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Mark Ruffalo | Smartless

By Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

Join Sean Hayes, Will Arnett, and Jason Bateman in a captivating episode of "SmartLess" as they sit down with the multifaceted actor and activist, Mark Ruffalo. In this intimate conversation, Ruffalo shares a treasure trove of anecdotes, ranging from his early acting days with Ken Marino, facing a challenging yet transformative career setback, to the persistence that landed him a pivotal role in "You Can Count On Me." Ruffalo's journey of determination and the hard lessons learned through rejection and resilience provide a rich backdrop, reminding us that the path to success is often riddled with unexpected turns.

Dive deep as Ruffalo opens up about more than just his professional life; he recounts the surreal experience of dreaming about his brain tumor diagnosis just before his wife's delivery, a testament to the enigmatic nature of life's trials. Ruffalo's dedication to his craft shines through as he discusses the intense process of playing twins in "I Know This Much Is True," and his innovative approach to mastering The Hulk's lines in Marvel's cinematic universe. Beyond the screen, Ruffalo's evolution from federal environmental advocacy to fostering change at the state level, and leveraging film to impact social issues, showcases his genuine commitment to activism. "SmartLess" delivers an episode that is as enlightening as it is entertaining, detailing how Mark Ruffalo's artistry and advocacy intertwine.

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Mark Ruffalo | Smartless

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Mark Ruffalo | Smartless

1-Page Summary

Playing Brothers with Ken Marino

Mark Ruffalo looks back at his early acting days, recalling collaborative efforts with Ken Marino where they played brothers on stage. The partnership and the failed TV pilots they did, including one with Sean Astin, reflect a time of professional growth and personal friendship for Ruffalo.

Getting Fired from LA Play with Holly Hunter

Ruffalo experienced a humbling moment when he got fired for poor acting from a play just before its opening night. Ironically, the incident, which forced Ruffalo to confront his deficiencies, proved instrumental in teaching him vital acting lessons and pushing him to grow.

Long Struggle to Break Through as an Actor

Mark Ruffalo's path to acting success was fraught with a decade of perseverance, working jobs like bartending, and facing rejection without agent representation. His relentless pursuit underlines the challenges faced by many actors before finding their big break, proving that determination can eventually lead to reward.

Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Ruffalo mysteriously dreamt of having a brain tumor, which, to his astonishment, turned out to be true. The brain tumor was discovered right before his wife's delivery, a revelation he initially kept from her to not disrupt her birth plan. This taxing personal ordeal likely offered Ruffalo profound insight into the importance of life.

Breakout in You Can Count On Me

Director Kenny Lonergan was initially against casting Ruffalo in "You Can Count On Me," but after Ruffalo's persistence to audition and a memorable performance, he got the part. This role became a defining moment in Ruffalo's acting career, showcasing his exceptional talent.

Playing Twins in I Know This Much Is True

Ruffalo undertook the challenging roles of twins in "I Know This Much Is True," working with director Derek Cianfrance. He persuaded Cianfrance to direct, and their dedication to the characters involved shooting each brother's part separately. Ruffalo's method included an eight-week interval and weight gain to distinguish the twins, demonstrating the commitment to portraying each character authentically.

Marvel's The Hulk

Ruffalo expresses that learning lines is arduous work for him. To overcome this, he utilizes the Scene Study app, recording his lines and listening on loop, often while walking, to facilitate a dynamic learning environment and more effectively embody The Hulk's character.

