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Josh Brolin | Smartless

By Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

Join "SmartLess" hosts Will Arnett, Sean Hayes, and Jason Bateman as they dive into an intimate conversation with actor Josh Brolin, who offers a candid look into his life, redefined by sobriety and parenting. Brolin's reflections unveil the stark differences in his relationships with his children across the years, and the benefits of embracing a transparent approach to addressing past issues. His personal insights go beyond the surface, revealing the healing nature of understanding and being present for his family, something he deeply values.

With a career that spans from the hesitant steps of his teenage acting aspirations to his seasoned experience behind the camera, Brolin's journey in the entertainment industry is rich with stories of perseverance, collaboration, and growth. From discussing the turning point in "The Goonies" to his memorable work with the Coen Brothers and Denis Villeneuve, Brolin paints a picture of an artist deeply committed to his craft. Off-screen, his thoughtful and observant demeanor challenges the tough roles he often portrays, while his directorial experiences and ambitions suggest a future where Brolin's impact on cinema might transcend not only roles but borders.

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Josh Brolin | Smartless

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Josh Brolin | Smartless

1-Page Summary

Sobriety and parenting

Josh Brolin has opened up about the significant differences in his parenting style since becoming sober. He clearly sees a contrast in the way he interacts with his younger children compared to his older ones, attributing these positive changes to his sobriety. Brolin admits that alcohol made him less available to his older children, and he appreciates the ability to be more present now. In discussing his family life, he emphasizes the importance of transparency, acknowledging the benefits of addressing past issues openly to facilitate understanding and healing.

Josh's early experiences with acting

In his teenage years, Josh Brolin fell in love with acting, marking the beginning of his journey in the entertainment industry. Despite facing numerous rejections early on, Brolin's perseverance never wavered. He continued to audition and remained dedicated to the craft, convinced of his potential to succeed in the acting world.

Getting his big break on The Goonies

Brolin reflects on the career-defining moment when he secured his role in "The Goonies," a moment that would solidify his standing in the film industry. The reflection on this pivotal point in his career underlines how Brolin transitioned from struggling actor to a recognizable face in Hollywood.

Memorable collaborations with the Coen Brothers

Brolin has a notable history with the Coen Brothers, including films like "No Country for Old Men." He recalls working closely with Joel and Ethan Coen, learning from their grounded demeanor and unique approach to filmmaking. Brolin talks about their subtlety on set, particularly their reserved praise, which contrasted with industry norms. He hints at a significant takeaway from his time with them, without detailing what this insight specifically entails, leaving it as an intriguing aspect of his acting development.

Denis Villeneuve's Dune

Reflecting on his recent work, Josh Brolin touches upon his role as Gurney Halleck in Denis Villeneuve's "Dune." He proudly notes that he was in exceptional physical shape for the film, aligning with his commitment to the intense performance the role demanded.

Contrast between Josh's "tough guy" roles and his thoughtfulness/sensitivity

Will Arnett brings to light the contrast between Brolin's on-screen "tough guy" personas and his off-screen personality. Brolin is known for playing rugged characters but away from the cameras, he's observant, thoughtful, and expressive about his love and appreciation for his family. This depth of character underscores a sensitive and contemplative nature that deviates from the stereotypical roles he often portrays.

Experience directing an episode of Outer Range

Josh Brolin divulges details of his directorial experience on the set of "Outer Range." He explains how he sought guidance from peers like Jason Bateman and valued the collective input from everyone involved in the production. For Brolin, directing the episode was less about leaving a personal imprint and more about harmonizing with the needs of the crew and cast, emphasizing cooperation and attentiveness as key to his directorial approach.

Interest in directing more projects in the future, especially international ones

Brolin's burgeoning interest in directing has led him to consider more ambitious and international ventures. He compares his directorial aspirations to his approach to parenting, favoring decisiveness and the willingness to embrace mistakes for the sake of growth and strong leadership. Brolin's enthusiasm for taking on larger-scale projects points to an exciting future with potential international contributions to cinema.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Josh Brolin has collaborated with the Coen Brothers on films like "No Country for Old Men." He has praised their unique approach to filmmaking and their subtle style on set. Brolin has learned from their grounded demeanor and reserved praise, which differs from typical industry practices. His time working with them has provided valuable insights into his acting development.
  • "Outer Range" is a television series that features a mix of mystery, thriller, and Western genres. The show follows a rancher in Wyoming who discovers strange occurrences on his land, delving into supernatural elements and family secrets. Josh Brolin directed an episode of this series, showcasing his interest and skill in the realm of directing television content.
  • Josh Brolin's comparison of his parenting approach to his directorial aspirations highlights his shared values of decisiveness, growth through mistakes, and strong leadership in both roles. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and cooperation in parenting, mirroring his directorial approach of harmonizing with the needs of the crew and cast. Brolin's willingness to learn from experiences and embrace challenges for personal and professional growth is evident in both his parenting journey and his aspirations in directing. This parallel showcases his commitment to evolving and excelling in different facets of his life.

