I worked in Malibu, CA for a few years in college and I always heard these tales of people running into Jack Nicholson (allegedly he lived there for some years), but unfortunately I never did. One day, Danny DeVito walked in with his son and came through my checkout line. A very nice and approachable man. I felt silly for asking him but since Cuckoo’s Nest is one of my favorite films, I asked him what working with Jack was like. He obliged and said “Incredible. Jack was the most intelligent, professional actor he has ever worked with and a complete joy to be around.” It was all I needed to hear.
DeVito was astoundingly good in Hoffa, also with Nicholson. That was the first time I ever saw DeVito in a serious, non-comedic role. One of the most amazing performances I've ever seen. Didn't know DeVito could really act, seriously, until then. He blew me away in that movie.
@@rhmayer1 De Vito's character was mean in Taxi, but I think he was at his best when he could show his heart. I loved his family lawyer in "War of the Roses".
Sounds like Jack is a real pro. Delivering his lines the say same way off camera, never missing a syllable. If you work in the biz, you're another actor or a camera guy, it's important for everyone to be consistent. It's like a big dance. And that's why Jack got the big bucks I'm sure.
Pollak was the superior actor to do Weinberg instead of Jason Alexander. Alexander sucked in Pretty Woman and was really created only to be George Costanza
Jessup was indignant, not anti-semitic. He had contempt for the Navy, non-combat personnel, and the fact that he had to testify or explain himself to them at all. In his mind he made their sugar coated world and their comfy desk jobs possible and how dare they question him, they should be grateful. He said it himself... “I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man that rises and sleeps under the blanket of freedom I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I’d rather you just said thank you and be on your way.”
He's anti-semetic too. Sure he's expressing his contempt for the "pussy" Navy guys who sit behind desks and aren't real soldiers - and that's the main thing. But the stereotype is consistent with the character that Sorkin has created. After all, why does Jessup bring up Weinberg's name at all? Why does he say it with that inflection? This was a deliberate choice on Sorkin's part.
@@citizenghosttown whether it was or whether it wasn't, it didn't resonate in the delivery of the line. Why does Jessup bring up Weinberg's name at all? To do so would be perfectly normal. "Son, we live in a world that has walls and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's going to do it, YOU? (He doesn't say "Kaffey" because he is speaking directly to him). ".....you Lieutenant Weinberg?" (He says his name because he is now speaking to him, as if to say, "You, you little rolly-polly paper-pusher?" That's the gist of it, at least in the movie. If Sorkin wanted to paint Jessup as anti-Semitic, it didn't work with that line.
@@johnkalap9314 I think it worked very well. It would have been silly and cartoonish if it was over-the-top. To be convincing , it needed to be subtle and it was.
I don’t think Jessup’s disdain for Weinberg was as much anti-Semitic (which it was, don’t misunderstand me,) I think it was more because Jessup, a fit Marine officer, was annoyed at the idea of freedom being defended by a short, pudgy Navy officer who, let’s be honest, didn’t look like he’d skipped a lot of meals. Jessup looked down on Kaffee because he was wet behind the ears, had the unmitigated gall to disagree with him, and because he’d successfully avoided, up to that point, ever stepping foot in a courtroom. He looked down on Galloway because she was a female and a feminist, and Jessup looked down on Weinberg not only because he was Jewish, but because he saw Weinberg as being physically unfit to do any “real” military duty.
I think that's very plausible point. I can absolutely see someone at a certain disiplined physical,emotional, mental fitness level who's done it feeling a certain way about someone who they feel hasn't & isn't there. Frankly, having trained with quite a few former real deal military guys who retired earlier than they originally planned to because of not feeling right about at least partially risking their lives/careers in the hands of those in certain positions they're in, but probably wouldn't be if not for trendy PC social engineering, it makes perfect sense.
Exactly He calls out Tom Cruise FIRST FROM IMDB Col.Jessup: Son, we live in a world that had walls ,and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who’s gonna do it ? You ( taking to Tom Cruise as Kaffee). You (Demi Moore ), Lt. Weinberg ?(Kevin Pollack) (I always took it as to Col.Jessup speaking to , in order ; Kaffee, JoAnne( Galloway) THEN Weinberg. not everything is against non whites).
I never saw Jessup as anti-Semitic and if the character was suppose to be, they did a poor job conveying it. sexist, maybe. I viewed his issue with all the jag officers being part of his distain for the navy as a whole, part of the rivalry between the branches of service. Jessup, being a proud marine, saw the navy as just a support and logistics branch knowing no navy member would ever see front line combat unlike his marines. This being echoed by the lines "he can put up with the bullets but wants respect from the navy guy"- paraphrasing and kiefer sutherland' line "I like you navy boys, every time we need to fight somewhere, you guys give us a ride."
Pollak is just making a joke. If you watch/listen-to his podcast, you will see he makes Jewish jokes a lot. I imagine it would stay top of mind, not just because of the iconic movie moment, but also because people bring it up to him all the time.
I was fortunate enough to have Kevin relay this story to me and my friend Denny on the 19th hole at the Mekena golf course on Maui. Kevin is an absolute class guy and an underrated talent. Happy Hanukkah Kevin.
I always thought he was singled out because let’s face it, does he look like someone that makes you feel safe? He was making a point that not everyone was cut out for it and people like him were needed and to show what we would be left with if the people like him weren’t there doing the dirty work.
@@thebuddhaofknowledgemichae2486 it's a movie character you fool not real life...it is a fiction, duh. that means anyone can make up any characters they want, there doesnt have to be a conspiracy or political message, it is entertainment. it is not a biopic or history picture, you can go make a movie with a whole bunch of alt-right heroes if you want...they dont exist in reality but you could put them in a movie like the incel that you seem to be...
