Alfred Molina Breaks Down His Career, from 'Boogie Nights' to 'Spider-Man' | Vanity Fair
Alfred Molina walks us through his legendary career, discussing his roles in 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' 'Boogie Nights,' 'Chocolat,' 'Frida,' 'Spider-Man 2,' 'Love Is Strange,' 'Spider-Man: No Way Home,' 'Uncle Vanya' and more.
Director: Adam Lance Garcia
Director of Photography: Mar Alfonso
Editor: Louis Lalire
Talent: Alfred Molina
Producer: Madison Coffey
Line Producer: Romeeka Powell
Associate Producer: Lyla Neely
Production Manager: Andressa Pelachi
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Talent Booker: Mica Medoff
Camera Operator: Chris Eustache
Gaffer: Vincent Cota
Audio Engineer: Rachel Suffian
Production Assistant: Ashley Vidal
Post Production Supervisor: Christian Olguin
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Additional Editor: JC Scruggs
Assistant Editor: Lyla Neely
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Never thought I'd tear up watching a vanity fair career timeline video... The ending when he talks about his father is worthy of a film in itself 😢
I was literally thinking that thing about his dad saving all the clippings was straight out of a film.
I almost ended the video early, but that ending hit so hard. Just a truly real moment of reflection
for real! this is a very fist emotional vanity fair video of a career breakdown. i wanna give alfredo a hug.
Felt the very same. If he ever did a project where he played his father with the material, it'd be an emotional roller coaster. Probably never be made because of how personal it'd be. But we could always hope.
@@EVHORIA4EVERit was hard enough hearing him talk about his late wife.
Thanks Vanity Fair for keeping that last part in. Could’ve very easily been cut cause it didn’t really fit in.
Echoing this sentiment and just want to add to it that Alfred Molina and his publicist must also be thanked for allowing that bit to be kept. I am sure this has to go through a vetting process before being published. Once again goes to show what a remarkable and generous artist he is.
I cut to the end of the video just to see this, and I cannot stop crying, especially someone who just went no-contact with their abusive father, and lost their mother two years ago 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲
I also loved that they didn't edit out the quiet moments of him pondering.
It’s relatable though
It fit perfectly wym
The ending where he talks about his father is beautiful. Alfred isn't afraid to be open to the public and shares a very emotional, human and relatable story. I like to believe that he did not disappoint his father. Not at all. Alfred made it in his life, just not via the route that his father expected or envisioned for him.
His and Bill Nighy’s retrospectives are probably my favorite of these
Spiders have brought him success his entire career. 🕸🕷🐙
This is BY FAR the best of the many of these "career retrospectives" I've seen. I could listen to Alfred Molina tell stories until my own life was at an end. I pray he writes an autobiography, then records an unedited audio version. That's my 4 pounds of chocolate.
Agreed.
Fr👏
That’s because of the British accent. Trust me
"I did disappoint my dad (...) If he had lived a little longer, perhaps he would have realized I hadn't wasted my time" But he had an entire suitcase full of clippings and messages talking about his success. He did not think you wasted your time. A person who feels that way does not even think of saving a clipping in the first place.
Exactly!
His dad was proud❤
His father was silently proud.
Life is not a movie, and that will never justify the hole his father dug in his heart with his silence
@@AlejandroSilva-mr7yy dude chill
Alfred Molina was born to play Doc Ock, He's irreplaceable.
Truly the one of the best parts about the movie!
The (Acting) power of the sun in the palm of his hand
Alfred Molina really is just one of those guys who comes across as such a pure and humble person, someone who doesn't seem at all tainted by Hollywood and all the toxicity that can come with it. The fact his father kept a suitcase filled of clippings of his career, I don't think for a second he was ever truly disappointed. Conflicted as a father who thinks they know best for their son, maybe! But not disappointed.
I said the same thing! I don’t think he would have kept all those keepsakes if he wasn’t proud of his son!
He is a very underrated Actor!
I wasn't expecting such an emotional, sweet interview. The way he talked about Salma, the tenderness with which he expressed his moment with the three Spider-Men, how he faced the end of his days with his dad... it was impressive. A movie in itself. A sweet, vulnerable, and talented actor.
That ending makes the entire video. His dad was absolutely proud of him, in his own way.
Ah Rosie, I love this boy!
Never overlook the poetry👍
Brilliant but lazy
@@crashpal it's such a profound line. So many have potential yet do nothing with it.
