Jesse Plemons: From Breaking Bad to Complex Characters
Imagine a world where Jesse Plemons, known for his chilling role in Breaking Bad, almost became part of the Star Wars universe. This intriguing thought showcases the path that actors can take in Hollywood. Plemons himself reflects on a painful audition for the Star Wars sequel trilogy. He later remarked that he was uncertain and not at his best during the audition, but being part of such a massive franchise could have changed the course of his career.
The Career Journey
Plemons may have narrowly avoided joining a galaxy far, far away, but what followed was a string of successful roles in high-profile projects. He starred in acclaimed television series and powerful films like Fargo, The Power of the Dog, and Judas and the Black Messiah. His talent has made him a go-to actor among respected filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese.
As we sit in a hotel room in central London, Plemons, now 36, presents himself sharply dressed and ready to discuss his evolving career. Initially compared to Matt Damon, he has steadily carved out an identity unique to himself. His memorable face, characterized by deep-set eyes and a broad smile, is what draws audiences into his complex characters.
Changes and Challenges
Jesse Plemons has also experienced a significant transformation in his physical appearance over the years. He gained weight for his role in Black Mass, portraying a real-life mobster. While he does not regret the decision, he describes the process of losing the weight as challenging. It took a pivotal casting in Civil War, a dystopian thriller, to push him toward healthier choices. His new role required a leaner look, and the responsibility of being a father added to his motivation.
Engaging in Realities
Plemons notes that many recent projects share striking themes with current societal issues. In Civil War, he plays a character engaged in violent conflicts tied to a divided nation. This kind of storytelling resonates with viewers as the parallels to today are obvious. Similarly, his role in Netflix’s Zero Day raises questions about surveillance and political turmoil, mirroring our real-world issues.
As Plemons elaborates, successful acting often focuses on character dynamics rather than the narrative’s political implications. However, he appreciates when viewers connect the dots themselves; it adds depth to their experience.
Characters with Depth
One defining element of Plemons’s career has been his ability to portray intricate, multifaceted characters. He recalls being drawn to scripts that reveal layers and complexities. Plemons enjoys exploring the nuances of characters who don’t fit neatly into categories. This desire reflects a broader human experience where most individuals have diverse aspects to their personality.
In Zero Day, he flexes this complexity through the character Roger, a political fixer with secrets galore. Plemons relishes the unpredictability that comes with playing such layered roles.
Collaborations with Greats
Plemons speaks fondly of his collaborations, particularly with actor Robert De Niro and director Lesli Linka Glatter, reiterating the excitement of working with such esteemed figures. Despite initially feeling overwhelmed, he has grown more comfortable collaborating with De Niro over time, enjoying the creative exchanges they have.
In addition, his work with Yorgos Lanthimos on Kinds of Kindness allows Plemons to embrace darker narratives. The film is a series of surreal tales that delve into human experiences. Plemons has taken on multiple roles, showcasing his versatility beyond traditional story arcs.
The Unconventional Narrative
One of the reasons Jesse Plemons stands out in the industry is his knack for playing unconventional characters. His ability to convey ambiguous emotions through subtle facial expressions enables him to breathe life into complicated roles. However, off-camera, he maintains a down-to-earth demeanor.
While discussing the even more unconventional nature of Kinds of Kindness, Plemons recognizes that such artistic expressions may not be for everyone. His humor shines through as he expresses relief that his grandmother hasn’t watched it.
A Child Actor’s Perspective
Plemons began acting at a young age, which exposed him to diverse people early on. This experience deepened his understanding of human behavior and storytelling. He attributes his motivation to act to his parents’ decision to encourage his talent, marking the idea that pursuing a career in acting was possible.
While Plemons first made waves as a child actor in Friday Night Lights, it was his role as the menacing Todd in Breaking Bad that solidified his place in pop culture. Although he acknowledges the overwhelming identification with Todd, he embraces the opportunity to showcase a broad range of roles since then.
Future Directions
As his career progresses, Jesse Plemons continues to explore thoughtful character portrayals. He may not fit the mold of typical blockbuster action heroes, yet he has successfully navigated the entertainment landscape on his terms, making impactful choices in a variety of genres.
Plemons has cultivated a unique path, prioritizing intriguing roles over mainstream commercial blockbusters. As audiences witness his evolution through thrilling narratives and complicated characters, the anticipation for his future projects only grows stronger.
In conclusion, Jesse Plemons is a testament to the power of unconventional storytelling in film and television, showing that artistry can thrive even in an industry often dominated by formulaic approaches. His journey underscores the beauty of exploring the depths of human complexity through performance.