Counterarguments

  • While sobriety can indeed lead to positive changes in parenting, it's important to recognize that sobriety alone doesn't automatically make someone a good parent; it requires continuous effort and learning.
  • Transparency is generally beneficial in family life, but there may be situations where full disclosure isn't appropriate or could be harmful, especially with children who may not be ready to process certain information.
  • Perseverance in acting—or any career—is commendable, but it's also important to acknowledge the role of luck, timing, and privilege in achieving success.
  • The career-defining moment of securing a role in "The Goonies" highlights the importance of breakthrough opportunities, but it also suggests that success in Hollywood often hinges on a few key moments, which may not be the case for every actor.
  • Learning from the Coen Brothers' unique approach is valuable, but other filmmakers with different styles can also offer important insights and lessons in filmmaking.
  • Being in exceptional physical shape for a role like in "Dune" is impressive, but it's also worth considering the pressures and potential health risks actors face when undergoing extreme physical transformations for roles.
  • The contrast between Brolin's "tough guy" roles and his off-screen personality could be seen as a testament to his acting skills, but it also raises questions about typecasting and whether actors are given the opportunity to explore a wide range of characters.
  • Directing an episode of "Outer Range" and valuing collective input is a positive approach, but it's also important to recognize that a director needs to provide clear vision and sometimes make tough decisions that may not please everyone.
  • An interest in directing more projects, especially international ones, is ambitious, but it also requires understanding and respecting different cultures and filmmaking traditions, which can be challenging.
  • Emphasizing growth and strong leadership in directing is important, but it's also crucial to balance decisiveness with flexibility and adaptability to different situations and team dynamics.

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Josh Brolin | Smartless

Sobriety and parenting

Josh Brolin reflects on his experiences of parenthood under the influence of alcohol and how sobriety has profoundly impacted his approach to fatherhood.

Being a different parent while sober

Brolin discusses the stark contrast in his parenting between his older and younger children. He suggests that the biggest change in his relationship with his younger kids is attributed to his sobriety. He hints at his past behavior, implying that he was less present in his older children's lives due to alcohol, and acknowledges the positive shift that has come with his sobriety.

Open dialogue about past issues

Furthermore, Brolin stresses the importance of maintaining an open dialogue within his f ...

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Sobriety and parenting

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Josh Brolin emphasizes the importance of open communication within his family regarding past challenges, including his struggles with alcoholism. This transparency allows for addressing difficult issues and promoting understanding and healing within the family unit. By openly discussing past problems, Brolin and his family can work through any lingering effects and strengthen their relationships. This approach fosters a supportive environment where everyone can learn from the past and move forward positively.
  • Josh Brolin's alcoholism had a significant impact on his family dynamics, affecting his relationships with his children. His struggles with alcohol may have led to him being less present and involve ...

Counterarguments

  • While sobriety can indeed lead to positive changes in parenting, it is not the only factor that can improve family dynamics; other elements such as therapy, personal growth, and external support can also play significant roles.
  • The positive shift in Brolin's relationship with his younger children may not solely be due to sobriety; it could also be influenced by the natural evolution of a person's parenting style or maturity over time.
  • The implication that Brolin was less present in his older children's lives due to alcohol may not account for the complexities of those relationships or other factors that could have affected his presence and parenting.
  • Open dialogue is important, but it must be handled with care to ensure that it is age-appropriate and does not inadvertently burden chi ...

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Josh Brolin | Smartless

Josh's early experiences with acting

Josh's journey into the acting world began with developing a deep passion for the craft during his teenage years.

Developing a love of acting in his teens

In his early teens, Josh discovered his love for acting. This passion quickly became a pivotal part of his life, shaping his dreams and future aspirations.

Persisting through many failed auditions

Despite facing numerous rejections, Josh showed remarkable ...