Alfred, the fact that your dad kept those clippings, those letters and articles and quietly kept tabs on what you were doing proves he was proud of you, maybe he was just too proud to admit he was wrong to doubt you.
Alfred Molina seems like the sweetest most gentle person IRL.
So commendable that last part. Actors on these press interviews usually wish to keep it light and jovial. Alfred allowing himself to be vulnerable and reveal something so personal is not to be overlooked. What a blessing he's always been to acting and the world at large.
What an epic career. And he looks amazing for 70.
70?!?? No way
woah yes he does
Your dad still sees you...he is proud.
I did not expect him to sound like that. Seems like every great actor is British
The majority of British actors are classically trained and legitimately go to school for acting. The same can’t be said for many American actors.
Also easier for Brits to do an American accent than for Americans to do British accents. They have more range
@@wisco9er536im not disagreeing, but anyone can make an American accent. It can be a bad accent and still be considered an American accent because the US has 50+ different accents. Doing a British accent would be more impressive
@@ChampionOfHammerfell there is no British accent though? Even in London has a variety of accents, let alone Cardiff and Swansea are different even though both in South Wales, same as Glasgow and Edinburgh
As said before British actors go to school, and all of them start doing stage performances, theatre, musicals and what not. Then some do TV and then transition into the big screen. So there’s a process that lets the actors learn and build up their talent
That bit about his father was powerful. If we can package those moments and turn that into a series, I’d watch that weekly, VF
That ending scene was the most human moment. I cried 😭 What a distinguished gentleman and incredible actor
Salma Hayek is a gem and Molina's words for her are incredibly sweet.
If you're not welling up after watching the last part, I don't know what's wrong with you. One of the best Vanity Fair interviews I've ever watched, superb, just superb. Loved hear him talk about Frida and Salma Hayek's loyalty.
I wasn't even misting, I was just crying.
Wow. Don’t know if you’ll ever see this, Mr. Molina, but: Thank you for being so open, and I hope you know that you haven’t wasted your time. Thank you for decades of memorable and powerful performances.
Wow, this has to be top 5 best " career retrospectives" They way he talks about how he started, the movies, and the passion he has. Then ended with his father. The dude almost had me crying.. Awesome.
I remember crying when the trailer with Molina returning as Doc Oc came out. I didn't even realize how much I loved him in Spiderman 2 until that moment. I think Doc Oc is my fav spidey villain, but I also think Molina is the reason for that.
Finally, a way to justify the picture collection of Alfred Molina in my phone
Anyone who looks up to their parent(s) knows EXACTLY what he talked about. You can't fake his emotion. Nothing crushed me more in life than disappointing my father. It's almost impossible to let go of no matter how long ago it happens.
Bless you. 🙂
The power of my career... In the palm of my hand
This is my favourite career breakdown. He's so passionate, open, and honest. Beautiful
Thank you to VF for allowing Alfred the opportunity to speak uninterrupted at the end, quite refreshing. Alfred, thank you for sharing that story near the end about your father. I'd like to think he looks upon you now with a smile on his face and love in his heart. Thanks for sharing, cheers.
Vanity fair hasn’t ever been this deep. It was about time.
I laughed at him joking about H.W. being angry at him, then just about shed a tear at the end. Easily the best retrospective ive seen
“Hello Peter” changed the internet forever
He’s to believe he was only in 8 minutes of Indiana jones and still that role is great. I’m glad he stuck around for the better half of the decade he’s a very talented guy. Sam Raimi definitely hit the jackpot when he cast him as Otto Octavius he’s born for that role.
It did portray Latin-Americans as ignorant people. There's a scene where Indy tells him, in a dog-like and finger-wagging way, to "stay here". Don't get me wrong, Alfred is a great actor but let's not pretend that role wasn't filled with awful stereotypes developed by Steven.
I did NOT want to go to bed crying 😭. Alfred is an amazing actor and due to that last 5 minutes 1 of the most pure, genuine souls ever on Earth.
Doc Ock got me sobbing by the end 😭. This was beautiful. Thanks for capturing this, Vanity Fair.
Molina made me cry again 😞❤
I had similar relationship with my father, got me in tears and I never cried.
I guess this interview will be a landmark for this channel. It's not always that get moments like this when dealing with people with so many agents.
Mister Alfred Molina, thank you for being you.
