Sam Rockwell Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ
Sam Rockwell breaks down his most iconic roles in film, including 'Iron Man 2,' 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,' 'Vice,' 'The Green Mile,' 'Argyle,' 'Confessions of a Dangerous Mind,' 'Galaxy Quest,' 'Charlie's Angels,' 'Fosse/Verdon,' 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,' 'Seven Psychopaths' and 'Moon.'
Director: Mateo Notsuke
Director of Photography: Giles Cahalane
Editor: Robby Massey
Producer: Kieran Brett
Associate Producer: Liam Woolmer-Thompson
Talent Booker: Meredith Judkins
Camera Operator: Stevie Coales
Sound Mixer: Michael Panayiotis
Production Assistant: Aleksandr Sasha Novitskiy
Post Production Supervisor: Rachael Knight
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Rob Lombardi
Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds
00:00 Sam Rockwell's Iconic Characters
00:11 Iron Man 2
01:51 Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
03:13 Vice
04:35 The Green Mile
06:05 Argyle
07:15 Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
08:29 Galaxy Quest
10:22 Charlie's Angels
11:29 Fosse/Verdon
13:08 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
14:00 Seven Psychopaths
15:31 Moon
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SAM ROCKWELL - One of the greatest screen actors of our time. Every film where he's the lead, play a main character or even secondary - it just elevates the film entirely.
YES!!!!!
Agreed, his performance in Three Billboards is one of my favorite ever.
One of my favorite actors... loved him in Galazy Quest.. minor role, but still, he always has me in stitches
I still hear "Regular or Menthol" whenever his name comes up. :D Always nice to see an actor in their early bit parts and how awesome their career became.
i love this dude so much, when i watched this interview i said it out a load
I like how he lists his specific inspirations for each role, and gives credit to the original actors. You don't really see that too often.
I like that, too. Nic Cage is another guy that does that a lot.
Rockwell was bombed out of his skull in this interview
How? @@NormAppleton
@@NormAppleton because is it’s easy content to make listing random films and call them “iconic characters” even though they’re not
Yeah, I found this super interesting too. Only actor I've seen do this, though Im sure it's common practice.
"Is there air!? YOU DON'T KNOW" has to be one of my most favourite line deliveries ever.
“Do I? DO I?!” Was an absolute classic.
I say this on a daily lmao
Sorry - just dropped the same comment before seeing yours! 😳
His panic was the perfect foil for Tony Shaloub’s casual indifference in that scene. *sniffs alien atmosphere* “Smells fine to me…”
All I wanted was some Corn Bread you MFers!
Every time I watch Sam Rockwell, I am struck by his elegant acting ...absolutely love him !
💯
Sam is in there with Gary Oldman, Tim Roth, William Fichtner and other similar actors with a near unlimited range of roles and seem under appreciated by the masses.
Gary Oldman is everything - except underappreciated.
Yeah, I very much agree. I think you're into films - a cinephile or a film buff or a movie nerd or whatever we get called these days - you know Sam and rate him super highly. If not, he's somehow not on the radar.
+ Gyllenhaal + Seymour Hoffman
Yeah, he's a great actor, but he's not in the same league as Gary Oldman, who isn't underappreciated by anyone, least of all the masses. Neither is Sam Rockwell for that matter. They wouldn't be making this video if he was, Einstein...
Yeah, there are some actors about whom you say, "Oh, So-And-So is in this; I'll watch it." Sam and the other three you mentioned. William H. Macy. Nicola Walker. They often contribute more in character roles than the "stars" of the movie do.
Jo Jo rabbit should make this list He’s fantastic
He’s kind of the heart of that movie, he’s incredible
Yes! He crushed that role
He was such a kindhearted captain in masquerade to fly under the SS radar. The way he saved Jojo at the end was beautiful and heartbreaking.
Surprised at omission.
That’s a fantastic movie. Heartbreaking but funny in some twisted ways.
great guy, very personable. met him at the airport while we were waiting for our flight. we chatted a little about everything. he was very kind and appreciative when i gushed about a few of his roles.
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy is one of my favorite performances by Sam Rockwell. Movie was painfully underrated.
I agree! I love that movie!
Do you know where your towel is?
Me too, and he's definitely one of the best characters in that movie.
His performance in galaxy quest is one of the best comedic roles ive ever seen.
Absolutely! Guy Fleegman has all the best lines in a movie bursting with hilarious quotable lines.
@@cameronthomas578 IS THERE AIR?!?!? YOU DON'T KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@BigBubbaloola 😐 *sniff sniff* 😐 "Seems ok."
