Q&A - Jon Hamm (Don Draper)
Jon Hamm talks about breaking down Don's façade and explains what women really want from a man of mystery in AMCtv.com's exclusive interview.
Q: Did you approach Don differently this season than you did last?
A: I didn't really approach him that differently. He's still the same character. His circumstances have changed a bit, but what's really been cool about this show is we don't see a lot of what transpired over the fourteen months that we skipped over. It's cool that we maintain that little bit of a mystery.
Q: The season begins with Don being warned about his health. Did you try to carry that knowledge with the character throughout the season?
A: I think Don's been less than healthy since we've met him. It's mostly just been about how the quantification of that bad health has affected him. With somebody saying to him, "You're going to have to confront your mortality, buddy," I tried to figure out what that means for him. We've been watching it. Don has been trying to be the good guy and play the straight and narrow, but the circumstances of his life keep interrupting that desire and again, he's stayed in place quite a bit. Who knows, maybe next season will be all about me trying to quit smoking. Good luck.
Q: How did you feel about the way the season ended?
A: There were a couple ways we talked about ending it. But I think that this deliberately ambiguous ending was the right one. There could have been any number of things Betty could have said to Don at the table there, and anything that he could have said in response. We don't know what's going to happen to these two people next -- they've clearly got a pretty dysfunctional relationship and a pretty broken marriage. But I think we are able to maintain a tension when there are more things that are unseen, when we just get little drips and drops. The device of moving forward in time helps that greatly, especially in both seasons when you have a pregnancy moving to the forefront.
Q: Season 2 saw Don's identity beginning to slip. Was it difficult for you as an actor to portray someone whose act is falling apart?
A: Anytime anybody lives a lie it takes a tremendous amount of energy -- physical and psychic and mental and emotional energy too. At 37 years old, the cracks are starting to show in Don's façade. But that's fun to play because here's this guy who is ostensibly a sort of ruler of all he surveys. And that gets interesting when it's actually not the case and you see the other side. Any actor can relate to that, I think. It's not that big of a stretch to say that actors are people who are constantly putting a face on and dealing with the question of what their character's life means. But obviously living a lie is nothing I want to be personally involved with. Don is fundamentally flawed -- some might say fatally flawed. And having to deal with that is a challenge very often.
Q: It was pretty jarring to see Don Draper smiling during the flashback where Dick tells Anna about Betty. Did you have to consciously make yourself smile more in that scene?
A: I think so. Don doesn't smile very much, which is what happens as you get older. Things become a lot less hilarious to you. You've got a lot more on your mind, especially when you've walked down this path that Don has walked down. A lot of it gets more difficult. Fortunately we keep things pretty light on set. Everybody's got a pretty healthy sense of humor, which is nice because the mood of the show is so often heavy. I mean, you get Vincent Kartheiser involved in anything and that automatically ups the crazy angle to the nth degree.
Q: Don Draper seems to have exposed some secret desire in women to have a man of mystery in their lives. How do you feel about that?
A: [Laughs] Yeah, I think the idea of that is way sexier than the reality of it. I really don't think most women would want to come home to a guy who's cheating on them or sleeping around or any of that stuff. That's a lot sexier when it's on the other side of the screen rather than sitting on the couch. Maybe what they respond to is the sort of sense of quiet or subtle masculinity that Don has, which is a very old-fashioned, male archetype. There are not a lot of guys like that in popular culture any more. It would be a tough sell to say they want to be with guys that cheat on them.
Q: Can you relate to that old-fashioned male archetype?
A: Yeah. John Wayne and Harrison Ford and Glenn Ford, it goes all the way back. The strong, silent type is a big deal and strikes a chord with a lot of people in our culture, not just me. That's the way a lot of men were grown up to be in the world, and the way a lot of men want to be seen.
Q: Has playing Don influenced you in any way? Have you started putting Brylcreem in your hair?
A: [Laughs] No, no. I try to leave all that stuff at work. I do get a lot more suits sent my way, which is always nice. They're not quite like Janie Bryant's, which are pretty specific and obviously beautiful. But those suits have very much a vintage aspect, and I much prefer a modern tailoring to say the least.
Q: How far would you like to see Don's story take him?
A: I don't know. It's a tough call, because there's a pretty big sea change that happens at a certain point in society, and I think that the reason Mad Men has been so successful is that it lives in this transitory period of the '60s. Once we move through that into a post-Watergate, post-counter culture world the symbolism of the time shifts into a totally different thing. I don't think we need to follow Don into the late '70s or '80s. His story will have been told by then. I love playing the character and being a part of the show, so in that sense I hope it goes on forever. But shark-jumping can definitely happen if you start thinking like that.
