Adam Driver Brings Monologues to the Military: Arts in the Armed Forces
“We’re hoping to show that language is a powerful tool, that self-expression is a powerful tool - it’s just as valuable as any rifle you carry or any tool you can put in your pack.” Those are the words of Marine-turned-actor Adam Driver (Girls, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) introducing a US military audience to the theatrical performance they were about to see.
Driver is the founder of Arts in the Armed Forces, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing thought-provoking and impactful contemporary theater to American military personnel currently “in theater.”
VICE News followed Driver and his fellow actors (including Joanne Tucker, Natasha Lyonne, Eric Bogosian, Peter Scolari, Sasheer Zamata, and many more) on their first trip to the Middle East, where they struggle to broaden the offerings of on-base entertainment beyond country-western cover bands and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.
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Couldn't have picked a nicer person to be your main antagonist
+Trevor Estrada I'm going to have a hard time hating him in star wars
Other than the fact he killed Han Solo? That's unredeemable in many eyes
It's not bad casting. He did very well. The problem was we see Han and Ben together for only the first and last time. There's no prior screen time of them together to make it more impactful
+Trevor Estrada Agree. Would be nice to have at least short flashback about their relationships before. But he played it decent, i think. .
What are you guys talking about? The emotional impact was amazing. Adam played it perfectly. I felt the conflict, the hate, the love. He and Harrison Ford both did a great job.
It's such a revelation to see Adam Driver in an environment where he feels comfortable, somewhere he really wants to be. He's so relaxed and affable.
I've been thinking the same for the duration of the entire video.
I don't want to assume anything but I think its honestly him being around fellow military members. It's weird me being an active duty Marine all you want to do is be back home. But when you get home all you want to do is get back to your unit lol.
I think he's absolutely in his element here.
Adam Driver is a beautiful human being
You mean Kylo Ren?
+Boba Fett you mean ben solo?
+Michael Ross Ben Solo is dead. Adam Driver plays Kylo Ren. Fucking moron.
deadmicedance can't tell if trolling
+deadmicedance Ben Solo is not dead, he is alive. Kylo Ren is the name he used when he was in the dark side.
How can somebody hate Kylo Ren when Adam Driver is playing him.
As with many cases of actor casting, it's usually the nice and sensitive actors who play the best a**holes.
Evan Codsworth Star Wars fans
@@Joela393 Yea how dare they having a opinion
@@Realdangle oh jeez the guy who brings up his right to opinions in every KZhead comments section
"I'm looking forward to having some real *talk* with some real *folks* ..." - Matt The Radar Technician
Anna Patete lmao
Anna Patete “... jerkface”
hahahahah
His intelligence, his heart, his talent... so attractive.
Kelsey . Elise period
The swearing is a bit much for me!
Are you looking at the same face I am? I don't understand why people think he's attractive.
@@quinnritiqal819 it's not about his face. When I saw him for the first time, my reaction was: "what the hell is this? Ugly guy, big ears, walking like an old man...." When I see him now, I can see nothing but attractive man, great actor and humble human being❤
You know Adam is a Marine when the dude just says fuck it and starts flipping switches, not knowing what any of them do.
Jonathan Smith What, when?
Joke 4:42
Omg I love him "Hi I'm Adam... do u know how to turn these lights on?" HAHAH CUTIE
notice how when he takes off that bomb squad helmet his hair is messed up, but when he takes off kylo's mask his hair is perfect? its the force.
falling fast and hard for this gentleman.
SAME!!
@@the_dancerjen1773 Fame and money attracts all women
Welcome to the club
@@Digger-Nick then I am sorry that you must have not met any women who convinced you otherwise... Tut tut.
@@Digger-Nick excuse me. i’ll assume you’re a man then. you have absolutely NO place to say something like that. this man is INCREDIBLY underrated and hardly anyone would recognize if i said hey do you know who adam driver is? sure he has money but IT ISNT WHAT ATTRACTS WOMEN TO HIM. he’s very clearly an amazing, intelligent , and THOUGHTFUL human being. that’s what attracts us to him. and guess what you are to all the woman reading this? sexist.