DO I!? DO I?!
“You construct a weapon. Look around you, can you form some sort of rudimentary lathe?”
One of the most underrated actor of last 25 years. His performance in Moon was Oscar worthy. Hope to see him in some prominent roles in the future.
Instantly became one of my favorite actor after watching moon
Moon is such a hidden gem. One of my favorite sci fi movies.
Amazing movie, with a twist as devastating as Never Let Me Go or The Prestige.
Great movie!
Yes, so underrated he has Oscar awards peoples choice awards, and his critically, acclaimed and adored by his peers and fans. calling everything on the planet underrated because they’re not the daily topic is overrated
One of my all time favourite actors! In the film "The way way back", he showed his softer side but with a huge dollop of comedy. Wild Bill = iconic role. As a side note, Sigourney Weaver in Galaxy Quest looked absolutely stunning, blonde hair really suits her.
I remember watching Box of Moonlight for John Turturro and being wowed by Catherine Keener and Sam Rockwell. He had an energy that was palpable and I followed his movies since. I always enjoy his performances.
I caught that on cable late on night and it was such a weird little gem to find channel surfing.
One of my all time favorite movies. First put him on my radar.
I love that movie! I have it on DVD.
Classic movie👍👍👍
"Moon" is one of my favorite films. Absolutely fantastic.
Same here! It's incredibly unique in the sense that it has (mostly) only one actor, and Rockwell plays off himself to boot! What an underrated film!
Agreed
Yer gonna pull some..g's. But you'll make it.
@@markharmon4963And he did!
Best movie of 2009 IMO. "The Road" might be better but I can't make it more than 20 minutes into that one, so I'll never know.
Simon Pegg producing a Galaxy Quest series?! I'VE NEVER BEEN MORE IN! MAKE IT SO!
Engage!
I was thinking the same thing!!! Such a perfect match for something really special.
Without Alan Rickman it would just be a disservice and the chances are it’ll never live up to the original. Let lightning in a bottle stay there.
@@scesfiziaJesus Christ get over it
@@PodyTheCiratewhat’s wrong with you?
His role as Charley Ford in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford was excellent too. This needs to be a part one of two episodes at least.
Watching this reminded me how much I love Sam Rockwell and what a terrific actor he is.
How have you not included The Way Way Back?!? Such a beautifully magical movie about the transition between childhood innocence and adult bewilderment… Sam Rockwell’s character is the heart of the film.
Yes I loved that movie probably my favorite
Strongly agree The Way Way Back is such a great film that I'm sure a lot of people never even saw.
Totally agree, kinda wish they would've included that in here instead of Argyle
Had the same thought.
Because nobody has watched that
I Interviewed Sam for this video; he was so nice and sooooo insightful. Probably one of my favourite videos I've ever done. He had so many great films to talk about that it was impossible to get all of them in the time we had. Can't wait to find out about the new Martin McDonagh film!
I'd love to know what he had to say about Jojo Rabbit, if anything!!
@@gage7575 didn't have time to speak about that one :( I would have loved to know more for sure
@@gage7575 Jojo was an amazing movie, and Sam brought a great character to life with such humanity. Loved that movie.
Awesome interview! Did he mention Box of Moonlight? It's an amazing film.
Should pass it on to the higher ups that it's pretty stupid trying to add whatever film they're currently promoting/starring in as an "iconic role". Just make that a separate video, we want to hear about their actual iconic roles not a response about a role they're still under contract to promote when speaking to the media.
You got me. I didn't expect Eric Knox to switch into the smooth bad guy. Sam ALWAYS steals the show in every movie he's in. Also, Seven Psychopaths was perfect.
I fell in love with this amazing actor off Charlie's Angels. That scene when he's dancing to pharoahe monch, smoking a cigarette, just having fun being evil. He sold me on that scene.
One of the most badass scenes of all time and not many people even know about it!
Same here!
Its the epicentre of COOL
Same
I put that track on just to dance like Knox in that scene
MOON is a real rockwell masterpiece that deserves more attention.
One of my all time favorites. I keep hoping it will get discovered by the Internet and become a cult classic. I think it's only a matter of time
they just have to replace spacey's voice lol@@LCARSx32
What a movie!
Let's keep it to ourselves!!!
Agreed
Sam Rockwell as Chuck Barris is one of the most memorable performances I've seen. The whole premise of that movie still fascinates me to this day. 🎉🎉🎉
Totally agreed. If you buy into the concept of that film it's an incredible experience
The Way Way Back is the quirky movie role for him where I fell in love with his acting!