- Comments (27)
- (64)
- Link
- Add This!
-
goodbye i am done, i know amc will not infrom us soon enough.
I find Don a fascinating character and think Jon Hamm does an extraordinary job with him. He's not hard to look at either! I must confess, however, that I honestly didn't understand how easily Don was seduced by Bobbi Barrett, since he had resisted open invitations from other women several times earlier in the season. With Bobbi, one second it was, "I don't want to do this" and literally the next he's hot and heavy into it. Does the character make sense to you at moments like that?
I absolutely LOVE jon Hamm as Don Draper. And, after reading his comments in this interview, it's obvious that he's intelligent too. I feel that Don will do anything he wants to do. For some reason Bobbi Barrett appealed to him, maybe his wild side, things he wouldn't do with his wife. Personally, I can't see the attraction (similar to Prince Charles and Camilla!). I think Don Draper may try to mind his P's and Q's next season, simply because of what he and Betty have been through. Knowing Don as we all do, though, I doubt it will last. It's an absolutely WONDERFUL show!
Why Bobbi Barrett, you ask? Why else does anyone make bad decisions?
Earlier in the season, Draper's facade/character was less worn, by the time Bobbi Barret was in the picture he was becoming more tired/cracking at the seams (as stated above) and in his weakness ... he lost his control and gave into the seduction. But on a more obvious level - he needed the distraction, to be engulfed in something so powerful, so that he could escape what was happening inside of him (temporarily).
Then again, I may be completely wrong -- that's just my guess.
As for Mad Men in general, fantastic show - love the historical references/styles, the politics, and of course the character drama. Anxiously awaiting the continuation next summer :)
Love the interview!! Don/Jon seems like a cool type of guy and its real good to see him different from his on scene character. Thank God all that cheating and secrets would be alot on his wife if it was real. Way to go Jon Hamm excellent acting skills!!
Dear Jon,
You hit the nail on the head. Women are desperate for a man who exudes masculine authority
Why Bobbie? As I remember that episode, she grabbed him and he just reacted liked Pavlov's dog. Unfortunately, a lot of men are like that. Women know it and a woman like Bobbie would exploit it.
I'm hoping for a happy-ever-after for Betty and Don and Joan. I don't care what happens to the rest of them. And Duck--I want him to die a slow and painful death for abandoning Chaucey. In real life Chaucey would get hit by a car if he was lucky and starve to death if he wasn't. I decided that he was taken home to live with a great family.
Jon Hamm confirmed my belief that he was not a dime-a-dozen actor. His insight into Don Draper's character is amazing. I saw (and taped) his interview on the Tavis Smiley show and could not believe this person was Don Draper. Any actor who makes you believe is great. Vincent K. is in the same category. The actor who plays Duck Phillips also. Believable is the key! Thanx
I appreciate the restrained and subtle acting and plot. The pacing is amazing. AMC and Jon Hamm have brought back quality TV.
This show is fantastic. Just love it. I use to think that the opening with the man falling was a foreshadowing of Don's eventual suicide. His life is so complicated and sad. Now with the ending of this season I think that the man sitting on the couch is Don he will always land on his feet. Where has Jon Hamm been all my life he is gorgeous!
I have never seen an actor command a scene and a series as Jon Hamm does. He is absolutely fantastic as Don Draper. He and Roger together are classic. This is the best show that's ever been on television. Everyone is fabulous and appreciated!
Jon Hamm is a very interesting actor. I am looking to see what his choices will be beyond MadMen and I adore MadMen, because of Jon Hamm.
He is smoldering, distant and hidden. Heady combinations. He plays Don Draper to perfection.
I once knew a "Don Draper" for 7 years. I was engaged to be married to a "Don Draper". Jon Hamm looks exactly like my ex, talks like him, carries the character just like him. It is totally scary to watch. During the relationship, it was bliss, and then one day it was over just like that. He married a woman he'd only known for five months. BAM! I never saw it coming. I have to confess, I watch MadMen to try and figure out what happened. Meaning what goes on in the minds of men like the "Don Drapers" of the world. Are they afraid? What? It's riveting. I wonder more about the writers on this show than anything else. The depth, the magnitude of the characters are amazing. I still cannot get Betty Draper out of my head with that cigerette in her mouth shooting the neighbors bird. OMG! talk about passive/agressive WOW! I absolutely love Peggy! Love her and the office manager. Unbelieveably good.