Alfred’s story of how his father kept the newspaper clippings and fan letters reminds me a lot of how Willy Wonka’s dad in the Burton film kept the stories and photos of Willy, despite their estrangement.
Alfred Molina is a brilliant actor with a big heart and a brain to match. I am bewildered that he didn't become a giant in Hollywood - but then of course he pissed off Weinstein, that's uphill.
Alfred Molina tends to make every film better in which he appears. But I think he should be recognized for his amazing voicework for Pixar/Disney, and for the epic awkwardness of his segment with Steve Coogan in Coffee & Cigarettes.
"I did disappoint my dad. Yeah." And the music in the background 💔💔💔 Like a Studio Ghibli moment.
As someone who no longer speaks to his father (he cut me off) I choked up as he recounted his experience with his dad.
By far, the best interview I have seen of Alfred Molina, warm-hearted, passionate and clearly very respectful towards women ❤
That was the best 'career break down' so far - could listen to him talk for hours. The story at the end moved me to tears - thanks so much to Vanity/Alfred for keeping that in. Father/son relationships are complicated - very touching
That ending was wonderful. Thank you VF for including it
Doc Oc just made me burst into tears. Thank you, Alfred. I hope you still have more to offer!
Truly the best parts about the movie!
Ive had similar moments wrt to my father who passed away in 2022, i never "appointed" him, only "disappointed" him so to speak. My only wish, to this day was to let him see that i got my first job, a well paying one at that. Many things, accomplishments, achievements, bs like that, I felt that I couldve let him see in his lifetime, that he never could in the end. Alfred you are a great actor, and the only thing i can wish you is even more success.
Oh wow.. that ending really hit me. The way that he’s so open about his grief, and that feeling of your parents not really seeing you, or your love for something.. and I love the way he talks about Salma and his disdain for Weinstein, keeps it 💯 And I’m looking forward to watching Love is Strange
This is by far the best vanity fair interview I’ve ever seen, Mr Fred - you are truly loved my friend
Alfred Molina and Nick Offerman share the same sentiment about love, regardless of gender. I think that’s lovely
They would make a great team that we will never see.
that ending broke me
This was one of the most interesting and emotional career breakdowns ever. The way he opened up at the end was extremely emotional and touching!
Such an underrated actor ❤ not only marvelous in any role he plays, but super humble and kind
I didn’t expect that last part about his father. I know you might know this Alfred, but you definitely did not disappoint your father. You have made a great career for yourself you took the leap and ended up being one of the best actors in the business and that you could be. I believe parents just worry about where their kids will end up if this job doesn’t end up being successful and certainly in your time being an actor probably wasn’t an easy feat to accomplish. As you know that industry can swallow you up and spit you out and it can be a hectic ride. I’m just glad you’ve found success and hopefully your dad in the afterlife is happy that you made it and that you did everything you could to achieve your dream.
Please stay well, Mr Molina and I will continue to watch your incredible performances for as long as I live on this glorious marble of a world.
I was a bit sad when it skipped An Education, because I really love that movie, but everything else was brilliant. Molina has a natural way of speaking that's very down to earth and captivating. Seems like a really nice, sweet guy. And then the ending... Yeah, that just crushed me to pieces. Glad it was kept in the video.
The last part had me in tears. I'll look for some of his movies I've not seen. Such an amazing actor.
Alfred Molina = THE GOAT
I was NOT expecting that emotional gut punch at the end! How generous of him
These conversations really humanize and bring these great actors to a more relatable level. Thank you Alfred for so many great and powerful roles.
What a beautiful ending, 😢 his father was proud of him, he just never knew it. Keeping notes and clippings of his son’s success is what proud parents do
By far one of my favorite actors specially Frida
Wow...didn't expect to cry. Just another son with Dad issues here.
I've said it to anyone who is willing to listen - Alfred is one of the very best ever to do it. Immensely talented actor.
I know he's had an incredible career with outstanding performances... but it's so funny to me how his short scene in Boogie Nights is the most unforgettable thing he's ever done, in my mind.
Okay. 👍
Rahad Jackson is the best kind of unhinged
That scene is truly amazing.
An actor in the purest form, one of my favourites. Always different in every role.
Thank you for keeping that last part in! That was a special moment to share with him. Thank you Mr. Molina!
Alfred Molina is such a down to earth dude. Would love to meet him someday.
The anecdote about his dad was so beautiful.