At 26:29 when Adam acts all goofy and his wife stares in awe. So cute!!
What's the color of his t shirt that he is wearing?
yesss, cant help myself smiling so wide when i see them two💖
@@neilofficial396 grey
She is so lucky
She's probably like "He is such a dork sometimes. But, he's my dork."
Adam Driver - struggling with the light not only in this galaxy
Patricia B. Hahah. Awesome.
underrated comment lmao
I came here for Adam but, his wife's performance was phenomenal. She seems like such a strong, intelligent person and a really good actress. I'm going to keep an eye out for more of her projects but, I think she should consider directing.
saameee
@@alittlehobbit damnnn me too
she’s so articulate and direct in what she wants people to do or convey!!! She also dealt with all these people coming to her very nicely. She’s very smart and looks like a nice person. I hope I can see her work more
I met her (& Adam) in May and she was absolutely stunning, an incredible woman. She's so intelligent and lovely and nice!!
I feel like this is Adam’s way of serving. Like he didn’t get deployed because of his injury and I think he will always regret that but this non profit is a way of serving the people who he loves and respects and never got to help
I agree with you. The fact that he started this nonprofit indicates despite not being able to deploy, his heart has never left his brothers and sisters who service; this is his way of serving. Adam is an amazing human being.
Sadly this non profit is not the same now. And Joanne was really rude with a small donator in one event. Look for missus story, it was a sad day for missus.
I honestly came and watched simply to support Adam but HOLY COW - Joanne Tucker blew me away in every snippet of her performances. She is a fantastic actress! She really made me feel. What an awesome group.
SAME ENERGY
Man - "Better than the prequels, right? It's going to be better than the prequels?" Adam - "Oh yeah, oh fuck yeah!!" 24:37
+Mango Confidence!
+Mango He wasn't lying.
deadmicedance I went and saw 3 times at my local theatre. Student ID gets you a $6 discount each time. The force awakens was fantastic!!!!
+Mango F YEAH! OH F YEAH!
he wasn't lying on that. blew them out of the water. hell its better than ep 6 too.
These people had no idea that they were watching and talking to a man who will become one of the greatest actors of this generation.
He gave me the chills when he was acting his part
That fabulous hair
Very touchable lol
Could Adam Driver be ANY COOLER?? Not only is he Kylo Ren, he's a friggin United States Marine, dude! So awesome!
Yeah.
I remember hearing that adam had made some of his classmates cry while at julliard with how intense his acting was and all I could think is "how could this sweet, goofy, awkward guy scare anyone!". Then he started his first reading and got so intense I'm pretty sure if I had been standing directly in front of him and if he had been reading at me that intensely I might have been scared to tears too! Really shows just how good he is that he can 180 his personality like that!
well kylo ren is trying to build up the empire and finish what Vader started.. recruiting military personnel, is a good idea.. the Strom troopers aim is horrid.
?.... stormtroopers aim?
Have u ever seen Star Wars?
+Alex M lol
And beside, the first order stormtroopers don't seem to have a bad aim? In every battle they been in, always result in the first order winning(except for spoiler: the battle of starkiller base)and the stormtroopers in every battle have good aim?
+mega manectric It's just a bad joke by people who think that in Star Wars 4-6 Stormtroopers have terrible aim because they never hit their enemies, when in fact there are great fan theories which prove that the Stormtroopers' terrible aim is intentional. Let's just be real here and admit that Vogons from The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy have the worst aim in the universe.
It’s official I’m obsessed with Adam Driver.
Such a great husband/wife team! So cool they are doing this!
yes its really inspiring
9:20 Kylo Ren unleashed
Kylo's childhood memories...
Having been in the Army for 6yrs and deployed twice we never received quality entertainment like this. I am happy Adam has taken this initiative and introduced this type of entertainment to the military. Hopefully this will get other actors out there and maybe bigger productions. Maybe they could do something at my West Point 10yr reunion. (LOL)
Victor Figueroa Thank you for your service.
Anyone here after the rise of skywalker?