At any rate, they have to figure out how to give the viewer more. I can't take this Sunday night wait all week. I am totally hooked on this show.
Best,
To say that I am addicted and fascinated with every aspects of this incredible show would be an understatement. I'm a pretty grounded woman when it comes to television and the media in general -- it's ALL simply, and sometimes simple[minded], entertainment. I must admit that I haven't been this focused on a television program/series since I was about 17or 18 when I was heavily into "The Young & the Restless". I even stop what I'd be doing to watch the Mad Men advertisement! And that haunting music/theme will always be associated with this program.
I'm now 55, and find myself older than at least one of Mad Men's olderst characters - Roger Sterling, although Robert Morse is older than I am, I still remember him as a young actor. I find myself totally intrigued with the woman who designs the clothing; the people who put together every aspect of the 60's sets.. from kitchens, to bedrooms, to office. Mad Men, for me, is not simply a TV show.. it's a total experience; an experience I actually lived having been born in the early 50's. They've got that whole 60's thing down to an EXACT science.
I might hasten to add that when I focus wholely on the male and female characters individually and collectively, I find that nothing about human nature truly changes; which allows me to see that as a gender, it is actually the females [characters] who have changed and do change for their very emotional survival, as in real life. Men actually do NOT change because they are the ones who stand to profit from what the world has to offer. Change upsets their sense of "stability", conservatism and satisfaction on the whole; not to mention, ego-shattering. There's always a large degree of fear associated with change as well. That's also a human characteristic. And, people [still] continue marrying one another without having a clue about one another.
Men today are not that different from Roger or Pete for example; men would, I do believe, continue being sexist [and all those things women have bristled and raged against], had they not been called on their behavior, had the sexual revolution ot occured, had sexual harrassment on the job and elsewhere not become only unacceptable, but an actual professional "crime". Many still are [sexists] in mind, if not in act; this is no put down to men, just a clear observation after having lived on this planet for as long as I have. I still really dig men regardless, and this is not to be taken personally by anyone; it's simply a view on human behavior of the show as it [can] reflects real life.
It is, in fact, the male of the species who have, in my time, and I believe in the world at large, been the ones who've had no stock in changing anything in terms of "their world", especially when the change involves accommodating women in any significant way.
Mad Men has fascinated me, and continues to do so, BECAUSE they all so incredibly human, so vastly flawed, loveable, vulnerable, dark and light... in effect, all the character and personality shortcomings and virtues that make up the human race and the human experience. It also helps that everyone is so damned good-looking! :)
If I could do it, I would love working on such an incredible set with all those professionals who are responsible for constructing that entire show.
Much cudos to the cast and especially, Matt Weiner! :)
Signed,
A true fan..
RobinDee
RobinDee: Thanks for expressing the thoughts of a 50-something woman so eloquently on your love for this show. I too feel like I am addicted; I cannot remember being so immersed in a show that I will watch an episode over and over because there is always something subtle that can be missed the first time it is viewed. You even commented on the music/theme. As soon as I hear it I get that feeling of anticipation for what will happen on this episode. If you recall, last season, they also featured a clip of Amy Winehouse's song, "I'm no good" on the promos. I thought that was very clever using a contemporary artist on the promos of this 60's-era show. While I hated to see each episode end, I also looked forward to hearing what song would be played. When they played, "Break it to me gently" by Brenda Lee at the end of the episode when Jimmy told Betty about Don and Bobbi, it was haunting. I hope we don't have to wait until mid-summer for Season 3. Let's push for Spring!!! Please!!!!
RobinDee: I forgot to comment on your reference to Robert Morse. I worked in a movie theatre when I was very young and remember watching, "How to succeed in business without really trying" more than once or twice while taking my break time in the theatre. What perfect casting to choose him for Mr. Cooper. Someone else pointed this out recently: That John Slattery is hot! Wow. Jon Hamm is an Adonis for sure, but Roger Sterling is smokin'. (pardon the pun). For some reason, I imagine that he smells really good, too; he is impeccably dressed; a "metrosexual" way before his time.
Love the show. The treatment of Don Draper reminds of the treatment of Tony Soprano in that great show.
I agree Don fell for Bobbi Barrett because he wore down and cracked, but he also showed his self-destructive tendencies push him to play with fire, someone he knew he would see again in the presence of his wife. Utlimate ego boost.