Home Alone Gaming Why you reacting then? I am pointing out facts that Hollywood always put politics in it. I can write the character of Jack Nicholson to be sadistic and a sociopath. Now you see you can bend that plot different ways . See by your reaction. I can see your simpleminded and a typical intellectual bully like Bill Maher. Before you speak read into what I say and get the chipmunks in your brain to stop talking and listen.
Kevin Pollack - easily one of the best stand up comedians of his generation. I saw him at the Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach and he KILLED it lol.. His Star Trek spoof is STILL one of the greatest of all time. NOBODY does/did Capt. James T. Kirk like this man here haha! :-)
The TV show Pollak describes is "Morton & Hayes," a summer series where he played half of an Abbott and Costello-style fictional comedy team. Each episode had a black-and-white two-reel comedy short followed by the actors in old-age makeup being interviewed. It was a cool series with a lot of guest stars like the Spinal Tap guys, Catherine O'Hara, etc.
I've always understood the line to be Nicholson referring to Weinberg as a weakling, the bullied kid without any power, since that was his character arc during the movie: "I have no authority here, whatsoever." "They tormented and beat up a weaker kid. Why? Because he couldn't run very fast." "I believe every word of their story and think they should go to prison for the rest of their lives." Tom Cruise was fighting the Murder charge, [Not Guilty] Demi Moore was fighting the Code Red - Conspiracy to Commit Murder, [Not Guilty] Kevin Pollack was against the bullying - Conduct Unbecoming a United States Marine, - [Guilty]
nocalsteve that’s all rolled into it but it’s impossible to believe Sorkin chose a stereotypically Jewish name without any intent to portray Jessup as extra evil
I've always disliked something about the way he speaks about himself. He always sounds like he's saying, "I don't like to brag..." and then brags about himself.
@@colbyscott9822 Noted. Fwiw, he hired me to write his first HBO hour special & was a complete class act. He made sure the writers/crew were well paid & treated well. Very generous, kind and hilarious.
I always thought it was because Jessup viewed Weinberg as a “Nancy boy” who has “no idea how to defend a nation”. Basically calling him a sissy, didn’t think it was antisemitic at all... my two cents.
I absolutely agree with you... I've always felt the same way. Just thought that Jessup was implying that they all were too sissy to do what he was doing. Not because he was Jewish.
I thought the same thing as someone who was never really around Jews and was a Marine. I also read into it how he was always defending Santiago for being weak but he made a point that jasaps character never spoke to him.
Dude its a generational thing when i was growing up if anyone bumped into anyone they would yell homophobic slurs at them it was so normal no one would even care
It wasnt cos he even looks at jo and imidietly moves to Weinberg, cos he knew jo even a woman would fight after the little interrogation she gave him in Cuba , this movie scene is the greatest iv ever seen
I mean u can even see the realisation of jessop after he realises the flight crew might have been a ploy but now hes like well what if it's not...now I have pissed the judge off...he tries to run away at one point which is so subtle but he did not want to be in that chair at all, probably the best crafted and written scene ever too
That was a great segment, love it when Rich Eisen or Dan Patrick go off sports topics for a bit with an actor because you don't get these detailed interviews on late-night shows
I never saw the "You Lt Weinberg?" line as anti-Semitic, but for me it always paired with Pollak's earlier line to Cruise about Dawson and Downey - "They beat up on a weaker kid, that's all they did." Like he was empathizing because he was a smaller, weaker guy too, and that's what Jessup was going after. Interesting to hear Pollak in this interview talk about the anti-Semitic tone of the line. Really good stuff here for me as a big fan of the movie.
I always thought the same as you. He's a small guy, slight in stature, soft-spoken, I thought Jessup/Nicholson was going with him being a weaker person too. I didn't read it as being anti-semitic.
@ 5:25 Very cool of Kevin to volunteer in a creative way, i.e. stand-in for Jack Nicholsen re: interplay with the Judge (Jack was already off to another project). Amazing career Kevin has had. Was always a Sunday nite favorite of mine/ours at the Hollywood Improv. Where he weekly killed, slaughtered, slayed. Kevin Nealon and Jimmy Brogan also "usuals" during the later 80s/early 90's. Great era for comics. .
Kevin is one of the most underated actors. Casino, Usual Suspects, and Few Good Men are 3 of the greatest movies ever produced. No offense to Jason Alexander, but thank you Jerry for casting the real George and allowing Kevin to play Weinberg.
Great interview! American interviewers that I’ve seen always talk over their guest or feel the need to constantly interject comments but Rich just let Kevin talk, making for a very interesting interview.
I never took it as anti-Semitic that he said "You Lt. Weinberg" but rather 2 members of the military who had cushy jobs and never got their hands dirty or served in a front line unit therefor they wouldn't know how to lead men to keep this country secure.
I think the Marine Silent Drill Platoon scene is simply the best part of the movie, anyone can become a actor, but very few become Marines. its that simple.
Kevin's so good. But what surprised me the most about Jack is his REAL laugh. Totally unlike anything he's done in ANY of his movies. He almost sounds like a little boy giggling. It's in one of the interviews he made about Roger Corman, and Jack is just so humble and real in it - even sheds a tear for how grateful he is to Roger. Just blew me away!
Surprisingly Tom Hulce, who played Mozart in Amadeus, was in the original production as Kaffee (Tom Cruise's part) and Stephen Lang (who played Ike Clanton - the "cowardly" bad guy in Tombstone, was Jessup (Jack Nicholson's part). Three other West Wing alums (Bradley Whitford, Timothy Busfield and Joshua Molina) also did parts during the original run
The Mark of a good professional actor is someone who acts just as well when it is another actors close-up! Respect to you Kevin P for coming to the aid of an actor in need!!!!
I was part of the crew that worked on that film. I had the same reaction as Mr. Pollak. Nicholson did the lines over and over and was amazing to watch. The funny thing was the Cuban set was next door to the court house and Soundgarden were rehearsing for a tour one stage over. We used to go up top to the "perms" and watch them from above.