His character in The Way Way Back is so underrated and so important because he felt like that awesome big brother that the protagonist and at some point everyone needs.
100% agree
Listen up I need a hero….I’m holding out for a hero till the end of the night !!!
@@HotFudgeSunday007 I love that scene!!!
Yes, The Way Way Back is such a brilliantly done movie. Like nothing else out there. And Rockwell was a massive part of making the movie the unique story that it was.
Delegation, baby! I read about it in a book about it.
Awesome actor and constantly underrated. Moon is a true gem of a movie.
One of my favorite movies! Love Sam!
Absolutely
I 100% agree with you
He has an Academy Award, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and three SAGs, along with two Emmy nominations and a Tony nomination. He’s literally not underrated.
moon is my favorite scifi
His performance in The Way Way Back was also phenomenal.
A very humble guy. I loved him in all the movies I've seen him in. Especially Galaxy quest😊
We need a part 2 for Sam Rockwell
The Way Way Back will always be one of my favorites. Loved the relationship between Owen and Duncan throughout the story.
🙌🏻
Agreed. Was hoping he'd talk about that role here.
Way way back and welcome to Collingwood
While watching this video I was thinking about my own favorite Sam Rockwell movies and The Way Way Back was the very first that came to my mind. I'm sure a lot of us can relate as a young adult when you connect with an older person outside your family independently for the first time. It's a coming of age process that is not really covered much, which makes the story kind of unique, while still being very real and relatable. Awesome film.
It's my family's favourite summer movie. We always watch it just before schools break up for the summer holidays here in Scotland. Whole cast is amazing, but Sam Rockwell elevates the whole movie.
One of my all-time favorite actors! I always get excited when I see his name is mentioned for the cast!
Moon is incredible! And what a range... One of the best actors out there!
Matchstick Men is such an underappreciated film, I wish he could have discussed it too.
Me too, love that movie
Absolutely. Came to mention this film. Hugely enjoyable watch.
I was looking for this comment before I mentioned it, Matchstick Men is my favorite movie.
The one I was waiting for. Absolutely love that movie.
He was AMAZING in Three Billboards, and everything he does. One of my favorite actors!
I'm not even 12 seconds into this vid and already want to fast-forward to his performance in The Green Mile. Literally everyone in that film deserves recognition but Sam's performance will always be in my top 10. Let's also not forget his noteworthy SNL skits: "ATM" and "Genetics Lab".
Moon was one of my favorite movies of all time, incredible movie, he played that role so well, and it was a treat to see him cloned infinitely lol. what a great script.
There was a moment in Mute where he's speaking to Congress about his journey and it was a great callback to Moon.
@@jamesmcdaniel5094 only a pity that the trilogy ends with a graphic novel, so it's yet to be cleared how accessible that one will be.
Bought a physical copy to watch it later in my life
One of the great sci fi films in my opinion
watched that movie like 15 time
He deserved an Oscar for Billy in Seven Psychopaths (the movie deserved a Best Original Screenplay award too). His telling of the graveyard shootout scene when he, Colin and Chris Walken were camping out in the desert was phenomenal. FOCKIN MOWED DOWN!
One of my favorite performances. He was so funny
Obsessed with that movie...sad that its not more of a cult classic
@@LexiS-lk8cyI think it's actually a cult classic, most films people consider cult classics nowadays are just popular. I do think it's a shame that the film isn't more popular.
one of my go-to recommended movies I've found most people haven't seen. Sam is killer in it. Literally
One of my favourite movies and it introduced me to In Bruges so mad props to 7P
Sam Rockwell as Guy in Galaxy Quest is my favorite ❤
He is so unbelievably charismatic and charming. His acting is the real deal and he just enjoys every minute of it. That’s why he’s one of my all time fav actors.
"Box of Moonlight" (1996) with John Turturro is an excellent movie!
LOVE Sam Rockwell and now even more so about his comment of how Charlie's Angels had like 17 writers but only one was a woman, in a film about women. What a gem.
This video should be twice as long, and it still wouldn't be enough.
Can't believe the amount of movies I would call absolute classics Rockwell has been in, and I never noticed it was the same person! Brilliant acting!
Such an underrated talented guy, i absolutely love him in 7 Psychopaths and 3 Billboards, elevates every movie he is in tenfold
Seven Psychopaths is amazing.