Great comments. I agree with Don/Jon that I would not want the show to progress to the turbulent sixties era. In the early 80's I was twenty something and my first job was as a secretary. So I remember all the smoking (gag,choke) that went on in the building. How did we survive? I also remember being very uncomfortable when the Controller would always come by my desk and massage my shoulders. I didn't have a clue what to do. I did tell an older co-worker who had a talk with him and he stopped. Hmmm, now I wouldn't mind so much - just kidding. But we had all the same things going on at this business. Down to the manager that was gay but went out with the girls
I must confess that I will also watch the encore show right after the first one. Is that wrong?
I think Bobbi Barret got Don by just being soo confident. Don didn't really have time to think. Deep down though I believe Bobbi is very insecure. Remember she thought Peggy was in love with Don. And her husband is not so nice.
I'd like to see Don being pursued and/or having some sexual tension with someone but he resists. (for a while) Not sure who. Not Peggy. I liked how he always stood up for her.
Probably Don's dissatisfaction with his wife has to do with human nature and people being selfish. Betty is beautiful but seems boring so Don looks elsewhere for excitment.... Can anyone explain the deal between Betty and the little boy?
I agree the show is fantastic and I hope they keep it in this era for a long time.
Oh Jon I forgot to mention that you were terrific on Saturday Night Live!!
Thanks for the interview, JH, and I look forward to many more as the show progresses. One thing I like about MM is that the storyline is unpredictable. That is similar to the way The Sopranoes played out, for sure and you can now count on the writers and producers and directors to come up with some far out twist(s) in every episode. It must be fun to be the star on the show with all the creativity around you.
I think Jon Hamm is going to go far! He is a very serious actor and also easy on the eyes! I do sincerly hope that good offers come his way. He seems to be well grounded and a nice person. That is the impression I get from watching his show..I could be entirely wrong!
I would love to do a cameo on the show! But alas..that will not happen. I loved the sixty's and can relate to it!
However Jon, keep up the good work and hope to see the show enjoy many seasons!
Jon Hamm is remarkable! Opportunities for him and the cast are unlimited.
I love MadMen and wish Season 3 was starting tonight. I miss Don Draper and all those complex characters on the show. They all have a wonderful edge to them. This makes for very enjoyable watching. I'm a 63 year old woman and I remember the roles that men and women played at that time and how things have changed. I can't wait until women's lib hits the wives. Betty's already on the way! I hope we get to see where it takes her. It will be a remarkable change for characters so rooted in the 50's mentality.
I am a huge fan of the series! MadMen deserves every award it gets. I recommend the season one DVD set for the commentary and interviews. If you want in-depth background on characters, set design, wardrobe, etc. it is a must have.
I have to disagree with some of the comments above concerning Don and Bobbi. From a male perspective, I think the affair happened because 1) she wanted it, and the hook, 2) he was able to keep/control her husband that way. It seemed to me that Don didn't like her or himself much after.
It is my hope that season three will bring continued development of the Duck and Roger characters. I am curious as to how their work and domestic stories will unfold. And of course Don and Betty.
Hopefully we will see much more from Jon Hamm and Matt Weiner. Well done!
Best show ever on TV - that's from a 55 year old male. Is this pretty much a "chick" show? In conversation, I find lotsa female fans, but I've not met another male fan yet.
1) I'm a St. Louisan, home to John Burroughs high school. Quite the lah-de-dah (though not quite like Country Day school here, where *only* supremely rich kids go). I have a niece who attended Burroughs, but unfortunately not when Jon was teaching there.
2) We have a *cat* named Chauncey, so double-fuck-the-Duck!
I think that Don went for Bobbi purely for the adventure and how about because her husband is such a schmuck!
It was a way to get at him.
It is the best show since the Sopranos. Jon Hamm is wonderful. I love Roger and the lovely redheaded secretary too.
And no,Chelsea,it is not wrong to watch it twice in a row. You can pick up nuances that you missed the first time.
My son has heard about it but he has never seen it. He wants me to buy the DVDs for him for Christmas.
Robin Dee:
I loved your comments. I am sure you wrote for many of us in your age group. (I turn 55 in a few weeks).
The show is almost like a window to the past for me. They reconstruct the era so well! There is not a single episode that airs where I don't have a memory that stirs an emotion. My flawed parents and the way they saw and lived their lives is always close in my thoughts. The way women saw themselves (and were treated) and the hard climb that was just begining back then is exactly portrayed in MM.
What is lost cannot be found....unless you tune into Mad Men!!!
I am looking forward to season three!
this is such a great show. i just started watching it last month. he is such a great actor.
orlando personal injury