Why does how you took it, or didn't take it, matter? You're learning that a LOT of people DID take it that way, because it definitely COULD mean that. Admitting you were blind to it doesn't make you look good or contribute to the conversation...
@@DichotomousRex I do not think he was looking for applause, more just sharing his experience. Why people do not see the antisemetic implications is a conversation worth having. My guess is that many did not even realize that Kevin Pollack's character was Jewish. His religion and ethnicity are never explicitly stated. We do not see him engage in any religious practices. He brings up Nuremberg, but that was when he was showing disgust at the argument that they were just doing their job. He sees them as having just tortured and beat up a weaker kid. Anyone working as legal defense in the military will have at least passing familiarity with the Nuremberg trials. His character is Jewish, but it is not that clear until after the movie.
@@DichotomousRex just because people take it a certain way doesn’t make it so. There’s a lot of people who are so obsessed with various isms that they see it everywhere. That’s their problem.
They would normally just refer to each other by rank. Why go out of your way to say a last name unless you wanted to emphasize something like anti-semitism.
@@seaninness334, I always thought the same thing. I thought it was because Lt. Wineberg was small and physically unimpressive. I thought in Col. Jessup's mind Wineberg was incapable of doing that job, because it took rugged masculine men to do that job.
Great story. I read Missouri Breaks turned into a contest between Nicholson and Brando to see who could push their character the farthest into bizarro world.
It didn't seem anti-semitic at all. He was just saying his name - which was the only way he could address him and it was more about Naval pencil pushers vs Marines.
The fact the he remembers the name without any significant previous interaction (or offense by) and even uses a name when he addresses no one else by name makes the anti-Semitism clear to me.
Great story...I appreciate that he did offer to do Nicholson's lines off camera to help out the film, but I'm sure he partly offered to do that just because it was fun to pretend to be Jack Nicholson doing the courtroom scene...
Pollak has been in over 80 films. In the 90s had a string of hits including Grumpy Old Men, A Few Good Men, Casino, End of Days, The Usual Suspects and That Thing You Do!
It's funny how he was comparing his career against Jason Alexanders, making it seem like Jason did so much better. Kevin's been in so many good productions it's insane and I'd say he did much better. Seinfeld was huge, but that's the biggest thing Alexander's been in.
I thought he was pointing him out because he seemed a stereotypical pencil-pusher and not a warrior. Or because he had grown to distain Navy lawyers. I suppose, until Aaron Sorkin says otherwise, there's no way to know for sure.
@@redwingsfan3621 Yes, there are those pushing an agenda. But there are some who have simply experienced anti-semitism their whole life. Both blatant and subtle. 🤷🏼♂️ I imagine just hearing the way *Col. Jessup* emphasizes the name _Weinberg,_ could cause one to perceive it that way. For all we know *Jessup* could mean it that way. There's no reason it can't be _both._ People (even characters written for the screen) are not always so two dimensional, with only one thought in their head. Even since my comment 9 months ago, I've come to feel it's not that much of a stretch that there _might_ be an element of anti-Semitism in there. I'm embarrassed to say, it hadn't occurred to me at the time that there are some who very much mean _Jews_ when they are referring to _lawyers._ But again, I tend to think it's more about _pencil pushing desk jockeys versus real soldiers.¹_ But even as I wrote that, I recognized the inherent ignorance in my perception. As I noted before, we would have to ask *Aaron Sorkin.* I wonder if there's an interview out there addressing this question? ··•※ 🥅 🏒 🥅 ※•·· ¹ ─ One of the points I've made for my not seeing it as overtly anti-semitic: *Jessup* doesn't initially address *Weinberg.* He asks, _"You?"_ to *Kaffee* first, and then he looks to *Weinberg* and asks, _"You lieutenant Weinberg?"_
On the dvd commentary track, I believe either Sorkin or Rob Reiner directly addresses that line as indicating Jessup's anti-Semitism. It's not something Kevin Pollak is just interpolating.
Why have I never found this RUclips channel? Instant fan right here I am a aspiring indigenous artist but when I was a teenager my dream was to get into filmmaking
I’ve heard that Jack Nicholson doesn’t do interviews precisely because he’s so goofy and down to Earth. Thinks it would ruin his characters for the public to see him that way.
@@gustafsone I also think during the filming of Batman he was sitting in the makeup chair with Michael Keaton, who asked him a question about a scene - Nicholson told Keaton, "Kid, just let the suits do the acting" - that's Nicholson
Wow. Amazing stories. These stories are really amazing. Yessiree, Bob. You talk about amazing. You just can't get more amazing than this. Truly amazing. Wow.
Where in the movie is there evidence that Jessup was anti Semitic? Wasn’t jessup just implying that Navy men weren’t tough enough to fight in the Marines?
Sometimes it's in the subtle way we say things that can be taken as a slight. Sometimes when Trump speaks, it slips out of his mouth what he really means. So, you can take it anyway you want but according to Kevin, it was meant as anti-semitic. Frankly, I got the impression that Jessup thought of himself as superior to everyone so, not much difference between Col Jessup and Donald Trump. Right?
Yep, "you, Lt. Weinberg?" was Sorkin's attempt to paint the military as bigoted in yet another way (as he had with Keifer's references to Christ, bullying of Willie, etc.) He didn't like the military, and he wanted to paint it/them as evil as possible. My combat-vet father-in-law couldn't stand the film for that reason.
I thought he was pointing him out because he seemed a stereotypical pencil-pusher and not a warrior. Or because he had grown to distain Navy lawyers. I suppose, until Aaron Sorkin says otherwise, there's no way to know for sure.
Exactly. I didn't realize what his character's full name was until I had seen the movie about five times and finally put two and two together...that's how minor his character really was.
Kevin Pollack is one of those supporting actors you were happy to see in a film no matter how small his role was
He was great in usual suspects .
