George Clooney: I Don’t Care What People Think About My Acting

According to CinemaDrame News Agency, George Clooney says he pays no attention to those who claim he repeats the same role in different films. The star of Ocean’s Eleven, in an interview with Vanity Fair magazine, discusses Noah Baumbach’s new film Jay Kelly and admits he couldn’t adapt to the director’s multiple takes of a single scene. The film is set to premiere soon at the Venice Film Festival.

Clooney says: “I really told him: ‘Noah, look, I love the script. I love you as a director. But I’m 63 years old, buddy – I can’t do 50 takes. I just don’t have it in me.’”

Jay Kelly is described as a “melancholy comedy,” following two middle-aged men, played by George Clooney and Adam Sandler, who, over a chaotic weekend, feel the rush of youth and create moments that are both hilarious and heartfelt, eventually leading them to wise up. Other cast members include Laura Dern, Riley Keough, Billy Crudup, Patrick Wilson, Eve Hewson, Alba Rohrwacher, Emily Mortimer, and Greta Gerwig. Baumbach directs the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Emily Mortimer.

Regarding the film, Clooney says: “When you’re at this stage and age, it’s not common to find roles like this. If you can’t come to terms with aging, you’d better get out of the business and disappear.”

He then responds to criticism that he plays the same role in different films: “People say I repeat myself? I couldn’t care less. There aren’t many actors in my age group who can be in comedies like O Brother, Where Art Thou? as well as Michael Clayton and Syriana… Have you ever played yourself? It’s not easy.”

Clooney continues: “I didn’t achieve any kind of obvious success until I was 33. By then, I’d already been acting for 12 years. Honestly, I had a real understanding of how precarious it all is and how little of it actually depends on [talent].”

In another part of the interview, Clooney praises Adam Sandler’s performance: “I always tell actors: ‘Don’t call him “Sandman.” Don’t talk to him like he’s just some goofy comedian. He’s actually a very good actor.’”

Jay Kelly will be released in U.S. theaters on November 14 and will be available on Netflix starting December 5.