Activism and Policy Change

Initially focused on federal policy change, Ruffalo's push for environmental reforms on Capitol Hill met with partisan resistance and personal criticism. Shifting his efforts, Ruffalo found more success and fulfillment in state-level advocacy and believes in using film to powerfully communicate stories that can shift perspectives and enact social change.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ruffalo's method of portraying twins in "I Know This Much Is True" involved working with director Derek Cianfrance to shoot each brother's part separately. He underwent an eight-week interval and weight gain to distinguish the twins, showcasing his commitment to authentic character portrayal. This approach allowed Ruffalo to delve deeply into each twin's individuality and complexities, enhancing the depth of his performance. The dedication to portraying each character distinctly contributed to the authenticity and impact of his portrayal of the twins.
  • Mark Ruffalo uses the Scene Study app as a tool to help him learn his lines for acting roles. This app allows him to record his lines and listen to them repeatedly, aiding in memorization and character embodiment. Ruffalo's method of listening to the lines while walking helps him create a dynamic learning environment, enhancing his performance as The Hulk in the Marvel movies.
  • Ruffalo's advocacy efforts for environmental reforms on Capitol Hill involved lobbying and campaigning for changes in federal policies related to environmental issues such as climate change and renewable energy. He faced challenges due to political divisions and criticism but later shifted his focus to state-level advocacy, where he found more success in driving policy changes at a local level. Ruffalo believes in using his platform as a public figure to raise awareness about environmental issues and push for meaningful reforms through activism and storytelling.

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Mark Ruffalo | Smartless

Playing Brothers with Ken Marino

Mark Ruffalo reflects on the early days of his career, mentioning a period of collaborative work with Ken Marino, including a play where they played brothers.

Marino is an old friend of Ruffalo's

In recounting his experiences, Ruffalo looks back fondly on his time with Ken Marino which suggests a longstanding friendship between the two that predates their more established careers.

Ruffalo did some failed TV pilots with Marino and Sean Astin early in his career

Ruffalo talks about working with Ken Marino and Sean Astin on a play early in his career where they played brothers. Beyon ...

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Playing Brothers with Ken Marino

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The collaborative work between Mark Ruffalo and Ken Marino started early in Ruffalo's career, including a play where they portrayed brothers. They also worked on failed TV pilots together, indicating a history of joint projects ...

Counterarguments

...

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Mark Ruffalo | Smartless

Getting Fired from LA Play with Holly Hunter

An unexpected dismissal taught Mark Ruffalo a valuable lesson in his acting career.

Ruffalo was fired for poor acting shortly before the play opened

Mark Ruffalo, now a celebrated actor, faced a humbling experience early in his career when he was fired just four days before the play he was part of alongside Holly Hunter was due to open. The director, Beth Henley, couldn't bring herself to deliver the news, so a stagehand had to inform Ruffalo of his termination.

Difficult experience but helped him learn

Reflecting on the incident, Ruffalo admits that he was likely let go be ...

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Getting Fired from LA Play with Holly Hunter

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Mark Ruffalo is an American actor known for his versatile performances in film and theater. He began his acting career in the late 1980s, appearing in minor roles in television and film. Ruffalo gained recognition for his work in independent films before transitioning to mainstream success with roles in movies like "Zodiac" and "The Avengers." His dedication to his craft and ability to portray complex characters have solidified his reputation as a respected actor in the industry.
  • Mark Ruffalo was fired from a play shortly before its opening due to his poor performance not aligning with the director's vision, as indicated by feedback that he was "in a different play." The director, Beth Henley, struggled to deliver the news directly, so a stagehand had to inform Ruffalo of his termination. This experience was challenging for Ruffalo but ultimately served as a valuable lesson that helped him improve as an actor.
  • Mark Ruffalo's experience of being fired from a play early i ...

Counterarguments

  • It's possible that Ruffalo's acting was not objectively poor, but rather not a good fit for the specific vision or style of the play.
  • The decision to fire Ruffalo may have been influenced by factors other than his acting abilities, such as creative differences or misunderstandings.
  • The director's inability to deliver the news personally could be seen as a lack of professional courtesy, rather than a simple difficulty in conveying bad news.
  • Being informed of termination by a stagehand, while factual, does not necessarily reflect on the professionalism of the production; it could have been the most practical option at the time.
  • Ruffalo's admission that he "sucked" is a subjective assessment and could be an overly harsh self-critique rather than an accurate reflection of his performance.
  • The phrase "in a different play ...

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Mark Ruffalo | Smartless

Long Struggle to Break Through as an Actor

The journey to becoming a successful actor is often long and filled with challenges. Many actors spend years working menial jobs, facing rejection, and hoping for that one opportunity that will open the doors to a steady career in the industry.

Bartended and picked up work for years without representation

One common story among actors is the struggle to find representation. For many, this can involve bartending or taking on other temporary work to sustain themselves. The pursuit of their passion often means juggling these jobs while attending auditions and trying to get noticed by an agent or a casting director. This phase can be particularly trying, as actors have to put their best foot forward in auditions without the backing or guidance of a representative.