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Josh's early experiences with acting

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Josh's interest in acting sparked during his teenage years, leading him to explore opportunities in the field. This initial involvement in acting was driven by a deep passion for the craft that he discovered at a young age. Despite facing challenges and rejectio ...

Counterarguments

  • While Josh's passion for acting is clear, it's not uncommon for teenagers to have changing interests; his early love for acting might not necessarily predict his long-term career path.
  • The text implies that passion and perseverance are sufficient for success in acting, but it doesn't address the role of talent, training, networking, and luck, which are also critical factors in the industry.
  • The narrative celebrates Josh's determination in the face of failed auditions, but it's important to recognize that continuous rejection can also have negative psychological effects, and sometimes it might be beneficial to reassess one's approach or goals.
  • The idea that Josh's passion shaped his dreams and aspirations is a positive view, but it doesn't consid ...

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Josh Brolin | Smartless

Getting his big break on The Goonies

Will Arnett engages in a conversation with Josh Brolin about the formative moment of his acting career. Brolin reflects on how he landed his first significant role in the iconic film "The Goonies."

It appears that the content section provided is incomplete. If you would like assistance in crafting an article o ...

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Getting his big break on The Goonies

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • "The Goonies" is a 1985 adventure-comedy film directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg. The movie follows a group of kids who embark on a treasure hunt to save their homes from foreclosure. Josh Brolin played the role of Brand, the older brother of one of the main characters, in this beloved and iconic film. Brolin's performance in "The Goonies" helped establish him as a young talent in Hollywood and opened doors ...

Counterarguments

...

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Josh Brolin | Smartless

Memorable collaborations with the Coen Brothers

Josh Brolin reflects on his work with the Coen Brothers, sharing insights and anecdotes from their time on set together.

Josh Brolin has a history of collaboration with the Coen Brothers, having worked on three films and a short with the acclaimed directing duo. He talks about his role in "No Country for Old Men," directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, sharing a specific scene that was influenced by his commitment to immersive research for a play he was working on earlier.

Brolin notes the normalcy of the Coen Brothers, suggesting that despite their fame and critical acclaim, they’re very grounded. He recalls that he never received explicit praise from them. They would simply move on to the next shot or scene without comments like "great scene," which is often expected in the industry.

One humorous incident Brolin recounts is about Woody Harrelson, a co-star in "No Country for Old Men." During a hospital scene, Harrelson struggled to remember his lines. When Harre ...

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Memorable collaborations with the Coen Brothers

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Coen Brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen, are renowned filmmakers known for their unique storytelling and visual style. Despite their success in the film industry, they are described as grounded because they maintain a humble and unpretentious demeanor in their interactions with others. This down-to-earth attitude contrasts with the typical behavior associated with fame and acclaim in the entertainment world. It suggests that the Coen Brothers prioritize their work and craft over seeking external validation or attention.
  • The Coen Brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen, are known for their reserved demeanor on set, often opting not to provide overt praise to actors during filming. This approach contrasts with the more effusive feedback commonly ...

Counterarguments

...

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Josh Brolin | Smartless

Denis Villeneuve's Dune

Arnett introduces actor Josh Brolin, focusing on his recent role as Gurney Halleck in Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of "Dune." Brolin shares that during the f ...

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Denis Villeneuve's Dune

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Josh Brolin's role as Gurney Halleck in Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of "Dune" is significant because Gurney Halleck is a key character in the "Dune" universe. Gurney is a loyal warrior and mentor to the main character, Paul Atreides. His character brings depth to the story through his relationships and actions. Brolin's portrayal of Gurney Halleck adds to the overall richness of the film adaptation.
  • Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of "Dune" is a highly anticipated science fiction film based on the novel by Frank Herbert. The film is known for its visually stunning cinematography and intricate world-building. Villeneuve is praised for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring complex narratives to the screen. "Dune" features a star-studded cast including actors like Josh Brolin, Timothée Chalamet, and Zendaya.
  • Josh Brolin's statement about being in better shape during the filming of "Dune" suggests that he underwent physical training or fitness routines to enhance his appearance for the role of Gurney Halleck. This could ...

Counterarguments

...

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Josh Brolin | Smartless

Contrast between Josh's "tough guy" roles and his thoughtfulness/sensitivity

Actor Josh Brolin is widely recognized for his portrayals of rugged, tough characters. However, Will Arnett reveals that there's much more to Brolin than what meets the eye when he's on screen.