I thought he was pretty good in a movie called hostage with Bruce Willis
He has absolutely no responsibilities here whatsoever.
¹111¹
I wonder if his 'daddy' had anything to do with that.
Man, Kevin is such a fantastic storyteller. I could hear him talk for hours!
I bet it is because he is a comedian. It is their art form to be able to tell stories.
He has a really good podcast.
Pretty good for a Hebrew.
(Too much?)
Love Kevin pollack he’s always managed to stay so humble despite having such an impressive resume and career
I always enjoyed Kevin Pollack’s performances. He was always so underrated. Kevin could be anybody. I loved him in The Usual Suspects.🤗
I worked in Malibu, CA for a few years in college and I always heard these tales of people running into Jack Nicholson (allegedly he lived there for some years), but unfortunately I never did. One day, Danny DeVito walked in with his son and came through my checkout line. A very nice and approachable man. I felt silly for asking him but since Cuckoo’s Nest is one of my favorite films, I asked him what working with Jack was like. He obliged and said “Incredible. Jack was the most intelligent, professional actor he has ever worked with and a complete joy to be around.” It was all I needed to hear.
DeVito was astoundingly good in Hoffa, also with Nicholson. That was the first time I ever saw DeVito in a serious, non-comedic role. One of the most amazing performances I've ever seen. Didn't know DeVito could really act, seriously, until then. He blew me away in that movie.
You don’t find Danny DeVito playing Hoffa’s “strong arm”guy, comedic?
DeVito was good in Cookoo's nest.
@@rhmayer1 De Vito's character was mean in Taxi, but I think he was at his best when he could show his heart. I loved his family lawyer in "War of the Roses".
They both knew each other in NJ as young men.
One of the great, underrated character actors. And one of the few who can seamlessly go back and forth between comedic and serious roles.
Absolutely!
So what your saying is he's apart of a few good men out there
“Remote drop.” Nailed it. And he’s absolutely right about all the films that you totally can’t change the channel from.
I have never heard of this phrase before. It's brilliant! So totally true.
One of THE greatest movies ever made, and Pollack was AWESOME in the film!!!
Sounds like Jack is a real pro. Delivering his lines the say same way off camera, never missing a syllable. If you work in the biz, you're another actor or a camera guy, it's important for everyone to be consistent. It's like a big dance. And that's why Jack got the big bucks I'm sure.
Yeah he was good in that one movie that came out around that time
The greatest actor of all time. The ultimate pro.
Pollak was awesome in A Few Good Men. The acting was awesome across the board, really.
Pollak was the superior actor to do Weinberg instead of Jason Alexander. Alexander sucked in Pretty Woman and was really created only to be George Costanza
@@j.c.9305this. Also Moore could’ve been replaced by any actress and the movie would’ve been the same imo
Pollak is such an underrated actor imho.
He's been in 3 of the biggest movies of the 90s and more than half his own in all 3.
Never get tired of Kevin's Jack Nicholson, it's perfection 😁😁😁
First off I am a huge Kevin Pollak fan. Second, I would love to see a full cut with him doing Jack's lines! That would be so cool.
I love him, too. Very underrated actor and comedian.
It would be awesome. Should be in one of those behind the scenes director things. The Making of A Few Good Men.
Same, that would be awesome.
Jessup was indignant, not anti-semitic.
He had contempt for the Navy, non-combat personnel, and the fact that he had to testify or explain himself to them at all. In his mind he made their sugar coated world and their comfy desk jobs possible and how dare they question him, they should be grateful. He said it himself...
“I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man that rises and sleeps under the blanket of freedom I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I’d rather you just said thank you and be on your way.”
He's anti-semetic too. Sure he's expressing his contempt for the "pussy" Navy guys who sit behind desks and aren't real soldiers - and that's the main thing. But the stereotype is consistent with the character that Sorkin has created. After all, why does Jessup bring up Weinberg's name at all? Why does he say it with that inflection? This was a deliberate choice on Sorkin's part.
@@citizenghosttown whether it was or whether it wasn't, it didn't resonate in the delivery of the line. Why does Jessup bring up Weinberg's name at all? To do so would be perfectly normal. "Son, we live in a world that has walls and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's going to do it, YOU? (He doesn't say "Kaffey" because he is speaking directly to him). ".....you Lieutenant Weinberg?" (He says his name because he is now speaking to him, as if to say, "You, you little rolly-polly paper-pusher?"
That's the gist of it, at least in the movie. If Sorkin wanted to paint Jessup as anti-Semitic, it didn't work with that line.
@@johnkalap9314 I think it worked very well. It would have been silly and cartoonish if it was over-the-top. To be convincing , it needed to be subtle and it was.
@@citizenghosttown completely anti Semitic
Look at all the white, non Jewish dopes who are quite certain that Kevin who was in the movie and knew the author of the play is definitely wrong. 😂
Kevin Pollack is a GIFTED story teller!!! Absolutely HILARIOUS!!!
The judge was J. A Preston, great guy, he told me this story personally. The whole set was amazed that he knew the whole part. J.A was thrilled.
I really like J A Preston. He's got a great voice and a great presence. Aside from AFGM, watch him in "Narrow Margin" and "Real Life".
@@har9020 Totally, I first saw him in Remo Williams as a kid and always loved his voice.
I love a host that lets the guest talk.
I don’t think Jessup’s disdain for Weinberg was as much anti-Semitic (which it was, don’t misunderstand me,) I think it was more because Jessup, a fit Marine officer, was annoyed at the idea of freedom being defended by a short, pudgy Navy officer who, let’s be honest, didn’t look like he’d skipped a lot of meals. Jessup looked down on Kaffee because he was wet behind the ears, had the unmitigated gall to disagree with him, and because he’d successfully avoided, up to that point, ever stepping foot in a courtroom. He looked down on Galloway because she was a female and a feminist, and Jessup looked down on Weinberg not only because he was Jewish, but because he saw Weinberg as being physically unfit to do any “real” military duty.