Frazzy Blue 24:41
yes and Logan Lucky
Steven Kollin my favourite damn part of the whole video, he was so right 😂
Frazzy Blue, The rise of who?
Yes
People say Joanne is so lucky to have Adam. I'm over here and appreciate seeing a couple thriving together to make a difference in other people's lives. Neither want personal fame or glory and it shows this is them giving back. I've got three cousins in the marines now ,two uncles who served in the Army and one who was murdered on tour. God bless all those who've chosen to serve and their families.
Thank you. Several members of my family have served in the U.S. military, in almost every branch.
He seems as a genuine person. I am assured that he regrets not being able to go on deployment. Sternum injuries aren't a minor injury. I will not hold it against him not being able to go with his brothers. I am certainly a fan after the movie and after hearing of his prior obligations he was not able to complete due to injury. Semper Fi Marine. - Former Army OEF 11-12
I'm sure he has a twitter or facebook. I would also like to express my support as well.
+Johnny Danger He doesn't, he himself said so. He doesn't have much time to figure it out and he's also a rather shy individual.
Former military here. Seen lots of his interviews and I can assure you that he does seems a bit sad when he talks about not being able to deploy. You trained for something and then to not go with your brothers is a weird feeling I imagine. But we probably wouldn't got Kylo Ren, Paterson, and all his great performances.
Thank you for your service.
I feel the videos he is in that is not star wars related is VERY VERY underrated. He's gonna end up hating it because everyone will only see him as Kylo Ren. Such a goddam shame. This man has a lot to offer.
I completely agree, I watch what if, and even though he was just a supporting role, he was so funny and his acting way really good. He also seems so down to earth.
I know! Adam is so talented and gifted in other things like starting this to help military people out. Hopefully some people will still recognize Adam for the other things that he's done besides Kylo Ren. I know I will, the more ice learned about him the more I admire him! There aren't many actors out there like him, and I really hope he stays the kind humble man that he is now
That's why I share the shit out of videos like this lol. I am hoping he will not just be "Kylo Ren" for his whole career , he has much more to offer
I think it will take time for people to see him as more, but that's always how it is, isnt it? I'm sure in about 10 years he will be very renowned for many roles and for his other accomplishments
I love for the first time I’m seeing him not give a shit, him being comfortable and okay, it’s nice
Adam Driver is such an amazing guy. Gosh I love it when Hollywood actors are actually good human beings!
This guy is so genuine it's not funny. I have a lot of respect for this Actor.
So this is what it looks like when two people love each other and believe in each other’s dreams. Adam seems so at home here and I feel like a lot of it is his background, but also Joanne. This is lovely.
We need more people like Adam Driver in the world
He is so damn different in surroundings that are comfortable for him.. different like night and day... I really admire him
Adam Driver is such a beautiful person. I can't wait for him to become the star of the new Star Wars trilogy!
Adam Driver is a beautiful man
VICE News follows Adam Driver and his fellow actors as Arts in the Armed Forces deliver theater performances to military audiences in the US and overseas.
+Acoustrix :P Jesus dude, what's your problem?
+VICE News VICE news for retarded hipsters.
+Acoustrix :P What about bringing more diverse entertainment options to the Armed Forces is effeminate?
+Acoustrix :P I guess when you're shooting people, the last thing you want is to be able to reflect. 'Cause reflection is gay, yo.
"They protect you while you sleep even if you don't know it." And they know when we're sleeping, and they know when we're awake, but please don't turn out like them, use your brain for goodness sake.
I swear this man is an amazing human being. I just finished binge watching all 4 seasons of Girls on HBO Now. That shit is beautifully crafted with intelligent dialogue and great, nuanced performances. Adam Driver's embodiment of Adam Sackler is fucking genius. Seriously. Then I stumble on this piece about his Arts in the Armed non-profit and I am throughly convinced he isn't your run-of-the-mill, rising celebrity. He is an actor who loves his craft and has found away to uniquely marry it to a noble cause. Growing up as a Marine brat myself, I know the lack of variety of resources that our veterans have access to, even though they risk life and limb for our country. Like Adam says, these soldiers deal with the severity of war every day, you don't think that some wouldn't enjoy entertainment more complex than "Fast and Furious 1-100"? C'mon. Though, it might be perceived that the vast majority of our soldiers are purely analytical, many are right sided brain thinkers as well. We should encourage them in to flourish in the arts during and after their service. Not only can it be a pleasant distraction to the horrors they have had to endure but it can be therapeutic in many ways. YOU FUCKING ROCK ADAM DRIVER!