He was a revelation in 7 Psichopaths. I still have to see Three Billboards
He is one of those actors where you love him in everything he does and yet somehow he isn't top billed as much as you'd want him to be. Also, his name alone is just iconic too. It is very distinct for some reason to me.
Rockwell and Harrelson should have shared an Oscar for their roles in 3 Billboards, one of the greatest films ever made.
Sam Rockwell is so underrated. I love actors like him. Just real people, and the kind of guy you'd kick back and have a brew with.
The first movie I saw him in was Box of Moonlight with John Turturro. Still one of my favorite films. Would have loved to have heard his recollections on playing the "kid."
His voice is soo recognizable i have always loved this mans acting. He makes a villain look cool and his delivery is just on point!
Oddly my favorite Sam Rockwell movie is not listed. I loved how he was able to portray compassion in an authentic way in the movie The Way Way Back. I think it is much harder to do than people realize.
That Movie was Excellent.
Great movie. I wanted to be friend of sam rockwell in that movie. Great perfomance
I love the way way back I recently showed it to my husband since he likes Steve carell
How did they not include Jojo Rabbit!?
Moon, was the title that showed how truly talented he is.
Seven Psychopaths was SUCH a great flick. So underrated. Love Sam Rockwell
Randomly met him on two trips to NYC, once in 2003 (grocery store) and 2014 (we were both watching the same play). Such a nice guy and he’s such a great actor in everything he does!!
My favorite actor! So happy to see him featured here! And very happy that Hitchhiker's Guide was included.Choke, Laggies, F is for Family, Matchstick Men... just so many more titles he could speak on.
Can't believe The Assassination of Jesse James wasn't included
I really appreciate it to hear actors like Sam Rockwell so involved in the writing process and the character they play in. Really tries to be someone else despite the looks
One of my absolute favourite screen actors. ALWAYS gives 100% and ALWAYS shines in the role.
I think his best was Confessions. Box of Moonlight with John Turturo was one of his best too.
Matchstick Men should’ve been on here. Underrated film.
Great film!!
100%. Great movie.
Eric Knox holds a very special place in my heart. The scene where he transitions to a bad guy changed me. I love Sam Rockwell in anything and everything.
Snow Angels gets a mention! Underrated masterclass all around. 🎥
Seven Psychopaths is hugely underrated movie and Sam carried that one.
I’m such a huge Sam Rockwell fan, and wanting that I really loved about this interview is how much respect he has for the craft and skill of his fellow actors, and how much he draws upon them as models for inspiration. This is a guy who clearly studies all aspects of cinema
First time I saw him was Wild Bill in The Green Mile. A great performance that I never forgot. His British accent in See How They Run is also brilliant.
Hard to forget such a vile and evil character. One of the most horrific in movie history and he nailed it
First time I saw him in a movie was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie. That was the last movie I saw in theaters until The Phantom Menace.
Galaxy quest and Hitchhikers guide are both my all time favorite movies i want more of them so bad and ive been waiting years.
One the most underrated actors around.Fantastic
I really like Sam Rockwell's acting, and have seen most of the films he's been in. I would have liked to have heard his thoughts on 'Jo Jo Rabbit'.
Agree. Came into the comments to say this also
I remember seeing The Green Mile, Galaxy Quest, and Charlie's Angels all within ~2 years of each other and not truly realizing until my senior year of high school when I saw Hitchhiker's Guide they were all him and just being blown away. Sam Rockwell is one of those actors who elevates whatever he is in and completely owns his role. Him saying they were thinking about WF or JC for Hitchhiker's had me thinking I could understand why they might want them, but Sam owns that role and I don't think either of them could have pulled it off how he did.
"Box of Moonlight" is still, and always will be my favorite movie of his. If you have not seen it and are a fan of his, it is a MUST SEE.
Absolutely! I agree 100%; I rented it because of John Turturro but was absolutely blown away by The Kid :)
A very grounded and real person - capable of elevating any character to the highest standards of the craft. Love this guy.
Recently saw Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and he was a foot clan punk. What an iconic role!
😮😮😮😮 he so was!
Yes that was classic...."regular or menthol?"
Love this guy, he always seems such a maverick in the roles he plays almost like he dances around the script without actually sticking to it. Seems so natural on screen.
Moon is such and underrated and overlooked movie. Favorite Rockwell movie.
Love Sam Rockwell! His character in Seven Psychopaths is one of my favorites of all time! My brother and I are even getting matching Jack O’ Diamonds tattoos ❤
I’ll watch anything with Rockwell in it. Dude is an amazing actor. The fact that he references Keaton in Night Shift makes him that much cooler.