Appreciation for contrasts and complexities in life and people

Arnett indicates that Brolin enjoys "mixing it up", maintaining his physical fitness which complements his "tough guy" film roles. Despite this robust image, Arnett unveils a different aspect of Brolin, describing him as thoughtful and appreciative of the world around him. He extends this appreciation to his familial relationships as well, being open about his love and f ...

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Contrast between Josh's "tough guy" roles and his thoughtfulness/sensitivity

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Josh Brolin is known for his roles in various films where he portrays tough, rugged characters. Some of his notable roles include Cable in "Deadpool 2," Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Llewelyn Moss in "No Country for Old Men." These characters often exhibit strength, resilience, and a hardened exterior, showcasing Brolin's versatility as an actor. His performances in these roles have contributed to his reputation as a skilled actor in both action-packed and dramatic films.
  • Josh Brolin's public image as a tough, rugged actor contrasts with his personal traits of thoughtfulness, sensitivity, and vulnerability. This contrast is highlighted by his openness ...

Counterarguments

...

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Josh Brolin | Smartless

Experience directing an episode of Outer Range

Josh Brolin reflects on his experience directing an episode of "Outer Range," a contemporary Western produced by Amazon, marking a significant milestone in his career. This was his first substantial directorial project with a large budget, a notable step up from his prior work directing theater and a short film.

Brolin sought advice from seasoned actor-director Jason Bateman, who emphasized the importance of being attentive to the contributions of day players—actors who are on set for a short period and might be inclined to leave a strong impression, which could potentially upset the balance of a scene.

For Brolin, directing the episode was an opportunity to converge his diverse interests and l ...

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Experience directing an episode of Outer Range

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • "Outer Range" is a television series that falls under the genre of a contemporary Western. It combines elements of traditional Western storytelling with a modern setting and themes. Produced by Amazon, the show is available for streaming on the Amazon Prime Video platform. The term "contemporary Western" typically denotes a Western story set in present times, exploring themes relevant to today's audience.
  • Day players are actors hired on a short-term basis for specific roles in a production. They typically appear in a limited number of scenes and may not be part of the main cast. Day players are essential for filling minor roles and adding depth to the storytelling without committing to a long-term presence in the project.
  • Converging diverse interests and life lessons in directing allows a director to draw from various personal experiences and knowledge to inform their creative decisions. By integrating different perspectives and insights gained over time, a director can bring a unique and multifaceted approach to their work. This convergence can lead to a more nuanced understanding of storytelling, character development, and overall production execution. It enables the director to infuse their work with depth, authenticity, and a broader range of influences, enhancing the creative p ...

Counterarguments

...

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Josh Brolin | Smartless

Interest in directing more projects in the future, especially international ones

Brolin has recently revealed a newfound interest in directing, particularly in seeking out international collaborators and embarking on more ambitious directorial projects. This enthusiasm follows his positive experiences so far, which seem to have had a profound impact on his aspirations in the filmmaking industry.

He has indicated a strong desire to continue directing, attributing any previous reluctance to a fear he now feels ready to overcome at this point in his life. Brolin's perspective on directing is likened to his approach to parenting—stressing the importance of decisiveness and the courage to not fear making mistakes. Instead, it is vital to make informed decisio ...

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Interest in directing more projects in the future, especially international ones

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Brolin's comparison between his directing approach and parenting emphasizes the importance of decisiveness and courage in both roles. He highlights the need to make informed decisions and create a supportive environment for those under his guidance. This analogy suggests that, like in parenting, effective directing requires leadership, trust-building, and the ability to le ...

Counterarguments

  • Brolin's interest in international projects may face practical challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and logistical complexities that could affect his ability to direct effectively.
  • Collaborating with international partners might require a significant amount of time and resources to establish the necessary connections and trust, which could be a potential hurdle.
  • While Brolin's positive experiences have influenced his aspirations, directing at an international level might present unforeseen challenges that could impact his enthusiasm.
  • Overcoming reluctance is a positive step, but directing requires continuous learning and adaptation; readiness to direct does not guarantee success.
  • Comparing directing to parenting may oversimplify the complexities and unique pressures of managing a large, diverse film crew and the creative process.
  • Emphasizing decisiveness and courage is important, but directing also requires collaboration, compromise, and sometimes deferring to the expertise of others.
  • Making informed decisions and cr ...

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