Sean Penn Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ
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- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- Sean Penn breaks down his most iconic characters, including his roles in 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High,' 'Mystic River,' 'Milk,' 'I Am Sam,' 'The Thin Red Line,' 'Dead Man Walking,' '21 Grams,' 'Flag Day' and 'Sweet and Lowdown.' Penn explains what it was like to recently bump into his real-life inspiration for Fast Times at Ridgemont High's Jeff Spicoli.
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Sean Penn Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ - Zábava
His daughters death scene in Mystic River is still one of the best on film. Still gives me chills.
Amazing performance and movie. That clip just gave me chills.
You never go full petard
@Boris Rodriguez If you haven't seen Mystic River by now you have no right to be mad at spoilers.
@@oOoJeeoOo right. The movie has been out for almost 20 years. If you haven’t seen the movies talked about in the video, don’t read the comments.
Me too
I am Sam is so underrated - one of the greatest films I’ve ever seen, his acting is so believable it makes me cry multiple times watching it every time
I agree.
My husband and I own the DVD and quote it frequently
Couldn’t agree more !
Sean got snubbed big time w regards to awards for that one !
Great movie
I can't watch that movie again. It makes me feel too sad
His last scene in At Close Range... brings tears to my eyes everytime!!
Love that movie- so powerful
The whole movie!
"Is this the family gun, Dad?"
“I am Sam” is such a beautiful movie but I have only been able to watch it all the way through once in my life. I’m always so overwhelmed & cry uncontrollably when I try 🥺 he’s brilliant, I’m not usually affected by an actor’s performance FOR DECADES 😂
Omg yes lol I can't watch it again. I would change it soon as I seen it on tv
I just watched it on Netflix and I was so emotional
Yeah, I totally agree. I saw it once when it came out when I was 15 . . . and the second time when I was 33. Maybe I can handle it again once I'm 50 . . . but probably not.
The scene that always gets me is when he sees his daughter in the park and she runs up to show him her girl guide medals and she’s so proud to show him… my heart can’t take it!! It’s such an amazing film.
Same! Haven't watched it in over 15yrs cuz I was soooooo emotional during the 1st time I watched it 😢
I wish he would have talked about 'Carlito's Way'.
Me too! Should have been a lot longer interview but I think he probably prefers not to do interviews..
So....to help you out, I'll talk about 'Carlito's Way '. That perm was EVERYTHING! I was as if Bob Ross was hanging out on the seedier side of town, and didn't have access to his paints. Unhappy accidents, indeed.
I felt like he made that movie
He played such a great character in that film. A real weasel!
I think that's his best performance.
Sean Penn's performance in At Close Range was so spotless he should've won an Oscar for that role.
I could not agree more. That film was both haunting and beautiful and that scene in the kitchen at the end was one of the most powerful cinematic moments of all time.
Loved that movie as a teenager. Cried every time I watched it. Love Sean Penn!
It would be great to get his take on "The Game" with Michael Douglas.
That was a great Finches movie. My ex and I went and saw that movie on opening night.
"Coked in San Fran and lovin' it!"
One of my favorite movies! The soundtrack is amazing.
Yes!!! Such an underrated movie that. One of the great endings
Great film, but it was a rather minor part
Mystic River did me in. That moment was so powerful.
Sean Penn...definitely one of best actors of our time
I was a senior in 2006, and this one kid in my class was like the modern day Spicoli at the time. One day he told the teacher (who was one of the meanest teachers) "I wont be here tomorrow or friday" and the teacher asked "ok how come your gonna be absent" and he replied "I dont know, I havent thought that far yet" lol The whole class bursted out laughing. Super funny moment that i just had to share haha
"Hey bud"
Dead Man Walking is one of the most moving and effective movies I've ever seen. It left me feeling drained, like I had been through an ordeal. The feeling I had when I watched it stays with me today. What a movie.
Already been said
Will say it again,
A BRILLIANT ACTOR..
Same. I saw it in the theater and remember being dazed and stunned by the end of the movie. Unable to move or speak for a bit.
@@Keysgerl yes, me too! I left, TRAUMATIZED.
Yeah, that film was absolutely intense. You really have to be in the right frame of mind to watch it. Susan Sarandon was amazing in it too.
Love that movie.. one of my favorite movies of all time.
Penn in Mystic River was so raw...and unforgettable. He really played a tough guy really really well.
Sean is such a brilliant performer, I never miss his movies.
"Casualties of War" was one of his best performances imo, it was such a stressful, dramatic movie and his character was such a difficult and complex one, but he really nailed it (and so did Michael J Fox of course).