Persevered for 10 years before his big break

It's not uncommon for actors to endure this cycle of hope and disappointment for a prolonged period. S ...

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Long Struggle to Break Through as an Actor

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Finding representation in the acting industry involves securing an agent or manager who will advocate for the actor and help them secure auditions and roles. Representation is crucial as agents have industry connections and can open doors to opportunities that actors might not access independently. Without representation, actors often struggle to get noticed by casting directors and producers, making it challenging to secure significant roles. Many actors take on side jobs like bartending to support themselves while they navigate the process of finding representation and building their careers.
  • In the acting world, auditions are crucial events where actors showcase their talent to casting directors or producers for potential roles in films, TV shows, or theater productions. Actors prepare monologues or scenes to perform, aiming to impress the decision-makers with their acting skills, interpretation of the character, and ability to embody the role. Auditions serve as opportunities for actors to demonstrate their range, versatility, and suitability for specific characters, often requiring them to convey emotions, deliver lines convincingly, and stand out among other auditioning performers. Successful auditions can lead to career-changing opportunities, helping actors secure ro ...

Counterarguments

  • While many actors do face long periods of struggle, some actors achieve success relatively quickly due to a variety of factors such as networking, luck, or being at the right place at the right time.
  • The narrative that all actors must endure hardship can overshadow the experiences of those who find success through alternative paths, such as through social media platforms or reality TV exposure.
  • The idea that actors without representation cannot put their best foot forward may underestimate the resourcefulness and talent of independent actors who successfully navigate the industry without an agent.
  • The emphasis on perseverance might imply that those who leave the industry did not have enough determination, which ignores the valid personal and professional reasons an individual might choose to pursue a different career.
  • The focus on the struggle and eventual breakthrough can romanticize the difficulties of the acting profession and may not adequately address the systemic issues th ...

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Mark Ruffalo | Smartless

Brain Tumor Diagnosis

In a shocking turn of events, actor Mark Ruffalo's surreal experience of a vivid dream prefacing a grave health condition becomes a reality.

Had vivid dream he had a brain tumor - turned out to be true

Ruffalo recounts a dream he had with a deep sense of knowing, which he describes as "pure knowledge" rather than a voice telling him. This vivid dream was of having a brain tumor, surrounded by a sense of doom that followed him upon waking. Remarkably, this dream turned out to be a true premonition of his state of health as Ruffalo was indeed diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Discovered tumor night before his wife gave birth

The timing of his diagnosis was uncanny as Ruffalo discovered he had a brain tumor the night before his wife Sunny was due to give birth. This intense discovery presented him with a challenging situation as he juggled the joy of impending fatherhood with the looming concern of his medical diagnosis.

Kept diagnosis from wife initially to avoid disrupting birth plan

In an act of profound consideration and to maintain a sense of normalcy for his wife at a crucial time, Ruffalo initially chose not to disclose his diagnosis to Sunny. She had a detailed birth plan arranged, which included the use of a hot tub and a ...

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Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Mark Ruffalo is a well-known American actor, producer, and director. He has appeared in numerous films and is recognized for his roles in both independent and mainstream movies. Ruffalo is also known for his activism on environmental issues and social causes.
  • The dream Mark Ruffalo had about having a brain tumor was significant because it turned out to be a premonition of his actual health condition. It provided him with an eerie sense of foreknowledge before his diagnosis. This dream played a crucial role in shaping the emotional and psychological journey surrounding his unexpected medical revelation.
  • Mark Ruffalo and his wife experienced a mix of emotions due to the timing of his brain tumor diagnosis, which coincided with the imminent birth of their child. Ruffalo's decision to initially keep the diagnosis from his wife was dr ...

Counterarguments

...

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Mark Ruffalo | Smartless

Breakout in You Can Count On Me

Mark Ruffalo's journey to being cast in "You Can Count On Me" was not a straightforward one, overcoming initial resistance from the director to land the role that helped catapult his career.