I think that's very plausible point. I can absolutely see someone at a certain disiplined physical,emotional, mental fitness level who's done it feeling a certain way about someone who they feel hasn't & isn't there. Frankly, having trained with quite a few former real deal military guys who retired earlier than they originally planned to because of not feeling right about at least partially risking their lives/careers in the hands of those in certain positions they're in, but probably wouldn't be if not for trendy PC social engineering, it makes perfect sense.
Exactly
He calls out Tom Cruise FIRST
FROM IMDB
Col.Jessup: Son, we live in a world that had walls ,and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who’s gonna do it ? You ( taking to Tom Cruise as Kaffee). You (Demi Moore ), Lt. Weinberg ?(Kevin Pollack)
(I always took it as to Col.Jessup speaking to , in order ; Kaffee, JoAnne( Galloway) THEN Weinberg. not everything is against non whites).
I never saw Jessup as anti-Semitic and if the character was suppose to be, they did a poor job conveying it. sexist, maybe. I viewed his issue with all the jag officers being part of his distain for the navy as a whole, part of the rivalry between the branches of service. Jessup, being a proud marine, saw the navy as just a support and logistics branch knowing no navy member would ever see front line combat unlike his marines. This being echoed by the lines "he can put up with the bullets but wants respect from the navy guy"- paraphrasing and kiefer sutherland' line "I like you navy boys, every time we need to fight somewhere, you guys give us a ride."
Pollak is just making a joke. If you watch/listen-to his podcast, you will see he makes Jewish jokes a lot. I imagine it would stay top of mind, not just because of the iconic movie moment, but also because people bring it up to him all the time.
And Jessup wasn't "pudgy"? Or maybe "burly", or "stocky"? What a stupid comment you make.
I just know that Jack Nicolson is a fabulous actor, is now and always has been. Another of my favorites. Five Easy Pieces.
I was fortunate enough to have Kevin relay this story to me and my friend Denny on the 19th hole at the Mekena golf course on Maui. Kevin is an absolute class guy and an underrated talent. Happy Hanukkah Kevin.
I've watched that movie hundreds of times and, while the Lt. Weinberg question was always odd, I never thought of it as a Jew thing.
I always thought he was singled out because let’s face it, does he look like someone that makes you feel safe? He was making a point that not everyone was cut out for it and people like him were needed and to show what we would be left with if the people like him weren’t there doing the dirty work.
Sorkin a typical liberal writer. Marine general who is an alpha male. Automatically he is anti-Semitic.
@@thebuddhaofknowledgemichae2486 it's a movie character you fool not real life...it is a fiction, duh. that means anyone can make up any characters they want, there doesnt have to be a conspiracy or political message, it is entertainment. it is not a biopic or history picture, you can go make a movie with a whole bunch of alt-right heroes if you want...they dont exist in reality but you could put them in a movie like the incel that you seem to be...
Home Alone Gaming Why you reacting then? I am pointing out facts that Hollywood always put politics in it. I can write the character of Jack Nicholson to be sadistic and a sociopath. Now you see you can bend that plot different ways . See by your reaction. I can see your simpleminded and a typical intellectual bully like Bill Maher. Before you speak read into what I say and get the chipmunks in your brain to stop talking and listen.
It's the victim mentality when you notice things that aren't there or very debatable
Man, I love Pollak. I could listen to him tell stories all day.
VERY under-rated talent!!!
Ever see him imitate Albert Brooks? I think he does it in "The Aristocrats".
Kevin Pollack - easily one of the best stand up comedians of his generation. I saw him at the Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach and he KILLED it lol.. His Star Trek spoof is STILL one of the greatest of all time. NOBODY does/did Capt. James T. Kirk like this man here haha! :-)
Tony Cortes he does a great Peter Falk (Columbo) genius😂
The TV show Pollak describes is "Morton & Hayes," a summer series where he played half of an Abbott and Costello-style fictional comedy team. Each episode had a black-and-white two-reel comedy short followed by the actors in old-age makeup being interviewed. It was a cool series with a lot of guest stars like the Spinal Tap guys, Catherine O'Hara, etc.
I've always understood the line to be Nicholson referring to Weinberg as a weakling, the bullied kid without any power, since that was his character arc during the movie:
"I have no authority here, whatsoever."
"They tormented and beat up a weaker kid. Why? Because he couldn't run very fast."
"I believe every word of their story and think they should go to prison for the rest of their lives."
Tom Cruise was fighting the Murder charge, [Not Guilty]
Demi Moore was fighting the Code Red - Conspiracy to Commit Murder, [Not Guilty]
Kevin Pollack was against the bullying - Conduct Unbecoming a United States Marine, - [Guilty]
nocalsteve that’s all rolled into it but it’s impossible to believe Sorkin chose a stereotypically Jewish name without any intent to portray Jessup as extra evil
@@33moneyball Maybe he was just going with the name because it contained "whine"?
I took it the same way. These lawyers don't look like soldiers, nothing about race.
Van PastorMan They don’t look like soldiers, however singling him out, and doing it by name, was not necessary to convey that though.
@noncalsteve That's a great post!
I love the movie. The scene in the courtroom is one of my favorite ever
Kevin Pollak is a great actor, humble and well-spoken.
Nicest guy ever, and one of the great under-rated comedians.
I've always disliked something about the way he speaks about himself. He always sounds like he's saying, "I don't like to brag..." and then brags about himself.
@@colbyscott9822 Noted. Fwiw, he hired me to write his first HBO hour special & was a complete class act. He made sure the writers/crew were well paid & treated well. Very generous, kind and hilarious.
That's cool! Didnt mean to imply he actually is that way, just that it's how he comes off to me.
@@colbyscott9822 No problem, but does it seems to you that he brags?