I know he's very fascinating!
And Natasha too...another brilliant performer who cares about the world she inhabits, thinks and wants to make things of beauty that provoke thought and connection...
Honestly through the whole video all I could think was 'Agh Joanne is so lucky to see that beautiful, amazing man every day'
Great performance Adam! Loved Kylo Ren character
+Triforce96 same. Couldn't ask for a better person to play the villain in starwars.
+Triforce96 That is because you have a low IQ. My 9 year old nephew laughed at this emo weakling. I suggest removing processed food from your diet.
+Sean lol IQ has nothing to do with how you like a character or not. It is a problem solving test, but you wouldn't know that. Yes he is a bit emo. But that is the point of him, he is struggling with the light side. He is what anikan should have been in the prequels but reversed.
+Sean Ironically IQ has little to do with a person's intelligence past a certain age. IQ measures a KIDS POTENTIAL. Crystallized intelligence, which is gained over time, lowers your IQ because...guess what? Your potential goes down because you age!
I'm glad they're bringing more, well, I suppose I shouldn't say "complex" but definitely more thoughtful and diverse entertainment and culture to the armed forces. Would love to see these guys at my base, thank you all so much for doing what you've taken up to do!
What an interesting man
I like how they casually sneak in a shot of Ben Stiller 14:25
I could hear Adam Driver speak and watch him act for years.
Imagine Adam auditioning for Kylo Ren being like “I’m so sorry I’m just gonna be like really mean for a second here” and then after the audition being like “I’m so sorry if I hurt anyone’s feelings” 😂
I could actually picture that! lol
Reality is he never auditioned for the part. Kathleen Kennedy and JJ Abrams already knew him and knew he was the best fit for the character of Kylo Ren. He met Kathleen Kennedy during his time filming for the movie Lincoln, and JJ Abrams knew about him from his time on the TV show Girls.
EuphoricBacon ya true but he did audition forJuilliard and sang happy birthday
@@em.kay21 Yeah he did lmao been pondering on deets of how he went about singing the song. Like, did he pretty much sing the traditional Happy Birthday or did he spiff it up a little? Was it a 'Happy Birthday to Me' song, or a 'Happy Birthday to You' - if it was the latter than who was the 'You' in the song 😂
He's so cool. I watched the star wars panel at comic con and he was so shy and nervous, but now he's seems to be a cool and nice person. I'm so glad with him. :3 this is the real Adam Driver.
I love how passionate Adam is about theater
I respected Adam so much before watching this but knowing he has done something like this has warmed my heart. My cousin was in the british army, I know this is for the U.S. Militaries but the men and women in the US army are the same as those in the British army, they still risk their lives to bring safety to their family at home. To know he's done something which is so amazing as this which is also close to home for me is really heart warming and I respect Adam even more after this. I really hope I didn't explain that is a really confusing way 😂
Adam is such a great leader and obviously works so hard to communicate well between the actors and the military groups.
This was a great watch I'm surprised alot of people are leaving negative comments, I doubt any of them watched the entire thing. To the actors, you guys are doing a great thing. Wonderful actors and I'm glad you guys are spicing things up over there. I for one appreciate this. Great video. Oh yeah btw Adam I LOVE YOU CANT WAIT TO SEE STAR WARS
Gotta love when he started screaming, lots of emotion put in there…loved him in star wars, i might watch Girls altho i don't know if it's my kind of tv show but i will give it a try just for him
+Hakudan2 I started watching Girls because of him. Finished through season 3. Don't really like the show that much, but it's got its funny moments. The characters are all vile but he is GREAT in it. I am going to finish watching because of him. No wonder he was the breakout star.