Director Kenny Lonergan was initially resistant to casting Mark Ruffalo in "You Can Count On Me." Lonergan even expressed reluctance to considering Ruffalo for a part in the film.

However, Ruffalo was determined to get a chance and had to plead for the opportunity to audition. When he finally got the chance, Ruffalo made a unique impression; he auditioned with Lonergan holdin ...

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Breakout in You Can Count On Me

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Mark Ruffalo's role in "You Can Count On Me" was a significant turning point in his career as it showcased his acting talent and versatility, leading to critical acclaim and recognition in the industry. The film helped establish Ruffalo as a respected actor and opened doors to more prominent roles in both independent and mainstream cinema. Ruffalo's performance in the movie was praised for its depth and emotional resonance, setting the stage for his future success in Hollywood. "You Can Count On Me" marked a pivotal moment in Ruffalo's career trajectory, solidifying his position as a talented and sought-after actor.
  • Kenny Lonergan initially resisted casting Mark Ruffalo in "You Can Count On Me" due to concerns about Ruffalo's suitability for the role. Lonergan expressed reluctance and was not immediately convinced about Ruffalo's fit for the character. Ruffalo had to persuade Lonergan to give him a chance to audition for the role. Ruffalo's u ...

Counterarguments

...

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Mark Ruffalo | Smartless

Playing Twins in I Know This Much Is True

Mark Ruffalo faced one of his most challenging roles to date as he brought to life the twin brothers of Wally Lamb’s novel, "I Know This Much Is True," with director Derek Cianfrance's unique approach to storytelling.

Novel by Wally Lamb Ruffalo optioned and brought to director Derek Cianfrance

Ruffalo was determined to see the novel adapted to the screen and believed that Derek Cianfrance was the perfect director for the project. Obtaining the book rights, Ruffalo was set on bringing Cianfrance on board.

Cianfrance originally turned it down but Ruffalo pitched a vision over a long walk

Initially, Cianfrance was hesitant to join the project primarily due to the challenges of CGI required in creating twin characters. However, Ruffalo managed to win Cianfrance over by sharing his vision for the film during a convincing three-hour walk.

Shot the twin roles as if they were separate movies

The production of the series treated the portrayal of the twin characters as if they were individual films. This unconventional method of filming allowed for the depth and distinctiveness of each brother's journey to be honored and depicted with care.

Gained weight between playing each brother

Mark Ruffalo described that, unlike in traditional movies featuring twins, the production didn’t just make small aesthetic changes like adding a mustache. Instead, ther ...

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Playing Twins in I Know This Much Is True

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Derek Cianfrance's unique approach to storytelling in "I Know This Much Is True" involved treating the twin characters as if they were in separate movies. This method allowed for a deeper exploration of each brother's journey with individual care and attention. Cianfrance's approach aimed to honor the distinctiveness and depth of each character's portrayal in the adaptation.
  • Creating twin characters through CGI involves digitally duplicating an actor to appear as two separate individuals in the same scene. This process can be challenging due to the need for precise alignment of movements, facial expressions, and interactions between the twins. CGI artists must ensure that both characters look realistic and seamlessly integrated into the scene to maintain the illusion of two distinct individuals. The complexity of this task often requires advanced technology, meticulous attention to detail, and significant post-production work to achieve a convincing portrayal of twins on screen.
  • In the context of filming twin characters as individual films, it means that each twin's scenes were shot separately, as if they were the main focus of their own standalone movie. This approach allowed for a more in-depth exploration of each brother's storyline and character development without the constraints of traditional dual-role filming techniques.
  • During the production of "I Know This Much Is True," Mark Ruffalo had an eight-week break between filming scenes for each of the twin brothers he portrayed. This break allowed Ruffalo to physically transform himself to visually differentiate between the two characters. The hiatus was used to help him g ...

Counterarguments

...

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Mark Ruffalo | Smartless

Marvel's The Hulk

Actor Mark Ruffalo, known for his portrayal of The Hulk in Marvel's cinematic universe, shares his process for mastering his lines, which he finds to be quite laborious.

Learning lines tedious process for Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo finds learning lines to be a particularly tedious and slow process. It's a part of the job that he clearly sees as a drag, suggesting that the process of memorization is not something he enjoys.

