Universal Presents: 'It's Complicated" - Steve Martin Interview

STEVE MARTIN PLAYS ADAM IN NANCY MEYERS’ IT’S COMPLICATED

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Q: What did you think of the script that Nancy Meyers wrote for IT’S COMPLICATED?

A: When you have a very good and tight script you feel that the film is already done, even though you haven’t started shooting yet.

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Q: What was the shoot like?

A: I think that sometimes there is a way to talk to people through humor. And that’s what it was like on set, which made it a very light shoot.

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Q: In the film you play Adam, who is still getting over a relationship when he meets Jane.

A: I understand my character, because I have sort of been there and listened – like him – to those self-help tapes. Adam approaches things logically and is aware of red flags.

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Q: How do you see your role?

A: I feel it is a serious comic role or a comic serious role.

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Q: Being a famous comedian, do you find it can be challenging for the public to see you in roles that are more dramatic?

A: I’m cautious about roles that are dramatic because people often read an ordinary sign like a comedic one, when it’s not really there.

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Q: How would you describe Meryl’s character in IT’S COMPLICATED?

A: I see Jane as someone who is fully formed and confident.

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Q: What does Adam like about her?

A: I think he instantly likes her because she is slightly distant to him and kind of quirky and interesting.

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Q: The truth is that you have some great scenes together, like the one at her bakery when you make those chocolate croissants.

A: I know! I always feel that women and men are most attractive when they are working and you see them engaged.

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Q: What do you believe food represents in the movie?

A: I think it represents home.

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Q: What would you say is the difference between starting a relationship at an older age as opposed to doing it when you are younger?

A: It’s interesting, because what may have excited you about someone when you were young might be a complete turn-off later on.

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Q: For instance?

A: I mean things like irresponsibility or unpredictability.

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Q: Alec Baldwin is Jane’s ex-husband Jake, with whom she is having an affair. What did you think of his performance?

A: Alec is fantastic in the movie, and we got along really well and had a good time. I believe he should be nominated for Best Actor.

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Q: Speaking of the Oscars®, are you excited about hosting the awards ceremony with him?

A: Very much, and even more because he is excited too. I think we have a very good rapport. It’s funny, because working it out for us has been like a new relationship.

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Q: And then John Krasinski plays Jane’s future son in law Harley, who is caught in the middle of everything.

A: John is an amazing actor and has a great role to play with, because sometimes the best laughs in a comedy come through the observer.

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Q: How did you all get along?

A: It’s just great when you feel you can kid with someone on set and they can do the same thing back at you. That doesn’t always happen, but it did during this shoot.

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Q: You know Santa Barbara well. What did you think of the way it was shown in the movie?

A: I like very much how it is portrayed because I love places that have controlled their architecture well.

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Q: Is it harder or easier now to make it in Hollywood compared to when you started in the business?

A: I think in some ways it’s harder and in others it’s easier. It’s harder because there are so many people doing it now, so it’s tougher to be different; but it’s easier because there is also more work out there.

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Q: What valuable lesson would you say you’ve learned through experience?

A: If I’m writing something I try not to know what the ending is, because if I don’t the reader won’t either. And I think the same thing applies to acting, because you need to make that line come out and surprise yourself and the audience.

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Q: Does that challenge scare you?

A: It used to, but not so much anymore. I guess know I feel that somehow I’ll get there.

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Q: What do you like the most about being on a movie set?

A: I actually feel at home now when I’m on a movie set. It feels familiar in a weird way, and I like that.

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