The Actor on ‘Between the Temples,’ ‘Queer,’ and the Coppola Legacy

Jason Schwartzman has been a significant figure in the film industry for so long that it’s difficult to distinguish the man from his many roles. Ever since he portrayed Max Fischer in Wes Anderson’s “Rushmore,” Schwartzman has spent 25 years showcasing his versatility through various characters – from writers and drug addicts to private investigators and mourning widowers.

Similar to Jean-Pierre Léaud, Schwartzman is increasingly cast not just for his acting skills but for the cultural and emotional weight he brings. This is evident in his recent film “Between the Temples,” where he plays Benjamin, a cantor who is grieving his deceased wife. Benjamin finds solace in his interactions with Carla, a widow portrayed by Carol Kane, who decides to have her Bat Mitzvah 60 years after missing the original one. The script by Nathan Silver and C. Mason Wells perfectly captures the chemistry between Schwartzman and Kane, creating one of cinema’s most unique on-screen pairings.

In an interview in New York, Schwartzman discussed “Between the Temples” and reflected on his career. He began by talking about his uncle Francis Ford Coppola’s book “Live Cinema and Its Techniques.”

“This is a great book,” Schwartzman said. “It’s fantastic.” He described it as akin to theater, which Coppola loves.

When asked about growing up in a family filled with prominent artists and the expectations it brings, Schwartzman reflected on discovering works of family members like “You’re a Big Boy Now” and “The Godfather.” Interestingly, he didn’t see “The Godfather” until he was 17, despite his family’s significant involvement in its creation. Schwartzman doesn’t feel burdened by family expectations but rather inspired to engage with their works.

He exemplified this with “Priscilla,” which he saw eagerly because he is a fan of his cousin Nicolas Cage’s work. To him, observing an artist’s work is like seeing where they are in life. He appreciates the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the insights it offers into someone’s creative mind.

Schwartzman doesn’t push his family to watch his work. He feels no imposition and doesn’t mind if they miss his projects. In fact, he prefers it when there’s no pressure. He admits it’s much more about mutual respect rather than any formal expectation.

Reflecting on how he has been a significant figure for younger audiences, from his earlier roles like in “Rushmore” to more recent projects like “Asteroid City” and “Between the Temples,” Schwartzman is appreciated for embodying various life stages on screen. When compared to the legendary Jean-Pierre Léaud, Schwartzman humbly deflected but acknowledged Léaud as a significant influence. He fondly shared that he owns a signed poster from Léaud, a prized possession given to him as a gift.

In terms of his career narrative, Schwartzman doesn’t see a direct correlation between his real life and his characters. He admits to not having seen many of his movies in a long time but acknowledges that his roles do form a sort of onscreen biography, indirectly charting his personal experiences at the time.

Interestingly, “Between the Temples” was the first project where Schwartzman knew his next role in advance, allowing him to fully commit to his current character. As someone who loves the collaborative nature of the film industry, Schwartzman expressed a particular interest in co-directing, describing filmmaking as a shared effort among many contributors. His only directorial credit so far is an episode of “Mozart in the Jungle,” an experience he found both enjoyable and challenging.

Schwartzman enjoys the collaborative aspect of writing and directing. He finds greater value in spontaneous creativity rather than working alone. His radio show, where he often recorded dialogues with himself, was an example of his willingness to explore solo creative efforts while still yearning for collaborative dynamics.

Despite his impressive career, Schwartzman remains humble and curious, always ready for what’s next. His approach to acting and filmmaking is one of commitment to the present moment, valuing the unique process each project brings.

“Between the Temples” opens in theaters from Sony Pictures Classics on Friday, August 23.

Source: IndieWire