Ep 2. Gene Hackman

Inside the Actors Studio is a beloved television show where famous actors sit down for an in-depth interview with host James Lipton. In season 8, episode 2, Lipton welcomes a Hollywood icon to the stage: Gene Hackman.

Hackman was in the midst of an impressive career when he appeared on the show in 2001. He had won two Academy Awards for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, and had starred in countless other successful films, including Superman, Hoosiers, and The Royal Tenenbaums.

The episode begins with Lipton introducing Hackman to the audience, who give him a standing ovation. The two men then settle into armchairs on the stage and begin their conversation, which covers a wide range of topics.

Lipton starts off by asking Hackman about his childhood in California, where he grew up the son of a newspaper printer. Hackman talks about how he was an average student who loved sports, but was always drawn to acting. He recalls going to see Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire when he was 16 and being completely blown away, which solidified his desire to pursue acting as a career.

From there, Lipton and Hackman delve into Hackman's early career, which included a stint in the Marine Corps and studying at the famed Pasadena Playhouse. Hackman talks about his first big break, landing a role in the Broadway production of Any Wednesday, and the nervousness he felt taking the stage alongside seasoned actors like Sandy Dennis and Don Porter.

The conversation then turns to Hackman's film career, which began with small roles in films like Lilith and Bonnie and Clyde. Hackman talks about his experience working with Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway on Bonnie and Clyde and how he knew from the moment he read the script that the film was something special.

Lipton and Hackman touch on a number of Hackman's most memorable roles, including his Oscar-winning turn in The French Connection. Hackman talks about the challenges of playing Detective Popeye Doyle, including the intense training he went through to learn how to drive like a New York City cop and how to shoot a gun convincingly.

The two also discuss Hackman's roles in Superman and The Royal Tenenbaums, two vastly different films that both showcase Hackman's versatility as an actor. Hackman talks about the challenge of playing a comic book villain in Superman and how he tried to bring depth to the character of Lex Luthor. He also talks about working with director Wes Anderson on The Royal Tenenbaums and how he enjoyed the film's quirky, offbeat tone.

Throughout the interview, Lipton peppers Hackman with questions about his acting process and how he approaches different roles. Hackman talks about the importance of research and preparation, and how he likes to find the humanity in even the most unlikable characters. He also talks about the role of intuition in acting and how he tries to stay open and receptive on set.

The episode wraps up with Lipton asking Hackman about his plans for the future. Hackman admits that he's not sure what's next, but that he's grateful for the opportunities he's had and the amazing career he's built. He talks about the importance of staying curious and open to new experiences, both in life and in his work as an actor.

Overall, the episode is a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a true Hollywood legend. Hackman comes across as thoughtful, introspective, and incredibly talented, and it's clear from the way Lipton and the audience respond to him that he's an actor who has made a lasting impact on the world of film.