Jim Beaver discusses his pivotal role in “Crimson Peak.”
After New York Comic Con had wrapped, we had screener waiting on the calendar for “Crimson Peak.” As I sat through the Guillermo del Toro film, there was a certain performance that stood out and had me even more engaged in the film. The performance from Jim Beaver was so captivating that I nearly forgot about his iconic role on “Supernatural” as Bobby Singer.
About an hour after the film had ended I contacted his PR representative who was gracious enough to reach out to Jim so that I could ask him about his role as Carter Cushing. Speaking with Jim I discovered how the role came about, his influences for the character, his theater background, and we even discussed Bobby’s return to “Supernatural.”
Film Fad:
Hi Jim, I hear you’re currently in New York. We just left after covering the New York Comic Convention, were you able to catch that?
Jim Beaver:
No, I just got here so I must have just missed it.
Film Fad:
Well once we got back I had a screener for “Crimson Peak” waiting for me and your performance certainly stood out. How did this role come about for you?
Jim Beaver:
Well, it took me awhile to figure out how it came about. I had just gotten home from a “Supernatural” convention in Las Vegas. I was lying in bed sick and the phone rang and I was told that Guillermo [del Toro] wanted me for a role in his film “Crimson Peak.”
I kept thinking, “How does he know who I am?” A few months later I met with him and he told me I was the only person he had in mind for the role. It wasn’t until Fall 2013 that we got together in Colorado and found out he was a fan of “Deadwood.”
Film Fad:
One thing I noticed about your performance that stood out is that you seemed to have a more formalized, live theater approach which blended very will with the period “Crimson Peak” is set in. Was this intentional from your theater background?
Jim Beaver:
I don’t think it occurred to me that way. There are different performance styles that have to deal with just the mechanics. It’s all kind of one thing to me. I know when I’m on stage I have to be louder so that everyone in the audience can be aware, but there may be unconscious things at work. I didn’t look at it that way.
Film Fad:
Yourself and Tom Hiddleston worked very well together bouncing off of each other and emoting the tone of the scene. Do you think it was your shared theater background that created a common ground for your performances?
Jim Beaver:
I’m not sure you can formulate chemistry on screen. There may be directors that can make that happen and Guillermo [del Toro] may be one of them. The fact is that a lot of the connection is bound up in their own personality. I felt a real kinship with Tom [Hiddleston] and we connected very well off camera also.
You put a bunch of good actors in a room and you’re gonna get connections. If you felt that, then I’m happy that our connection was there.
Film Fad:
This film blends multiple genres of both drama and horror. I know you have experience in a “Supernatural” environment (pun intended), was there a different approach taken to prepare for a role such as this versus others?
Jim Beaver:
(laughs) At the beginning there were certain questions I had for Guillermo wanting to know what he wanted and expected from me. For example, originally when I saw the script, it took place in Boston versus Buffalo and I wanted to know if he wanted me to approach some sort of dialect. He said no and that he just wanted natural responses to the words and not try to put any vocal color on it. I also wanted to know a little about what it’s like to be filthy rich in New England (laughs). As an acting task, I read the material, evaluated who the character was and what he wanted, what his opinions were, and tried to imagine myself in those circumstances. That’s how I approach everything.
I think everyone has their own specific processes. For me I tend to work instinctually and like to know background information if I can. I don’t know how to run a steel mill and didn’t do a lot of work figuring how to run one. But I know what it’s like to be a father and try to help someone I care about make good choices in their life. That was a natural thing from my own experiences. To me there’s not much separation between the various types of roles I’ve played.
Film Fad:
I know that you have been featured in a lot of roles in either a western setting or where you carry a father-like respect with your character. Is this a type of role that gets noticed in your career and others see you in the part or is it a particular character you like to play?
Jim Beaver:
I think that almost every character I played in the last decade has been that someone saw me in the part. It’s never been something particularly I sought or preferred. There are many characters that I would certainly like to play. This one seems to have taken over fairly recently. It’s not something I seek out, it’s imposed on me but I’m thankful for it because I keep getting work.
Film Fad:
What do you have coming in the future that you’re looking forward to?
Jim Beaver:
The next great job (laughs). At the moment I don’t know what it is. I have a couple of things I can’t talk about. It’s funny that film and TV have become really secretive over the years. There’s an awful lot of things I’ve had in the last year or two that they said, “Just keep it to yourself.”
Film Fad:
And final question, do you think we’ll see Bobby Singer show up in Supernatural again?
Jim Beaver:
The fact is that Bobby has been in every season of the show thus far and I don’t think that will change. I would love to come back and play him. I know the fans love the character and would love to see him back. As history has shown though, I think we’ll see Bobby again.
Film Fad:
Well I have to say that your role in “Crimson Peak” was one that stood out for me and was what had me so excited to speak with you. I think if others see your performance and feel the same way, I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of Jim Beaver.
Jim Beaver:
I’m very pleased to hear that, thank you.