His few scenes in Gentlemen Broncos were hilarious. I loved that he was cast for that role.
Agreed, im glad someone else knows this awesome movie
Yes, Gentleman Broncos🙌🏻💯
"My cat's hungry!"
Yes soooo funny!!!
You took my nads, Dennis!
Best actor of his generation hands down! Like Gary Oldman was the generation before him. Moon is one of my favorite films ever but he’s legit great in everything! Thanks Sam!
Box of Moonlight as The Kid. Underrated classic.
Love Sam Rockwell and his many many facets throughout his career playing so many versatile rolls. However, one roll that I found incredibly funny that is not listed here was when he played Captain Klenzendorf in Jojo Rabbit. Truly an amazing character with moments of laughter mixed with moments of sadness.
Watching him and Frances MacDorman going toe to toe in Three Billboards is one of life's great pleasures. Both were clearly at the top of their game.
Agreed 👍
I'd put Sam Rockwell up there with Gary Oldman. Both men who can truly do almost anything on the screen and make you forget its them. Remarkable actor. Was surprised not to see Jojo Rabbit on this list. Probably my favorite role of his.
One of my absolute favorite roles? Water park manager Owen in "The Way Way Back". Totally underrated film!
Sam Rockwell in Choke is just amazing. Everything he is in he brings a ton of weight to that role. He is in my top 3 favorite actors
Choke should have been included in this. Powerful performance and story.
Who are the first two?
@@MM-hl1to Clint Eastwood, Denzel Washington
Yes! Choke!
I fell in love with his acting immediately when he said "episode 87 I died in episode 87" he basically stole every single scene he was in in Galaxy Quest.i look forward to seeing him fight dance in his movies
It was episode 81
The world was absolutely robbed by not getting a Galaxy Quest sequel done by Simon Pegg!
One of his first leading parts was in a film called 'Box of Moonlight' he's amazing in it.
I absolutely love the way Sam talks. His cadence has almost a rhythmic sense to it and his inflection on certain words. I could listen to this guy talk all day.
He did an amazing job voicing Mr. Wolf in The Bad Guys. He needs to do more voice acting.
The first time I saw Sam Rockwell was in LAWN DOGS. Say what you will about the movie, but I remember thinking he was brilliant in it, and have tried to catch him in everything since. He brings a quirkiness to every project which makes him interesting to watch. A scene stealer.
I think that was the first movie I saw him in too. It was some little indie style movie with Misha Barton.
This is an amazing movie ❤
One of my favourite movies, 'Lawn dogs', he was wonderful in it. Is it a controversial movie though?
Same!!
Love him in all of his movies. Sorry to not hear his thoughts about his early film with John Turturro, Box of Moonlight. Great movie!
"Box of moonlight"....great movie if you've never seen it!!! Sam and John Turturro played perfect opposites!!!
I saw Argylle Sunday and Sam was AMAZING in it! He has always been on of my favorite actors and it's great to see him in roles like that. He's not done yet!
Matchstick men is one of my favourite Sam Rockfall films.
Hard to pick among them but "Moon" is, for me, his most iconic role. Amazing.
Box of Moonlight was the first time I saw Rockwell. Instant superstar! Moon (odd, Moonlight and Moon) is another gem. Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. That makes me really wonder if it's all true about Chuck Barris.
Moon will always have a special place in my heart for movies.
I knew they wouldn’t include The Way Way Back but I absolutely loved him in that movie.
One of his best roles
No mention of 'The Way Way Back'?? He was stellar in that movie. Sam is a powerhouse... He deserves more credit than what he gets (IMO).
I was so hoping they would include his roles in “The Way Way Back” and “JoJo Rabbit” TWWB is such a wonderful little movie, totally underrated with a ton of heart, one of my favorites. And my gosh I can’t even watch his performance in JoJo Rabbit and not laugh and cry in the end. Sam Rockwell has an amazing talent for being the irreverent but secretly warmhearted guy, love him!
I was obsessed with Confessions of a Dangerous Mind when it was released... and then the same with Moon.
Never seen him bad in any film. Love that he remembers other actors in every role.. "if I have seen further [than others], it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."
Fantastic actor, one of my favourite roles of his was in JoJo Rabbit, along with See how they Run
Thanks for throwing out a few lesser known roles at the end. Im going to find" moon "and watch it
The Green Mile was my introduction to Sam. Absolutely blown away by his performance. You immediately knew he was an amazing actor.
one of my favorite actors. i saw Moon in some little tiny arthouse theatre and instantly became a fan