OWEN'S LEGO LAB hmmm i might give it a try then, i really need to like the story of a tv series to actually watch it but i will try for him
+Hakudan2 where does he scream, im skimming the video
Sen Kai around 8:35 i think
I personally started watching Girls for the actor Andrew Rannells and feel in love with Adam's character of the same name. He is absolutely fantastic. He brings something so genuine to each performance and each character. It's absolutely phenomenal. I would honestly give the show a go, even though sometimes it's a hard watch. It's worth it for the Adam moments that make it special. Oh, and Andrew is great as well!
24:30 star wars 7 information if anyone wanted to know
I am impressed by the hard work and involvement of Joanne Tucker in this fantastic charity which she co-founded with her husband, Adam Driver in 2006, while they both were still students at Julliard. It's extremely evident that these two have been involved for at least 7 years, before they were even married. They both are so much more than physically beautiful, talented actors. They are humble, hardworking, and deeply devoted to their charity for military personnel. They are soulmates. I pray that they will always be as devoted to each other and to their charity work. as they are now. May their marriage be blessed and endure a lifetime.
This couple is lucky to have found each other. Both passionate about what they do. So much that they decide to give back.
how come some of the nicest actors play the main villain in movies loki- tom hiddleston and then there's kylo ren. adam driver
I think, when you're a genuinely "nice" person and an actor, it becomes the greatest challenge to play a character that's opposite of who you are. I'm a fan of both too. I see resemblances here.
I’m in love with Adam’s wife’s acting. What a freaking queen
26:33 when adam danced!!! omg he is life
4:45 "I'm just going to start pushing shit... see what happens..." Hah!
Adam played Frank Langella’s son in Terrence Rattigan’s “Man and Boy,” and they must really have gotten close because there is genuine affection between the two of them. Just brilliant.
adam is one hell of a chill dude
( From 8:39 to 9:48 ) His performance... Wow...It draws you right in.
+Victoria Jean It's intense! It's like a scary situation unfolding like a trainwreck, and then quiet.
Did anyone ever see the movie "This is where I leave You"? It came out last year. that's what introduced me to Adam. I never saw an episode of girls.
Its kind of funny ... at 17:50 they are in a restaurant that I've been to in Kuwait City. Its actually a dhow (a type of ship from the Persian Gulf region) that they pulled up on the beach right next to the Radison Blu hotel. Pretty nice place. I wasn't part of this program or anything, I was there working for the USO and when you first come in-country, you live out of the Radison. Buts a great thing they're doing As a Vet, its nice to see real engagement by members of the civilian class.
I'm currently a USO volunteer. I always wondered how one gets to go abroad.
I'm not sure if the place is owned by the Radison, ie run by it, or it happens to be just next door to it. Now when you say you're a USO volunteer - do you work for the USO or are you active-duty and happen to volunteer at a USO center where you are based?
+Dan Fewster I'm a dependent and volunteer at a center in Ft bliss Texas
My dad is a disabled veteran, and I have 4 cousins in the military, 2 of which are Marines. I have much admiration for this man and his wife, creating something that respects the intelligence of the people they value, using the talents they have to offer. If I knew how to act, I'd join the caravan, unfortunetly I don't think they'd need help with much else. ):
Great actor, great person.
i really want to meet him he seems like such a chill guy to hang out with and talk about stuff and life in general.
Adams was insanely good!! I was slightly scared when he was like screaming😂😂
I think it’s pretty cool that Driver started this theater program way before he started doing camera acting. To see where it is now is admirable and just shows how accomplished he is before we even start talking about Star Wars.
I just like hearing his voice so much
military life is rough, and to bring some humanity to this necessary yet unvoluntary hardship is great. I am moved that some one will be willing to offer our military something different...art in the middle of chaos
I couldn't imagine that a single persone could be so generous and special. thanks adam for everything you're doing towards these people, I wish there could be more attention towards the military in Italy too
Adam Driver is one truly solid dude.
seeing everyone perform and be so comfortable and relaxed with each other is amazing, i love these so much
Adam Driver = what an awesome guy. The accompanying actors = awesome team! As for the sad state of the theater setting and lack of maintenance, welcome to how things are run by the government. For all those wanting bigger government, observe and get the used to such misuse and abuse of vast amounts of money.