I have caught myself watching this entire clip 3 times - it somehow keeps popping up for me - so interesting
Jack is an icon and any movie he is in will make it a movie worth viewing.
One of my top 3 favorite all time movies! Kevin Pollack's character was great! Casting was amazing for this movie.
I always thought it was because Jessup viewed Weinberg as a “Nancy boy” who has “no idea how to defend a nation”. Basically calling him a sissy, didn’t think it was antisemitic at all... my two cents.
I absolutely agree with you... I've always felt the same way. Just thought that Jessup was implying that they all were too sissy to do what he was doing. Not because he was Jewish.
I thought the same thing as someone who was never really around Jews and was a Marine. I also read into it how he was always defending Santiago for being weak but he made a point that jasaps character never spoke to him.
Dude its a generational thing when i was growing up if anyone bumped into anyone they would yell homophobic slurs at them it was so normal no one would even care
It wasnt cos he even looks at jo and imidietly moves to Weinberg, cos he knew jo even a woman would fight after the little interrogation she gave him in Cuba , this movie scene is the greatest iv ever seen
I mean u can even see the realisation of jessop after he realises the flight crew might have been a ploy but now hes like well what if it's not...now I have pissed the judge off...he tries to run away at one point which is so subtle but he did not want to be in that chair at all, probably the best crafted and written scene ever too
The needs to be more KP interviews. I could listen to this guy tell stories all day.
Do a search for the story about Tom's pen...
That was a great segment, love it when Rich Eisen or Dan Patrick go off sports topics for a bit with an actor because you don't get these detailed interviews on late-night shows
So true!
@@AldoRama69 Much more entertaining than late night television lately for sure!
Kevin Pollak is a 4 star guest and a outstanding raconteur!
I never saw the "You Lt Weinberg?" line as anti-Semitic, but for me it always paired with Pollak's earlier line to Cruise about Dawson and Downey - "They beat up on a weaker kid, that's all they did." Like he was empathizing because he was a smaller, weaker guy too, and that's what Jessup was going after. Interesting to hear Pollak in this interview talk about the anti-Semitic tone of the line. Really good stuff here for me as a big fan of the movie.
I always thought the same as you. He's a small guy, slight in stature, soft-spoken, I thought Jessup/Nicholson was going with him being a weaker person too. I didn't read it as being anti-semitic.
@ 5:25 Very cool of Kevin to volunteer in a creative way, i.e. stand-in for Jack Nicholsen re:
interplay with the Judge (Jack was already off to another project). Amazing career Kevin has
had. Was always a Sunday nite favorite of mine/ours at the Hollywood Improv. Where he weekly
killed, slaughtered, slayed. Kevin Nealon and Jimmy Brogan also "usuals" during the later 80s/early 90's.
Great era for comics.
.
kevin had nothing lose. all upside, as far as i see it
Kevin is one of the most underated actors. Casino, Usual Suspects, and Few Good Men are 3 of the greatest movies ever produced. No offense to Jason Alexander, but thank you Jerry for casting the real George and allowing Kevin to play Weinberg.
He was a great addition to the grumpy old men movies as well
wow Kevin is amazing...he seems to be down to earth person..love his movies...and also I hope he is amazing person in the public eyes
I freaking love this guy. He is so frigging funny and so smart!
Great interview! American interviewers that I’ve seen always talk over their guest or feel the need to constantly interject comments but Rich just let Kevin talk, making for a very interesting interview.
Paying Jack Nicholson $5 million is peanuts to make your movie an instant classic.
In those days that was a major payday
that's why Robert Downry Jr. was paid 50 millions for some Marvel movies
what are you gonna do? not pay and not make a billion dollars????
Brando got that for being in superman.... a movie he was barely in... if your name carries weight... thats
It is interesting because that movie made a lot of money most likely because of that scene!
It would have been a damn good movie with another actor. But Jack elevated it.
And Jack was worth every penny of the $5 Million he was paid for his 10 days.
I agree 100 per cent !!
Guy is very shrewd about his movie deals, what he makes off the back-end, etc.
My favorite Jack fact is that he still lives in the house he bought with the money he made from Easy Rider! Talented and smart too.
@@AJGreen-cn8kk
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@spim randsley I don't know what this means...
I never took it as anti-Semitic that he said "You Lt. Weinberg" but rather 2 members of the military who had cushy jobs and never got their hands dirty or served in a front line unit therefor they wouldn't know how to lead men to keep this country secure.
That's how I took it... He wasn't exactly painted as a man's man.
did KP say jack improved the line?
def took it as anti-semitic, or as my mom would joke, "im not anti-semitic, i just hate the jews."
Everyone in uniform does their part.
Glad this vid came across my feed. Love to hear stories like this, love this movie, love other Pollak movies. And cool to see he's a Niners fan.
Pollack is a great interview. He always brings the good stuff.
Totally, people like Kevin Pollak, Billy Crystal, Paul Rudd are guaranteed good guests.
I've watched this multiple times. It's so entertaining. Wonderful insights and humor.
One of the greatest performances of his career. Jack Nicholson
I think the Marine Silent Drill Platoon scene is simply the best part of the movie, anyone can become a actor, but very few become Marines. its that simple.
Kevin's so good. But what surprised me the most about Jack is his REAL laugh. Totally unlike anything he's done in ANY of his movies. He almost sounds like a little boy giggling. It's in one of the interviews he made about Roger Corman, and Jack is just so humble and real in it - even sheds a tear for how grateful he is to Roger. Just blew me away!
Surprisingly Tom Hulce, who played Mozart in Amadeus, was in the original production as Kaffee (Tom Cruise's part) and Stephen Lang (who played Ike Clanton - the "cowardly" bad guy in Tombstone, was Jessup (Jack Nicholson's part). Three other West Wing alums (Bradley Whitford, Timothy Busfield and Joshua Molina) also did parts during the original run
The "Remote Drop" comment. I never knew what to call these movies. Now I do. Shawshank, and Forrest Gump are included in the Remote Drop list.
