Catching Up With John Hawkes
Like other character-actors before him, John Hawkes is someone that wants to tell a story. Whether he’s acting as a device or in a commanding lead, Hawkes has enjoyed playing a wide range of characters. His best tool is his ability to transform within a role. He’s delved into the darkness of a cult in Martha Marcy May Marlene, been an eternal optimistic disabled man in The Sessions, and has played many unkind felons.
In an unexpected turn, Hawkes uses humor to service Life of Crime as Louis Gara, a character Robert De Niro made famous in the slick crime comedy Jackie Brown—based on Elmore Leonard’s novel Rum Punch. For director Daniel Schechter’s Life of Crime, Hawkes finds the core of a criminal in his empathy even if he’s tangled up in the crime at hand. Instead of being a prequel, this film stands on its own and successfully pulls from Leonard’s novel The Switch, which allows Schechter to scale back on Quentin Tarantino’s flashy style for an old-school caper comedy that ultimately unveils yet another layer to Hawkes’ ability.
This film finds Gara kidnapping Mickey Dawson (Jennifer Aniston), the wife of a crooked real estate developer (Tim Robbins) for ransom. Louis and his partner in crime, Ordell Robbie (Yasiin Bey), quickly realize that they are in way over their heads as they deal with a man who simply doesn’t care enough about his wife to budge, while dealing with the possibility of having their whole plan blown by a neo-Nazi maniac. In the midst of this, Louis finds himself connecting with Mickey.
Paste: You’ve had such an interesting career in both television and film. Do you define yourself as a character actor?
John Hawkes: I guess so. Some people play characters closer to themselves, but maybe the classic character-actor moves from film to film playing small supporting roles that are integral to the story, but are not the lead role. I guess I just consider myself an actor, and if someone wants to call me a character-actor I’m not offended at all.
Paste: I’m always interested in actors who work their whole lives and suddenly experience a huge shift because of award buzz. Did the trajectory of your career change after Winter’s Bone and The Sessions?
Hawkes: Yeah, I guess so. I had more opportunity, particularly more independent film opportunities, which is something I’m always interested in.
Paste: What drew you to Life of Crime?
Hawkes: I liked the book. I liked Daniel Schechter when I met with him, and I liked the role a great deal. Also the cast they were putting together as I came on board. I’m always looking for a good part and a good story told by capable people, and this one fit that pretty well.
Paste: Daniel Schechter has such a unique rhythm in his comedy. How was it to work with him?
Hawkes: I agree! He’s terrific. It was a really satisfying, intense and vital creative experience. We would always figure out the best idea, and it didn’t matter whose it was. Because it was location you’re all there together, so a lot of the times we were able to meet the night before each day of shooting, have a bite to eat, and then have a pow-wow of how we were going to approach it.
Paste: That must have brought a nice intimate experience in putting together this film.
Hawkes: It was. It’s kind of a location thing, and I got to do that with Sean Durkin on Martha Marcy May Marlene. It’s really a huge side benefit as far as being on location. It makes for a family vibe, and there’s a lot of time to work on the piece.