Hollywood's latest squeeze

That's what Jeremy Renner has become, post the fabulous run of his film The Hurt Locker

That's what Jeremy Renner has become, post the fabulous run of his film The Hurt Locker

Critics loved his performance as Staff Sergeant William James while the audience lapped up his puppy dog eyes and charming smile. Hollywood's leading ladies too have not been able to resist his charm. But, like Jeremy Renner points out in this email interview, he will talk about his private life when there is something to say. For now, he's soaking in all the attention.u00a0



In earlier interviews, you've said that you see a part of yourself in the characters you portray. Which aspect of your personality did you connect most with while playing Staff Sergeant William James?
It took a while for me to fully develop the character. As the movie continues, my character comes into his own despite being just a cowboy on the surface; that took some work to develop, just like I worked on my real self. This means we are somehow connected. For example, I am a different guy on the outside and someone else on the inside.

What war stories did you come across while researching for the role?u00a0
I met soldiers who had absolute awareness and respect for the Middle East, which I knew nothing about. I was glad that I was able to experience that. It's things that we don't know that scare us the most. When I met the soldiers, I realised that they are all very smart, technical and really interesting. We can never imagine how great those people are. It was a heart-pounding experience. Pretty intense, man! You must see how they operate. On the first day, I was in shock at how nerdy they were.

The role looks physically taxing...
More than preparing for the physical part, I had to concentrate on the mental part. EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) is a specialist job; not many people can dismantle a bomb. But what fuels them to do this makes them more focussed, and that's what I was trying to figure out. I wanted to cogitate on my role fully, without leaving any room for loopholes. I was trying to get a grasp on how volatile those people were. EOD team leaders at Fort Irwin (training facility for the American military) were my main mentors.

A few Iraq war heroes believe that life in the army has been glorified for this film.
I don't believe that. The Hurt Locker follows an EOD team, a group of soldiers with specialised skills who are dispatched to disarm roadside bombs and other Improvised Explosive Devices. We have shown the intense realities of those soldiers; nothing was overestimated. Kathryn (Bigelow, director) and Mark (Boal, screenplay writer) focussed mainly on the war heroes' sacrifices and their selfless love for the country. My respect for those war heroes has increased after being part of The Hurt Locker.

Oscar night was big for your film. How did you celebrate?
The Oscars were indeed the biggest night of my life. I brought my mother along as my date; she is my lucky charm. When our film won six awards that night, I was totally numb and speechless. Getting nominated for the Oscars was the most amazing thing in my life. I'm really happy for Kathryn. She's great to work with. She trusted me, and I trusted her. I celebrated that whole night with my mom. She was proud of me. I can't express that feeling in words.

Renner with director Kathryn Bigelow

Your resume has a good mix of independent and big budget movies. Does working in independent films have its own charm or do you prefer the frills that come with big budget movies?
I have always preferred roles that are intelligent and have a lot of character-driven elements that drive a story. I want the role to be eventually loved by my audience. I have never paid attention to the budget. My only demand is that the role I am offered gives me enough scope to perform.

You've worked with some of Hollywood's best leading men -- Colin Farrell (S.W.A.T), Brad Pitt (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford) and Ben Affleck (The Town). What do you take back from them?
That's an interesting question. The actors you mentioned above are interesting and amazing personalities with a dynamic appeal. They have taught me a lot in every aspect. They have helped me grow and become a versatile actor, like each of them is. All of them are extremely humble and have charming personalities. I owe a lot to them.

If dismantling bombs was the most difficult job for your character, what's the toughest part as an actor in Hollywood?
Hahaha!! There is no comparison. I still feel that dismantling bombs is tougher. But playing a character, essaying it beautifully and winning the audience's heart is also difficult. But nothing can be compared to those war heroes who fought courageously for their nation and left their families not even knowing whether they would see them again.

Your private life has been under the scanner with talks about dating multiple actresses and singers. A few reports even claim you are gay. Where does the truth lie amidst all this speculation?
Oh my god! These judgments... If it's something that really affects me, I'll stand up for what I believe in. People can say whatever they want. I don't care. It is their opinion, so I really don't mind it. My personal life will not be disclosed till the time I want to. It is entirely my wish; it's my life, after all.

Renner is a Ladies' man
As a struggling actor in Hollywood, Jeremy Renner sustained himself by working as a make-up artiste. He says it was great for meeting women. His link-ups with a slew of Hollywood's leading ladies is proof of his charm. Tongues began to wag when photos of Renner and actress Carey Mulligan at an Oscar after-party went public. He has also been linked to Charlize Theron and singer Jessica Simpson. Ironically, a rumour is doing the rounds that Renner, is in fact, gay