Such a great, tragic story. Yes, the actors killed it.
Yes, doesn't his character (very courageously) save the Fox' character's life at one point. Very loyal and protective toward his own men but callous to the Vietnamese...
One of the most underrated war movies which wasn't even really a war movie.
One of the all time greats. He seems to have unlimited range
Sean Penn stands with the greats even if he doesn't get many big roles now.
That's why I love the 90' and 00'
There are no great roles anymore.
I am certain he has a few more great rolls in him.
what happened to him? Has he been blackballed or something? the guy completely VANISHED!
I hope someone writes him another role. Paul Thomas Anderson would be cool. Maybe Sean isn’t that interested in acting now since he has so many other pursuits.
The real Jeff Spicoli is out there somewhere catching sick waves with his wife and family in Malibu.
Overrated movie
Such a great chance encounter !
I wonder if he still only needs a cool buzz and a tasty wave. 😎👍
@Coogan put this movie next to modern high school movies like Mean Girls, Ridgemont High is trash by comparison
@Coogan oh noes Im gonna be muted by Coogan, whatever shall I do 😭
One of the best actors ever, without a doubt. He could have talked about 10-15 more films easy.
Other movies I would have liked to hear him talk about: Bad Boys, Falcon and the Snowman, The Assassination of Richard Nixon, and This Must Be the Place.
He’s smoked so many cigarettes that he turned into one.
@@Jojoburns26 The Assassination of Richard Nixon really affected me especially after I knew that the story was true
I'm so glad he did one of these. What a truly great actor. 'U-Turn' is an underrated classic.
TNT tony n tucker 🤣🤣🤣
"Arizona!"
Bad Boys? Casualties of War? At Close Range? Taps? The Falcon and the Snowman? Racing with the Moon?
Too many to cover I guess, but Bad Boys is still one of my favorite Sean Penn performances. The soda cans in the pillow case beat down scene still gives me an adrenaline rush! Does this man have a star on the walk of fame yet?
All the ones you mentioned are good/great movies and he was masterful in all of them. I'm sure he could talk for a couple of hours going over his career. He should probably consider doing a memoir.
Loved Sean Penn & Timothy Hutton in " The Falcon And The Snowman", ( also was my introduction to The Pat Metheny Group 😁)
I also thought of Mentioning BAd Boys. That was a great Molvie and he did a great job in that Movie. I also liked CAsaulties of War. Michael J. Fox did a greart job in that Movie and so did Sean. It was one of the few Vietnam War to come out sicne Hollywood being part of the Establishment doens't like to do Vietnam War Movies. Lots of WW2 Movies though.
@@lauriesolonka2477 They were a good match. Hutton is a great actor.
@@dennischiapello3879 loved Sean & Timothy in "Taps" as well ☺️❤️
I lived in Malibu and went to elementary school with Sean and his brother Chris (who sadly passed away at a young age). His parents were amazing people and in the business as many kids parents were in Malibu - and my parents enjoyed their company at school and community functions. It's fun to hear him talk about his youth in Malibu because I understand exactly what he is talking about i.e. walking to school without stepping on concrete because it was so rural, the guy who he based Jeff Spiccoli on (no I'm not sure which local surfer that was haha I could think of a few). I remember the exact moment that I found out he was going to be in "Fast Times" - My older brother and I were going to Cal Poly state U. and he came over to my house with a National Lampoon magazine and had it opened to the full page movie ad - and it was Sean. We were so psyched and happy for him. The rest is history - one of my all time favorite actors. He just nails his roles every time. I think it's time for a Sean Penn film festival!!
and the writers lived poor in ny.
Did you get to talk to Sean especially during your school days with him? Or did you just pass him by and only brief hellos?
What made him go looney tunes though? He’s batsht insane these days
@@dranderson6071
Uh, no he's not.
@@Chatta-Ortega Troll elsewhere thank you
Mr. Penn is obviously introspective while being very articulate.
@Robert Jameson You know Penn personally or is that just your opinion?
The Thin Red Line is a masterpiece.
Sean Penn is always very nuanced and riveting as an actor.
His career is phenomenal. Taps, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, At Close Range, Carlito's Way, Dead Man Walking, The Thin Red Line, I Am Sam, Mystic River, Milk, & The Tree of Life are all must see films.
Casualties of War too, very heavy film.
Bad Boys
"The Falcon And The Snowman" too
21 Grams is one of my favorites and At Close Range as well.
This is probably the most unexpected and surprising episode of "career breakdown" ever!