Shawshank was the first thing I thought of. I don't know if it's ever been on television and I haven't watched it.
@@MostlyElectrolytes 😂😊🤣
tropic thunder is slowly becoming one as well, tommy boy? joe dirt?
@@MostlyElectrolytes Gay
Godfather.On AMC every couple of months. Even with the f//ing commercials it is compelling.
Great fun to share in the stories behind the stories...surreal in fact ! Thank you kindly.
I just thought Colonel Jessup was trying to make the prosecution sweat.
Saw Kevin SO many times at the Hollywood Improv - always
delivered big-time.
Awesome story. Kevin always makes me laugh. Good to hear Jack was/is cool. "...You, Lt. Weinberg?" Has always cracked me up!
The Mark of a good professional actor is someone who acts just as well when it is another actors close-up! Respect to you Kevin P for coming to the aid of an actor in need!!!!
God I love this show, so many awesome guests with amazing stories!!
I was part of the crew that worked on that film. I had the same reaction as Mr. Pollak. Nicholson did the lines over and over and was amazing to watch. The funny thing was the Cuban set was next door to the court house and Soundgarden were rehearsing for a tour one stage over. We used to go up top to the "perms" and watch them from above.
Madmanmarque dude that’s amazing! Would love to hear more about this SG story!
Kevin pollak's a hilarious guy. Saw him years ago doing stand up at Laff's Comedy Club in Tucson.
Pollaks impressions are awesome
Kevin Pollack should've asked Eisen - "What do you wanna discuss now? My favorite color?"
Brilliant
😆😆😆
Good one
Kevin Pollack just makes anything he is a part of better! Any movie, tv show, or whatever.....
Agreed with others here, never took it as antisemitic...
Did you not? I sure did. I am Jewish, too.
Why does how you took it, or didn't take it, matter?
You're learning that a LOT of people DID take it that way, because it definitely COULD mean that. Admitting you were blind to it doesn't make you look good or contribute to the conversation...
@@DichotomousRex I do not think he was looking for applause, more just sharing his experience. Why people do not see the antisemetic implications is a conversation worth having. My guess is that many did not even realize that Kevin Pollack's character was Jewish. His religion and ethnicity are never explicitly stated. We do not see him engage in any religious practices. He brings up Nuremberg, but that was when he was showing disgust at the argument that they were just doing their job. He sees them as having just tortured and beat up a weaker kid. Anyone working as legal defense in the military will have at least passing familiarity with the Nuremberg trials. His character is Jewish, but it is not that clear until after the movie.
@@DichotomousRex just because people take it a certain way doesn’t make it so. There’s a lot of people who are so obsessed with various isms that they see it everywhere. That’s their problem.
They would normally just refer to each other by rank. Why go out of your way to say a last name unless you wanted to emphasize something like anti-semitism.
Terrific in The Usual Suspects
I never thought that was anti Semitic. I thought he just hated navy lawyers.
I thought it was because Kevin Pollack is tiny. Maybe it's one of those performances where it's up for debate but seems layered because of it.
@@seaninness334 The way he laid into that line. "You? Weinberrrg?" I knew right off. And Im Hispanic. :)
@@seaninness334, I always thought the same thing. I thought it was because Lt. Wineberg was small and physically unimpressive. I thought in Col. Jessup's mind Wineberg was incapable of doing that job, because it took rugged masculine men to do that job.
@@ernieD Then you, as all martyrs, are looking for something that isn't there.
Came here to say the same thing... I just figured it show he had disdain for the people trying to keep him from "doing his job?"
Underrated as hell of an actor.
A great movie, excellent cast, script and director. Kevin is a talented man.
Pollack or Bacon? Or both?
God! What a great story that was. I have to watch that movie again because I actually don’t remember the Weinberg line. Incredible!
I want to hear Kevin’s whole rendition of this line
Kevin is brilliant. I love everything he does.
Great story.
I read Missouri Breaks turned into a contest between Nicholson and Brando to see who could push their character the farthest into bizarro world.
One of the few movies that is PERFECT.... in that there is not a single boring scene !!!
That is a fantastic observation. Never thought of that.
It didn't seem anti-semitic at all. He was just saying his name - which was the only way he could address him and it was more about Naval pencil pushers vs Marines.
Definitely not.
thats what I thought
who cares, it's a joke
Then I'm afraid you missed something.
The fact the he remembers the name without any significant previous interaction (or offense by) and even uses a name when he addresses no one else by name makes the anti-Semitism clear to me.
Great story...I appreciate that he did offer to do Nicholson's lines off camera to help out the film, but I'm sure he partly offered to do that just because it was fun to pretend to be Jack Nicholson doing the courtroom scene...
Pollak has been in over 80 films. In the 90s had a string of hits including Grumpy Old Men, A Few Good Men, Casino, End of Days, The Usual Suspects and That Thing You Do!
It's funny how he was comparing his career against Jason Alexanders, making it seem like Jason did so much better. Kevin's been in so many good productions it's insane and I'd say he did much better. Seinfeld was huge, but that's the biggest thing Alexander's been in.
He gave his eye to be in Wayne's World 2
The reason there was no original programming in the summer in the 90s is cuz people went outside.
And it was great time to live back then because people interacted with each other and talked socialised in person. Now we use phones
Uh, Sneaky, where did they go when they went outside? I don't recall wifi at Starbucks then.
@@PlanetEarth3141 You're being sarcastic, right? Hard to tell.
We were always outside there was no “influencers” people doing viral bullshit for 15 seconds of fame. Man the 80’s and 90’s too good
LOVE the Hebrew story & of course the way Kevin tells it certainly helps!
I thought he was pointing him out because he seemed a stereotypical pencil-pusher and not a warrior. Or because he had grown to distain Navy lawyers.
