Jason Aldean Makes Movie Debut

Last summer, during a break in his My Kinda Party tour dates, Jason Aldean accepted a small role in a movie.  The film, called “Sweetwater,” will make its world debut at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah this week.  Country Countdown USA’s Lon Helton spoke with Jason about the movie: “I’d kinda talked about acting over the last couple of years, and all of a sudden got the cript for this movie Sweetwater.  I’ve always been a fan of westerns, so the fact that it was a western made it intriguing.  Actually the part they wanted me to play was a bigger part in the movie.  I told them I’d never acted before, so if you’ve got a smaller part, I’d be more comfortable.  So I ended up taking a part that didn’t have as much speaking roles.  It stars Ed Harris, January Jones, and Jason Issacs.  Basically Jason plays this prophet who is not a very good guy.  I’m like his henchman, who does all his dirty work for him.  The first scene in the movie, I go toe to toe with Ed Harris.  It was one of those deals where I had to learn quick.  I haven’t seen the movie yet.  I don’t have a huge role in the movie.  But I got what I wanted, which was a part that allowed me to try it out and see if it’s something I like, and I had good teachers.  I enjoyed doing it, and if I don’t suck too bad, maybe I’ll get another chance, because it was a lotta fun.”

LISTEN: 13-03 Jason3

Was there much difference between doing a video and acting in a movie? “Well for me,  most of the videos have been performance.  When you’re acting, you’re reacting to that person.  Singing is easy for me.  But when you’re trying to act, especially with guys like that.  My biggest thing was I didn’t want them thinking ‘Here’s another singer trying to act.’  I really wanted to learn.  I think I was able to do that.  It’s probably like music where you always learn more each time you do it.”

What did Ed Harris say to you in that first scene? “I met him earlier that morning.  He plays a crazy sheriff, and my first lines are talking to him.  I said something to him, and he looks at me like it was the stupidest thing he’s ever heard, which was acting.  Jason Isaacs gave me great advice, that acting is reacting to what’s said.  They caught me looking at the camera a few times, because doing videos, I’m used to looking at the cameras.  “Cut!  Jason’s looking at the camera again!”  But it’s little things like that.”

LISTEN: 13-03 Jason5

Are you going to the premiere?  “I wanted to, but I have some other stuff going on.  But hopefully this won’t be my last one.”

So what’s next for you as far as movies?  “I’ll probably be up for an Academy Award! I doubt it.  Straight to DVD!  All my scenes are getting cut out!”

Tags: aldean

Category: Audio