Why?
@@leob4403 Because if you knew anything at all about Sean Penn, you'd know that he isn't known for being that generous with interviews.
That's why.
I’m so glad y’all included “Sweet and Lowdown,” probably my favorite performance of his.
21 grams...
One of my favorite movies
He's such an amazing actor/ person
If the only role Sean ever played was Jeff Spicoli, he'd still be legendary, but then he goes on to have 40 years (and counting) of other amazing roles. This breakdown made me realize he might be the most diverse actor in Hollywood, as none of these characters are really that similar to each other.
Ive always felt that way. Ive liked Sean Penn since I was a kid.
Agreed !
Indeed. One of the greats.
Oh man, I really wanted him to talk about "At Close Range" he did with Christopher Walken. Both were terrific in it. That's based on a true story...such a good drama!!
Agreed, that and Colors, and Carlitos way. His 3 best films IMO, and no mention of any of them WTF?
Yes!
great film, yes would have loved seeing him talk bout it too
At close range was a great flick!
At Close Range was what I was looking for as well.
I still remember in his Inside The Actors Studio episode so many years ago, Lipton goes into describing Fast Times, a sort of hushed anticipation in the audience, Penn just turns his head sheepishly toward them and said "I'm sorry" lol
He sure has played plenty of heart-wrenching roles... surely that must take a toll!! Phenomenal actor!!
He needs to teach a Masterclass on acting. I have zero interest in ever becoming an actor, but I would take his class in a heartbeat.
Mystic River always stayed with me, it has an undefinable quality that always really struck me, it's not perfect but it might be one of my all time favourites
Agreed
He kind of overdoes the "Is that my daughter in there" scene.
That role was spot in for the 1980's gangster. I grew up where it the movie was filmed. Mafia and gangster's were a everyday part of our culture.
I agree..it has a rough edge into it but that’s what I love about that film and his character, it’s criminally underrated.
@@steveconn i think that can be the reaction of a tormented father
Sean’s performance in “Falcon & the Snowman” was the appetizer, “Carlitos Way” the meal and “Mystic River” the dessert.
I personally think Dead man walking is his finest role with mystic being a close second
Encouraging to see someone else whom appreciates Falcon.
21 grams also
@@waynej2608 loved him in The Falcon And The Snowman
Why does he always sound like he’s gonna cry, love him
When he wears Vans checkerboard in Fast Times At Ridgemont High, that iconic!
It would have been nice to hear him talk about "Casualties of War" with Michael J. Fox, and "We're No Angels" with Robert De Niro with whom he shares a birthday.
We're No Angels was pretty bad.
Casualties of War was crazy. Michael J. Fox was in such a dramatic intense role. I watched that move on acid. Do not recommend.
In Casualties of War Sean Penn was basically a younger version of Sgt. Barnes in Platoon. A real dirtbag of a leader, that was intimidating. Really great acting by Sean Penn. He made you despise him.
@Regulatory Affairs He’s changed. Growing old will do that to people.
I love both those guys but We're No Angels is terrible imo
I would happily watch Sean talk about every film he has acted in or directed.
I think Sean Penn is a very inspiring actor. ❤
"Falcon and the Snowman" will always be my fav Penn movie as well as one of my fav films ever.
21 grams is great movie, and a great performance by Penn.
His eyes are just beautiful and so sad at the same time
My dad (58) still talks about Fast Times at Richmond High
Bad Boys ’83, Colors, Carlito’s Way, and The Game are underrated, amazing, and should also be on here.
I know how is Colors not on here especially?!?! If ever theres an iconic role n movie its that. Game changing type flick. It felt real to me.
What about 'At close range'. Still his best for me
His reaction to losing Hodges seemed a precursor to the Mystic River seen.
did such an incredible job playing Milk. he did an interview with Conan recently where he admitted if that movie were made today, he probably wouldn't be allowed to have that role. unthinkable
My favorite role of Sean Penn is in the Oliver Stone film U-Turn. It's probably his most unseen film, but it has an ensemble cast with Billy Bob Thornton, Nick Nolte, Powers Boothe, Jennifer Lopez, Claire Danes, and Jaoquin Phoenix. It's also probably Oliver Stone's most "Indie style" movie since his beginnings.
Dope flick
U-Turn is one of my favorites too... Jon Voight was in it also, as the blind man! It would have been interesting to hear Sean Penn's view on making that movie....