I suppose, until Aaron Sorkin says otherwise, there's no way to know for sure.
I thought it was because his character was meek and not a typical "warrior".
Funny because I took it the same way. He was referring to the fact that he was a desk jockey. Some folks see negativity everywhere.
Nobody thinks it’s anti-Semitic unless they’re pushing an agenda.
@@redwingsfan3621 Yes, there are those pushing an agenda. But there are some who have simply experienced anti-semitism their whole life. Both blatant and subtle. 🤷🏼♂️ I imagine just hearing the way *Col. Jessup* emphasizes the name _Weinberg,_ could cause one to perceive it that way.
For all we know *Jessup* could mean it that way. There's no reason it can't be _both._ People (even characters written for the screen) are not always so two dimensional, with only one thought in their head.
Even since my comment 9 months ago, I've come to feel it's not that much of a stretch that there _might_ be an element of anti-Semitism in there.
I'm embarrassed to say, it hadn't occurred to me at the time that there are some who very much mean _Jews_ when they are referring to _lawyers._ But again, I tend to think it's more about _pencil pushing desk jockeys versus real soldiers.¹_ But even as I wrote that, I recognized the inherent ignorance in my perception.
As I noted before, we would have to ask *Aaron Sorkin.* I wonder if there's an interview out there addressing this question?
··•※ 🥅 🏒 🥅 ※•··
¹ ─ One of the points I've made for my not seeing it as overtly anti-semitic: *Jessup* doesn't initially address *Weinberg.* He asks, _"You?"_ to *Kaffee* first, and then he looks to *Weinberg* and asks, _"You lieutenant Weinberg?"_
Him, Jamie Foxx, and maybe one or two others have these like... SICK resumes! I'm so fascinated by it!
On the dvd commentary track, I believe either Sorkin or Rob Reiner directly addresses that line as indicating Jessup's anti-Semitism. It's not something Kevin Pollak is just interpolating.
Thank you! Finally, some "inside information."
Love the format - ask a great question and then let them talk. (It works for Rogan) Godspeed.
my favorite movie of all time. I think thats the greatest drama film of all time.
I do love this movie too. It is indeed a remote drop.
Kevin comes across as a real gentleman. That for me is the best part.
Absolutely GREAT interview!
Great to see this interview after watching the movie dozens of times.
How great would it be if it was actually Kevin’s voice on the off camera scenes instead of Nicholson🤣
Might have been..... at $500,000.00 a day??
Why have I never found this RUclips channel? Instant fan right here I am a aspiring indigenous artist but when I was a teenager my dream was to get into filmmaking
I’ve heard that Jack Nicholson doesn’t do interviews precisely because he’s so goofy and down to Earth. Thinks it would ruin his characters for the public to see him that way.
Batman must have been the easiest acting gig of his career. "Jack, just put on the makeup and be yourself, and we'll roll the cameras." - Tim Burton
He retired and is refusing new roles. A bit reclusive.
You should watch the acceptance speech with Robin Williams and Daniel Day-Lewis, it proves you right lol.
Well he's always high lol
@@gustafsone I also think during the filming of Batman he was sitting in the makeup chair with Michael Keaton, who asked him a question about a scene - Nicholson told Keaton, "Kid, just let the suits do the acting" - that's Nicholson
Wow. Amazing stories. These stories are really amazing. Yessiree, Bob. You talk about amazing. You just can't get more amazing than this. Truly amazing. Wow.
Kevin Pollak was awesome in that movie., “ I hear oregano can cure that.”
I prefer his line in End of Days (shitty movie, but whatever): "It's official: i'm never sleeping again. Ever"
"I have no responsibilities here whatsoever."
"Strenuously object, is that how it works? OBJECTION... Overruled... Oh no, no your honor, we STRENUOUSLY object."
I’m here after the more recent interview… and I could sit and watch Pollack talk about this for another hour.
Where in the movie is there evidence that Jessup was anti Semitic?
Wasn’t jessup just implying that Navy men weren’t tough enough to fight in the Marines?
That's exactly what I thought the line meant.
Sometimes it's in the subtle way we say things that can be taken as a slight. Sometimes when Trump speaks, it slips out of his mouth what he really means. So, you can take it anyway you want but according to Kevin, it was meant as anti-semitic. Frankly, I got the impression that Jessup thought of himself as superior to everyone so, not much difference between Col Jessup and Donald Trump. Right?
Yep, "you, Lt. Weinberg?" was Sorkin's attempt to paint the military as bigoted in yet another way (as he had with Keifer's references to Christ, bullying of Willie, etc.) He didn't like the military, and he wanted to paint it/them as evil as possible. My combat-vet father-in-law couldn't stand the film for that reason.
I thought he was pointing him out because he seemed a stereotypical pencil-pusher and not a warrior. Or because he had grown to distain Navy lawyers.
I suppose, until Aaron Sorkin says otherwise, there's no way to know for sure.
I thought it was for the same reason Weinberg wanted the Marines to be guilty. Don't get the Anti--Semitic reference. AT. ALL.
Really good interview. Thank you.
Glad to hear him say that about the "You, Lt. Weinberg?" line.
Kevin Pollack, you are a great man. Not only are you ridiculously underrated and talented, but you love my 49ers. 😁😁😁😁🏈🏈❤💛🔥🔥🔥🔥
Now I remember George Constanta saying : I'm practicing my jack Nicholson!......
Back in the 90's, when I heard "You Lt. Weinburg"....I thought... "Who's that?"
Exactly. I didn't realize what his character's full name was until I had seen the movie about five times and finally put two and two together...that's how minor his character really was.
@@svetcovladich9996 also his eyes moved slightly to the side so I also thought he was calling him out because he was just there
Love this show and Mr. Pollak
Great story from a great movie 👍
One of the greatest movie scenes of all time is that end court scene