Ep 17. Matt Damon and Cameron Crowe On 'We Bought a Zoo'

In the latest episode of Popcorn With Peter Travers, season 5 episode 17, Peter sits down with actor Matt Damon and director Cameron Crowe to discuss their film "We Bought a Zoo." The film, based on a true story, follows a family who buys a rundown zoo and decides to bring it back to life.

Peter starts off the interview by asking Cameron why he was drawn to this particular story. Cameron reveals that he had always been interested in zoos and how they function, and saw this story as a way to explore the idea of building a family and a business at the same time. He also wanted to challenge himself to make a family movie that was both emotional and funny.

Matt then chimes in, describing his initial reaction to the script. He admits that he wasn't sure if he could make the character of Benjamin Mee, the father in the story, relatable and interesting. But after meeting with Cameron and learning more about his vision for the film, Matt was inspired to take on the role.

Peter goes on to ask about the challenges of working with animals on set. Cameron explains that they had to be very patient and adaptable, since the animals couldn't always follow a set schedule. Matt adds that he enjoyed the process of getting to know the animals and building a rapport with them. He even bonded with one of the tigers so much that it would come over and lick his face during breaks!

The conversation then turns to the theme of grief in the film. Both Cameron and Matt share personal stories of losing loved ones and how that influenced their performances. Cameron reveals that he had recently lost his father and wanted to explore the idea of what it means to move on while still honoring the memory of someone you've lost. Matt adds that he was touched by how the Mee family deals with grief in their own unique ways, and how the zoo becomes a sort of sanctuary for them all.

Peter also asks about the music in the film, which was composed by Jonsi of the band Sigur Ros. Cameron shares that he's been a fan of Jonsi's work for years and felt that his music had a magical quality that would be perfect for the film. Matt agrees, saying that when he first heard the music he felt like he was watching a fairy tale come to life.

Throughout the interview, Peter is clearly impressed by both Cameron and Matt's passion for the project. He comments on how the film manages to be both heartwarming and entertaining, and how the entire cast is great, especially the child actors. He also asks about the future of zoos and animal conservation, to which Cameron and Matt both express their hope that people will become more aware of the importance of protecting endangered species.

Overall, season 5 episode 17 of Popcorn With Peter Travers is a fascinating look at the making of "We Bought a Zoo." The interview is filled with interesting anecdotes and heartfelt discussions about grief, family, and the magic of filmmaking. If you're a fan of the film or just love hearing from talented actors and directors, this episode is definitely worth a watch.