Adam Driver's such a sweetheart
He looks so proud of them it's so wholesome they are all fantastic
I'm crying so hard. I couldn't be more thankful for this. For what this small organization is doing for military, for my family.
Wonderful actors.. Thank you for this amazing project. Adam, I love how humble you are never change.❤️
Amazing work. Great to see husband-wife actors create such a great project, bringing a little escapism and sense of community to these veterans.
I so agree with you! It warms my heart to see Adam and Joanne in this together with a great team! We need more people like them.
adam is such a gentleman - honestly a really nice guy, no bullshit
Love seeing Joanne and Adam together. Two beautiful, passionate people.
I love how only Adam gives the time of the performance in military time "19 hundred" while the others go "7:00" It really shows that the military is still a part of him.
Wish he would have come to Pendleton while i was there. Glad to call Adam Driver a fellow brother Marine.
I see such a strong talent combined with someone who wants to make a mark in his career. Best to you Adam. Follow your bliss and touch as many souls as you can along the way. Bravo man!
I wasn't sure I would enjoy watching this but I did. Never watched/listened to just monologues before and all the actors were great. Not having a set and costume makes you focus more on the words. Wish I could go to one of these.
Also love when he starts dancing at 26:30
Kylo Ren?
yes
When Joanne Tucker is acting it sends chills down my body! And Adam driver is just such a charismatic guy and seems so genuine. The work they‘re doing is remarkable
Kylo Ren getting to know the First Order.
Ha!
Mark McAllister I think d hit you hard.
+thepunkster90x Sometimes urinal level spit-talking is appropriate...you have no idea what you are talking about in your ivory tower world
Mark McAllister marky here is an example of what happens when you get touched inappropriately as a child.
+thepunkster90x +thepunkster90x Now you are obviously just a troll...and unlike the simple, sometimes gallant, internet/KZhead versions of your true self, you are something else...less than a troll, a sub-troll; I am sure you see it all reflected in your morning bathroom mirror, while it recoils as best it can, vomiting the photons of your image into some cosmic plane your tiny brain is incapable of registering...despite your blind following of all cool information that, ironically, still, orbits your tired moon of a mind. All I can do is hope and wish for is your future enlightenment. IE: civilization good > death cult bad
Holy shit, 5 minutes in typical military shit. No one know how to turn on the fucking lights and apparently they are all burned out.
+Jv Jones lol
+Jv Jones SHIIIEEET I was just thinking the same thing. Im over here in Japan trying get shit from the hospital and no one knows where to find the paperwork, who to talk to or even who I spoke to lol.
+Jv Jones Shit was FUBAR
I've served in Russian army. Same shit here ;)
+Jv Jones I died seeing this comment and came back to life to give a like...
That break in Adam's voice when he yells, "Foot kicking harder...right through the door! One foot...right through the door!" Superb acting. I got a sense of real trauma from the character he was playing.
Thank you for your Service and Sharing the struggles we face... I Felt so alone when I got home like I left my brothers behind.
He’s such a kind person I’m crying he’s adorable 🤩
He is so awesome and chill! HE was awesome as Kylo Ren! He is also from San Diego like me!
+[עוג] Alabaster Stone Me too!!! Hello fellow San Diegan!!!
+Drew Kingery nice to meet you mate!
dave f www.google.com/webhp?source=search_app&gws_rd=ssl#q=adam+driver hes from San Diego dude.
you don't know adam like i know him..
Hey I'm SD too live in the southbay area that's cool to know that Adam is from here had no idea fan of him did a great job as kylo ren
This was really enjoyable to watch as a slice of life to see whats it like on the organizational side of such events and how things really look on the military's side. Thank you VICE! : )
this is such a great video! i love how adam (and joanne) started this, it is such a cool thing to see them use their talent to give back
adam driver is a wonderful human being, he deserves the world.
heartwarming & meaningful - props to Adam and his fellow actors