'The Interview': Sean Penn Let Himself Get Away With Things for 15 Years. Not Anymore.

Overview

Sean Penn reflects on his multifaceted career, his evolving perspective on acting, politics, and activism, and his personal philosophy on life. The conversation spans his new film One Battle After Another, his humanitarian work, and his candid thoughts on anger, hypocrisy, and the state of the world.

Notable Quotes

- Your work as an actor is exactly the same job as your work as a craftsman or a CORE representative. It just feels like, which hammer are you picking up on that day to hopefully make a contribution? - Sean Penn, on the interconnectedness of art and purpose.

- I love humanity. My problem is with humans. - Sean Penn, on his frustrations with incompetence and societal behavior.

- Anything that remains static dies. - Sean Penn, quoting a Maasai guide, on the necessity of change and growth.

🎥 The Making of *One Battle After Another*

- Penn describes his long-standing desire to work with director Paul Thomas Anderson, dating back to Punch-Drunk Love.

- He was drawn to the film’s chilling depiction of a fascistic America, which he sees as a reflection of current societal tensions.

- His character, Colonel Steve Lockjaw, embodies a mix of perversions and insecurities, which Penn approached through the lens of human cynicism and lethality.

🌍 Activism and the Role of Art

- Penn views his acting, humanitarian work, and even woodworking as interconnected tools for contributing to society.

- He argues that art can provide the same sense of relief and connection as rebuilding homes or providing aid, emphasizing its utility in fostering empathy.

- On his humanitarian group CORE, Penn explains the challenges of engaging in conflict zones like Gaza, citing trust issues with governmental organizations.

🔥 Anger, Hypocrisy, and Personal Growth

- Penn admits to being deeply triggered by incompetence, describing anger as a fuel for his mission-focused mindset.

- He acknowledges his own hypocrisy, particularly in supporting Ukraine’s military defense while opposing violence in principle.

- Reflecting on his past disillusionment with acting, Penn credits recent projects with reigniting his passion and imagination.

🌀 Reflections on Legacy and Change

- Penn discusses his admiration for figures like Muhammad Ali and Bono, who inspired his activism.

- He credits his father, a WWII veteran and Hollywood blacklist survivor, as his lifelong hero for his resilience and gentleness.

- On the state of the world, Penn emphasizes the importance of adaptability, quoting, What’s going to be the architecture of the new America?

🎭 Celebrity and Responsibility

- Penn reflects on the double-edged sword of celebrity activism, citing his controversial El Chapo interview as a lesson in optics and unintended consequences.

- He critiques the media’s focus on sensationalism over substance, calling for more informed and responsible storytelling.

- Despite frustrations, Penn remains optimistic, stating, This is still a magic trick of a beautiful cosmos to be gifted with. And I am going to enjoy it every day.