's potential fit for the role of Kylo Ren. Driver's acceptance of the role without reading a script showcases his trust in Abrams and his excitement to be involved in such a renowned franchise.
  • Adam Driver's commitment to the role of Kylo Ren without reading a script showcases his trust in the director's vision and his eagerness to be part of the Star Wars franchise. This decision highlights his confidence in the project's potential and his willingness to embrace the character without prior knowledge of the script's details.
  • Adam Driver's decision to commit to the role of Kylo Ren without reading a script was influenced by his trust in director J.J. Abrams and the reputation of the Star Wars franchise. The Star Wars legacy, with its rich history and dedicated fan base, holds a significant cultural impact that can attract actors to be part of the saga. Driver's eagerness to join the Star Wars universe reflects the enduring appea ...

Counterarguments

  • While Adam Driver's commitment to the role without reading a script shows trust, it could also be seen as a risky move professionally, as the quality of the script and the development of the character are crucial to a performance.
  • The decision to commit to a role without reading the script might not be advisable for all actors, as it could lead to being part of projects that don't align with their artistic vision or career goals.
  • The strength of the new films' premise is subjective, and not all fans or critics may agree that the sequel trilogy had a strong premise or that it was executed effectively.
  • The allure of the Star Wars legacy might overshadow critical judgment, leading actors to join projects b ...

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Adam Driver | Smartless

Adam Driver On Filming Enzo Ferrari Biopic with Michael Mann

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 playing Enzo Ferrari in new Mann biopic

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.

Mann being obsessed with tiny details to create authenticity

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.

Mann focusing on revealing a character's internal life

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.

Driver wearing extensive prosthetics and working long hours on set

Focusing more on the technical aspect of Driver’s transformative performance as Enzo Ferrari, the conversation encompasses the ...

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Adam Driver On Filming Enzo Ferrari Biopic with Michael Mann

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Michael Mann's directorial style is characterized by meticulous attention to detail, aiming to create authenticity in his films. He is known for his focus on capturing the internal lives of characters, emphasizing nuanced emotions and thoughts. Mann's approach involves immersing both the actors and the audience in the precise world of the story, often through detailed settings and character portrayals. His method involves unraveling personalities layer by layer, offering a visual experience that encourages deep engagement with the characters.
  • Modena is a city in Italy known for its historical significance to the Ferrari brand. Enzo Ferrari, the founder of Ferrari, had strong ties to Modena, where the Ferrari factory is located. The city served as a central hub for Ferrari's personal and professional life, making it a symbolic and essential place in understanding the history and legacy of the iconic car manufacturer.
  • Mann's focus on capturing the abstract and internal life of characters involves delving into their emotions, motivations, and complexities beyond surface appearances. This approach aims to create multidimensional characters with rich inner worlds, allowing the audience to connect deeply with their thoughts and feelings. Mann's directorial style often prioritizes exploring the psychological depth of characters, revealing their inner struggles and desires through nuanced storytelling techniques. By emphasizing the abstract and internal aspects of characters, Mann seeks to offer a more profound and engaging cinematic experience that goes beyond mere visual representation.
  • Adam Driver's use of extensive prosthetics in portraying Enzo Ferrari in the biopic involved the application of artificial materials to alter his appearance significantly. This process allowed Driver to physically transform into the character by changing facial features, such as the nose, chin, or aging effects, to resemble the real-life figure more closely. The prosthetics were crucial in enhancing the authenticity of the portrayal, helping Driver embody Enzo Ferrari's unique physical attributes and charac ...

Counterarguments

  • While attention to detail can enhance authenticity, it could also lead to excessive focus on minutiae at the expense of other important aspects of filmmaking, such as pacing or narrative coherence.
  • The use of vintage Ferraris and extensive sound recording might not significantly enhance the audience's experience compared to using high-quality sound effects or replicas.
  • Focusing on a character's internal life is important, but it should be balanced with action and dialogue to avoid scenes that may feel slow or introspective to the point of alienating some viewers.
  • The use of extensive prosthetics can sometimes distract or detract from a performance if it becomes the focal point rather than the actor's portrayal.
  • Long hours on set could potentially lead to exhaustion and diminish the quality of an actor's performance or contribute to a p ...

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