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Jack Black isn't your typical romantic leading man. In fact, this is his first role as the romantic lead. Initially, the Farrellys were considering going after today's hottest leading men when they realized they needed a guy audiences would forgive for womanizing. Black was chosen for his "everyman" quality.
Jack Black professes to being a bit intimidated when it came to acting opposite his leading lady, Gwyneth Paltrow. His jitters soon vanished as he discovered Paltrow has a hidden side. "I wasn't expecting it, but Gwyneth has a kind of goofy side. She'd always be making up crazy lyrics to songs, making funny faces and cracking me up."
JACK BLACK (Hal)
How much convincing did it take you to portray Gwyneth's love interest?
Zero. Seriously, a month before I was joking with my agent. I said, "Alert the studios. I'm ready for my romantic lead." And then it happened a month later. I was just joking - it's positive joking turning into positive reality. I learned it from that big, tall dude - Tony Robbins.
The beautiful women in this film are transformed into not quite as beautiful women. How did you feel about the transformations?
I loved both versions. The "not as beautiful" - kind of an awkward position to be cast as the "Ugly #3. " I don't know. They were rad, and I liked hanging with all of them.
How did Gwyneth Paltrow ease you in to your first screen kiss?
She didn't - nobody eased me in. They threw me in head-first. I didn't even know it was going to be a kissing scene, it wasn't in the script. Afterwards, I was like, "I'm sorry, I think that was extra awkward." And Gwyneth said, "No it was fine, it was fine. I've done a hundred of these. Just make sure you take a mint next time."
Was it hard for Gwyneth to work with you because you're so much funnier than her?
Oh, no. You didn't see her on "Saturday Night Live." She kicked everybody's ass with her comedy. No, it was hard for me to keep up with her power chops.
Was this a fun film to work on?
I loved it. I had a great, great time.
What do you think of the Farrellys?
No one but the Farrellys would ever offer me a romantic lead.
Will that change now?
No, but I had a great time - just to be able to have done it once.
You don't mind playing second fiddle?
I love second fiddle. I love fourth and fifth fiddle. I'll party with any fiddle you give me. The funniest parts are usually the fifth and sixth trombones, not even fiddles.
How is the album doing?
The album is doing well. It started off with an extremely powerful explosion, and then ever since then it's been sinking like an anchor. But, I'm very proud of it because it's the best album ever made. Like all fantastic accomplishments, it's ahead of its time, and they won't know until I'm gone.
More Interviews with the Cast of "Shallow Hal" - > Page 3
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