I think what makes Alfred such a phenomenal live action adaptation is that he is already very well articulated, intelligent, and passionate. Otto Octavious has those same qualities; and that’s what makes him one of Spider-Man’s most formidable villains. Molina and Dafoe played Doc Ock and the Green Goblin so well I highly doubt they will ever need to be recast. As great as the two are let their performances be iconic for all time.
I really appreciate that Vanity Fair kept the ending part in. It's not easy talking about things like that. I'm certain his father would've been proud of him.
What an incredible actor and human being.
Never cried watching a breakdown before, that’s a first.
Bringing him back for a redemption was thr chefs kiss moment. Talking about his father, well im crying for you now.
I never ever expected to get emotional watching one of these videos. But the ending really got to me.
What a beautiful interview. You are lovely Mr. Molina
Such an extremely talented and I'd say a legendary, kind and intelligent actor and human being. I got very teary-eyed at the end when he talked about his late father...mostly out of empathy but also, because it reminded me of my late father with who I also had a complicated relationship that was less than ideal. Anyway, I have no doubt though that his father WOULD be proud of him.🥰
What a legendary actor. My favorite childhood villain Docter Octavius
This was easily the best one you have made, VF! Thank you so much for including the last bit about his father and how that impacted his role as a dad. It was so beautiful!
wow. best Vanity interview ever.
Wow. I was not expecting this first thing on a Monday morning. Fell in love with Alfred when he played Sergei in Letter to Brezhnev. He is only in it for the first part of the film and doesn’t speak a word of English. Doesn’t matter. His charisma leaps off the screen. Was incredibly lucky to see him do “that” monologue in the Los Angeles run of ART. When he remembers that his father never understood him but secretly was really proud of him, I burst into tears. Thank you for spotlighting this amazing performer.
i know it wasn’t a movie but his performance as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway was AMAZING
This is the best VF interview ever! In tears 😭
I'm so curious how your conversation veered into this last bit here but OMFG what an unexpected and gorgeous moment you captured 😭😭😭. He's a gem of a human, I've never wanted to hug an actor more LOL
What a beautiful soul.
Such a great story-teller, what a lovely voice!!!
This is the best one of these videos I've seen :( I was hooked the entire time
Raiders and SM2 teo of my favorite films ever. Great actor
Thank you Mr. Molina...for being the benchmark....you’ve graciously given over forty years of inspiration and guidance and wisdom to me...without ever meeting....thank you!!!
I really wanted to hug Alfred when he nearly started crying 😢
21:59 I don't understand why parents don't just support their kids no matter what they do, and stop trying to look at them as a mini you. Its not about you, you should know that by the time you're a parent. so much heartache and wasted time and broken relationships would be solved if parents could just realize how brilliant their kids are they way they are, I love that sentiment Alfred mentions at the end ❤
I don't understand why people like you can't seem to grasp that parents are simply trying to look out for their kid's future. Alfred Molina happened to break into acting and into Hollywood, but that's a rarity and alot of luck is involved. And Alfred Molina never had the looks of Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise. It's called "tough love" It worked out for Alfred Molina, but there are plenty of people also had the dream to "act" in movies who never got anywhere. It's a "pipe dream" for many.
@@user-ey6vk5gu4o This needs more likes than the "support your kids no matter what." comment. Because frankly, kids make some *dumb* decisions.
I have always adored Molina as an actor. He's such a chameleon, and so adept at becoming so many different people onscreen. This was a beautiful, passionate, intelligent, and very moving look back at his career, and I am so glad he is being appreciated in this way. He comes across like a really lovely and appreciative human being.
Wow, I had no idea I'd get a gut punch at the end. Great actor, seems like a better dude.
Wow, that was so powerful. So real. How many actors of his stature would be brave enough to share that? So impressed and grateful to have watched this.
A brilliant legend. His father would agree.
Alfred Molina's voice and how he talks, is so calming! You can tell he has a huge heart and is such a nice guy.
Bruh the ending 😭
I've always liked Alfred. One of my favourite actors and he always seems such a kind bubbly gentleman in his interviews. This was a wonderful watch. I wish he spoke about working on Species as he always made me laugh with his line delivery of 'Oh, I enjoyed that immensely.' 😄 It has been a privilege to see Alfred progress so far in his career after first seeing him in his brief role as Satipo in Raiders. An absolutely fabulous actor. 👌
dam. That last part really hit me in the gut. I have my own issues with my dad and now I am a father myself to a 6 month baby girl. I will tell her she is brilliant everyday of her life.