Uses app to record lines and listens on repeat

To aid with memorization, Ruffalo turns to technology. He uses an application called Scene Study to record his lines so that he can listen to them over and over again. This repetition helps him to nail down the dialogue.

Likes to walk while learning dialogue

Ruffalo also adds his own kinesthetic twist to the learning p ...

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Marvel's The Hulk

Additional Materials

Clarifications

...

Counterarguments

  • While Ruffalo finds learning lines tedious, other actors might find the process enjoyable or fulfilling, as it can be seen as an integral part of character development and getting into the role.
  • The use of technology like the Scene Study app might not be the most effective method for everyone; some actors may prefer traditional methods such as reading with a partner or using physical flashcards.
  • Walking while l ...

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Mark Ruffalo | Smartless

Activism and Policy Change

Mark Ruffalo, an actor known for both his on-screen performances and off-screen activism, shares his journey from advocating on Capitol Hill to embracing the power of storytelling in film to effect change.

Once believed federal policy level was place to create change but learned otherwise

Initially, Ruffalo believed that meaningful change could be achieved through federal policy interventions. He used his platform to voice his opinions and even testified to the environmental committee on Capitol Hill, using his film "Dark Waters" as a springboard to discuss the impact of forever chemicals, like those from Teflon, on human health.

However, during his testimony, he observed a stark partisan divide, with a complete Democratic attendance versus sparse Republican presence. Ruffalo faced criticism from one member who suggested his motives were profit-driven and anti-corporation, which he countered by affirming the film was rigorously vetted and not produced for profit.

Now focuses advocacy on state level

Following his disenchanting experience on Capitol Hill and upon receiving advice during a meeting in Harry Reid's office, Ruffalo acknowledged the inordinate influence of fossil fuel money in politics and the excessive fundraising occupying politicians' time. He was steered towards advocacy at the regional and state levels where he saw successful outcomes, such as the banning of fracking in New York ...

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Activism and Policy Change

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Forever chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a group of man-made chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products for their water and grease-resistant properties. These chemicals are concerning due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, as they have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, immune system effects, and developmental delays. PFAS can accumulate in the human body over time and have been found in water sources, food, and even in the blood of the general population. Efforts are being made to regulate and reduce exposure to PFAS to protect public health and the environment.
  • The partisan divide on Capitol Hill refers to the deep ideological differences and political disagreements between members of different political parties, particularly Democrats and Republicans. This divide often leads to challenges in passing legislation and can create a contentious atmosphere in political discussions and decision-making processes. Members of Congress from opposing parties may have contrasting views on various issues, making it difficult to find common ground and reach bipartisan agreements. This divide can impact the effectiveness of governance and the ability to address important societal issues.
  • Fossil fuel money in politics refers to the financial contributions made by individuals, corporations, or interest groups associated with the fossil fuel industry to political campaigns or causes. This financial influence can impact policy decisions, legislation, and regulations related to energy, environmental issues, and climate change. Politicians who receive significant funding from the fossil fuel industry may be more inclined to support policies favorable to these interests, potentially affecting environmental regulations and energy initiatives. The presence of fossil fuel money in politics has raised concerns about conflicts of interest, transparency, and the prioritization of industry profits over environmental concerns.
  • Fracking, short for hydraulic fracturing, is a method of extracting natural gas and oil from deep underground. It involves injecting a high-pressure mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into rock formations to release the ...

Counterarguments

  • Federal policy interventions can lead to broad, systemic change that state-level actions cannot always achieve.
  • Testifying on Capitol Hill can raise awareness and influence federal legislation, even if immediate results are not visible.
  • Partisan divides can sometimes be bridged through persistent advocacy and finding common ground on issues that affect all constituents.
  • Celebrities can have mixed motives, but their involvement can also bring much-needed attention to critical issues.
  • State-level advocacy may be more impactful in certain cases, but it can also lead to a patchwork of policies that lack the consistency and reach of federal regulations.
  • The influence of money in politics is not limited to fossil fuels or to the federal level; it is a pervasive issue that affects state politics as well.
  • Storytelling through film is powerful, but it is one of many tools for change, and its impact can vary depending on the audience and cultural c ...

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