Casualties of War
"I'm just like dynamite boy, and when I go off, people get hurt!" TNTucker
@@starkillerclub3755 How come Patsy Cline don't write songs no more?.... Because she's dead...
the Thin Red Line is the best war movie ever made, shame it's legacy is so overshadowed by Saving Private Ryan (which is also an amazing film don't get me wrong)
The Thin Red Line is a masterpiece, but it doesn’t come close to Come And See.
@@brianhueber3683 Came here to say this
Wished he could talk about the great movies he directed as well, particularly "The Indian Runner" and "Into the Wild"❤
And The Crossing Guard. It always gets neglected when people talk about his directorial works, but I love it! I think it contains Jack Nicholson's greatest performance of his career (Which is really saying something) and is a wonderfully nuanced take on the typical revenge tale.
His Mickey Coen in 'Gangster Squad' was
-chilling,over the top and so intense but l
-believe one of his best performances👏
These breakdowns are crazy insightful I love em.
At Close Range is arguably his best film. Bummed he barely ever gets to discuss it beyond the switching of the gun at the end scene...and State of Grace and Colors!!!
Yep. As I soon as I saw the thumbnail I hoped he'd talk about that movie...
I'm glad I'm not I'm the only one who loved this movie. SO underrated. Walken was so nuts in it.
ALREADY BEEN SAID
A BRILLIANT ACTOR"!
100% agree. At close range is so underrated
Whenever anyone asks what is the most heartbreaking scene in any movie I always mention two scenes: one is “the choice” in Sophie’s Choice, and the other is the courtroom scene in At Close Range. “He’s my father.”
My top 5 Sean Penn
The Assassination of Richard Nixon
At close range
State of grace
Mystic River
Carlitos Way.
He's a brilliant director too
The Indian Runner and Into the Wild are very special films
He’s such a great actor. The best.
Sean was one of the best parts of "Thin Red Line." That last line of his "Where's your spark now?" carries all of his anguish at not being able to save Jim Caviezel's character. I also wish he'd talked about "The Falcon and The Snowman" where he played another character at the very end of his rope.
Love him & Timothy Hutton in " The Falcon And The Snowman".... (side note, both Chris Boyce & Daulton Lee are out of prison)
Thin Red Line may be my favorite performance of his. It's interesting that Terrence Malick used this famously volatile actor (on and off screen) twice for very understated parts...and he's such a powerful presence in both. The scenes with Penn and Caviezel in Thin Red Line are like chamber-music duets.
It's one of my favourite movies. Jim Caviezel's performance was a highlight too. Super interesting to hear that Malick shot multiple scenes, with and without dialog.
I just love Sean, he's great in everything I've seen him in.
I wanna binge watch his movies now. But what he says about the movie I am sam I just loved that. Such a brilliant genuine man
To me, "State of Grace" was acting PERFECTION. Brilliant. Penn, Oldman, and Ed Harris. Gary Oldman's performance stood out the most IMO, but Penn was amazing! You felt EVERY bit of his struggles in that film. Truly a class of his own.
cloudcity77 you couldn't have said it better...such a phenomenal movie...
I was shocked when there’s no “State of Grace” or “Carlito’s Way”. He was incredible!
Thats really interesting what he says about the inner confidence of the character vs an insecure character; and how that in turn shapes the actor's experience of the job.
I am Sam kills me so much every time I watch it’s one of the most beautifully made films
I wish they had talked about A Close Range… what a powerful movie- and it’s a True Story
Favorite actor. His perfomance in sweet and lowdown is so underrated.
Omg I was so in "love" with Sean Penn when I was in high school back in mid '10.He is such a naturally good actor.
I still am at 58! Nobody has taken his place throughout the decades LOL
“Is that my daughter In there?!” That part in mystic river sends chills down my spine
He's my favorite, ever, so I'm biased. But I've watched nearly every one of these Breakdown pieces and it's like every other actor is playing checkers and Penn is quietly playing chess. He understands characters, processes and outcomes on a peerless level. For my money, those 2 minutes and 18 seconds wherein he essentially plays himself in the form of Sean O'Connell in 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' is the masterclass to end all masterclasses.
I wished that Sean could've talked about both "Colors" (1988) and "Casualties of War" (1989).
One of my generations best actors..2 oscar wins,like 5 or 6 noms...one of those actors in which you know the film will be good,or at least that persons scenes will be...my other fav actors like that are DD Lewis,Leo Dicap,Bobby D.,James Gandolfini....theres many more but most things those guys have done have been masterpieces...
Great insight. The best I have seen on this series.
I have a tremendous respect for Sean Penn. he is amazing actor and director, but, moreover, is genuinely authentic. I love many of his movies but my favorite are Into the Wild and Sweet Lowdown.
SP is amazing, so versatile. He really is a talented actor.
so much was left out...Bad Boys, At Close Range, Carlitos Way....we need a part 2
I know. That's just what I said.
It's amazing Sean Penn came a long way and he is one of the great ones
I’ve always admired and respected this fine actors choices
One of the great cinema actor/directors of our time. 2 Leading Oscar's. Worked with some of the best directors in the game like Clint Eastwood, Terrence Malick, Alejandro G. Innaritu, Woody Allen and more. Humanitarian, activist, advocate!
Timeless actor. Love his cadence and skill for articulation. So brilliant yet grounded. Great interview.
I made the mistake of watching " I am Sam" while on maternity leave after having my first child. I cried so hard. Loved the soundtrack. Is there anything Sean Penn cannot do?
Physics
Wow, that guy is amazing. Great video. Time to rewatch some of them.
Dang, no Colors or Carlito's Way. To me, these are two of his best performances.
That scene where he beats the guy to death in the water and Al Pacino just starts freaking out cracks me up. Like Sean Penn just dropped his favorite vase on the floor.
Please make a part 2 with Sean and all the missing movies he acted in AND directed. #SeanPenn
The Gunman
My favorite actor of all time! Every movie he does is a five star!
Hurly-burly is one of my all-time Sean Penn Performances layered but also very stripped down and honest no strings attached
Even Taps would have been interesting to hear his take on it…
with Tom Cruise....
Yes
I can't believe his role in 'The Falcon and the Snowman' wasn't included here. One of his most incredible performances.
That's my favorite, " The Falcon And The Snowman" is a great movie. ( I love the soundtrack, that was my introduction to The Pat Metheny Group 😁❤️)
One of the best (one of my favorite) actors and directors of all time. At Close Range and Bad Boys are two of my all time favorite films.
State of Grace & At Close Range are my faves. Just amazing!
One of the greatest actors in true story movies.
This man resume is so impressive that I think maybe 5 or 6 actors of his generation can match it.
Which 5 or 6 ?
@@jondoe5305 I would have said 6 or 7. Maybe 6 or 6, ya know ya know
w Denzel, daniel day Lewis, Tom Hanks, tom cruise, mel Gibson, Jack Nicholson
@@gonzalez7935 definitely above Tom cruise , Jack Nicholson is more in Pacino and deniros era
This is the best of these I've ever watched. Wow
Mystic River will always be one of my favorite movies and just started reading the book........
Sean’s acting has given us so much . I find myself cheering him on and admire his humanitarianism ❤️🌎🥰 as well
He needs to moisturise
Lol 😂 yeah, wouldn’t hurt
Sean Penn comes to mind every time I hear actors say they don’t want to be typecast. I can’t think of another actor who gives a different look with each role.
Just watched this again, an absolute fantastic movie, awesome cinematography and the best musical score unbelievable (mystic river)
I have had a crush on him since I was little. My favorite actor by far!! Yes he needed like 2 hours of this interview
I wish he’d mentioned The Interpreter. That’s a criminally underrated film and he was fantastic in it along with Nicole Kidman.
Agree. Of all of Penn's roles, I'd put the Interpreter easily in his top 5 best. But surely for me, Mystic River was his best, SAME with Robbins.
True
SEAN PENN IS TOP 10 AMERICAN ACTORS EVER 💯
Fast Times is still one my favorite roles of his. I knew a “Spicolli” at my high school lol
Thank you for the reflections Sean some actors look down on their early roles.
I know! Joseph Gordon Levitt did one of these and bashed 10 Things I Hate About You and I thought: What a pretentious douche.
🥺😥😬😮💨
My favorite Sean Penn role is The Interpreter. He was sooo good.
Sean Penn 🙏🏾 Most definitely one of the greats on the silver screen. Soo many great films with this magnificent actor.
Penn gave really great advices, brilliant. Surprised that Bad Boys wasn't brought up, which is a masterpiece.
Underrated
Yes bad boys is how I became a fan of his I didn't see fast times until I got to be a little older when they would show it like crazy on HBO n the late 80s early 90s
I'm surprised that a number of his roles didn't get brought up for discussion. He's acted with some of the best in the business, and had managed to win two Academy Awards during his illustrious career.
Great interview. Or hypothesis of his characters. Brilliant.
Thanks to Sean ! ! !
-especially for The Joyful Archetype~~~
JEFF SPICCOLI ! ! !
His scenes with Judge Reinholdt and with
Ray Wilson were truly and fully human ! ! !